Indulge in the tantalizing world of Russian tea cakes, also known as Mexican wedding cookies or snowballs, with our comprehensive guide. Experience the delightful crunch of these melt-in-your-mouth confections, traditionally served during festive occasions like Christmas and weddings. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of this beloved treat, originating in Russia and spreading its charm across the globe.
Our curated collection of Russian tea cake recipes offers a delightful range of variations, ensuring there's something for every palate. From the classic recipe that captures the essence of this timeless treat to creative twists that add a touch of contemporary flair, our recipes cater to all levels of baking expertise.
For those seeking authenticity, our traditional Russian tea cake recipe stays true to the original, with simple ingredients that blend harmoniously to create a symphony of flavors. Bakers looking to elevate their skills can explore our gourmet variation, featuring a delectable combination of nuts, spices, and a hint of citrus zest.
For those with dietary restrictions, our gluten-free and vegan Russian tea cake recipes provide equally satisfying alternatives. Savor the same delightful taste and texture without compromising your dietary preferences.
Additionally, we've included a recipe for a luscious chocolate ganache, transforming these classic cookies into decadent chocolate-dipped delights.
Embark on a culinary journey with our diverse selection of Russian tea cake recipes, promising an unforgettable experience with every bite.
RUSSIAN TEA CAKES
There's no feeling quite as blissful as your first bite of one of these cookies. Whether you call them Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies or snowballs, there's no denying that they're essential to bake during the Christmas season. A shortbread-like dough, studded with chopped nuts, bakes up to a texture that's beautifully sandy and tender, never dry or crumbling to bits. The classic finish for them is a roll through powdered sugar-just like dashing through the winter snow! Make this recipe and you'll be part of a legacy of bakers who have made Russian Tea Cakes one of the most anticipated treats of the season.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Dessert
Time 1h15m
Yield 48
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 400°F.
- Mix butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the vanilla in large bowl. Stir in flour, nuts and salt until dough holds together.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool slightly on wire rack.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar; cool on wire rack. Roll in powdered sugar again.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 75, Carbohydrate 6 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 55 mg
RUSSIAN TEA CAKES I
This is a family recipe that's been made at Christmas time by at least 4 generations. This year will be the first for number 5!!! 'Bubba' brought it with her when she came from Lithuania. I pass it on in the true spirit of this season!
Provided by THEAUNT708
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Eastern European Russian
Time 35m
Yield 36
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a medium bowl, cream butter and vanilla until smooth. Combine the 6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar and flour; stir into the butter mixture until just blended. Mix in the chopped walnuts. Roll dough into 1 inch balls, and place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. When cool, roll in remaining confectioners' sugar. I also like to roll mine in the sugar a second time.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 101.6 calories, Carbohydrate 8.2 g, Cholesterol 13.6 mg, Fat 7.3 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 36.6 mg, Sugar 2.5 g
RUSSIAN TEA CAKES
I like to present my favorite holiday cookies in a special way. I pile these fresh-baked tea cakes on pretty plates that I buy throughout the year, then wrap them with colored cellophane to give friends. —Valerie Hudson, Mason City, Iowa
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 35m
Yield about 3-1/2 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. , Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 12-13 minutes. Roll in confectioners' sugar while still warm. Cool on wire racks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 83 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 12mg cholesterol, Sodium 49mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.
RUSSIAN TEA CAKES
Rolling these classic Christmas cookies in powdered sugar once while they're still warm and again when they're completely cooled ensures their snowball-like appearance.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes
Time 1h20m
Yield Makes 4 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees with racks in the upper and lower third positions.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flours and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with with paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, cream butter and 1/2 cup sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in vanilla and almond liqueur until fully combined. Add flour mixture; beat until combined.
- Using 1 rounded teaspoon of dough per cookie, roll into balls with the palms of your hands; place onto two parchment-lined baking sheets, 1 inch apart. Bake, rotating halfway through, until cookies are set and just turning golden around the edges, about 16 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool slightly on baking sheets, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, add remaining 1 cup sugar to a medium bowl. When cool enough to handle, roll a few cookies at a time in the bowl of sugar to coat. Transfer to a rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes. Roll cookies in sugar again until thoroughly coated. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
RUSSIAN TEA CAKES
Steps:
- First, brown the butter: Place the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat to cook. Check it after about 7 minutes; it should be a medium-brown color, not too light but not too burnt. Once it reaches that color, take it off the heat and let it cool. Refrigerate to continue to cool for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 3 half sheet pans with parchment paper.
- Add the cold browned butter, flour, powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract and cinnamon to a food processor; process until light and fluffy. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the walnuts and mix with a rubber spatula until combined.
- Using a small ice cream scoop, portion 48 mounds of the dough onto your prepared sheet pans, spacing them 2 inches apart. Place in the freezer to cool for 15 minutes.
- Bake until the cookies are firm and smell nutty and toasty, 15 to 18 minutes. Rotate the pans 180 degrees halfway through baking.
- Meanwhile, place additional powdered sugar in another large bowl. Once the cookies are out of the oven, let cool for exactly 6 minutes 30 seconds then toss in the powdered sugar. Enjoy!
RUSSIAN TEA CAKES
Provided by Food Network
Categories dessert
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 dozen cookies
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- Cream butter in a large mixing bowl. Add the vanilla then gradually add the 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Sift the flour, measure, then sift again with the salt. Add gradually to the butter mixture. Add the pecans and mix well.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten slightly using the bottom of a glass, then bake for 20 minutes, or until edges are very lightly browned. Remove the cookies from the baking sheets and roll in powdered sugar while still hot. Cool on wire racks and roll cookies again in powdered sugar before serving.
- Once they are completely cooled, cookies may be stored in airtight containers for up to 1 week.
RUSSIAN TEA CAKES
Make and share this Russian Tea Cakes recipe from Food.com.
Provided by KitchenCraftsnMore
Categories Dessert
Time 19m
Yield 48 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Beat butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon.
- Stir in flour and salt.
- Stir in nuts.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls.
- Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake 8 to 9 minutes or until set but not brown.
- Immediately remove from cookie sheet; roll in powdered sugar.
- Cool completely on wire rack.
- Roll in powdered sugar again.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 73.1, Fat 5, SaturatedFat 2.6, Cholesterol 10.2, Sodium 60.4, Carbohydrate 6.3, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 1.4, Protein 1
RUSSIAN TEA
I love this tangy beverage on a cold winter's morning when I want something tasty and hot, but don't want coffee! It makes a great gift from your kitchen, too! If calories are your concern, use an artificially sweetened orange drink mix, eliminate the sugar and sweeten to taste with sugar substitute.
Provided by Paula
Categories Drinks Recipes Tea Hot
Time 10m
Yield 40
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine instant tea powder, orange drink mix, lemonade powder, sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Mix thoroughly. Store in a sealed jar.
- To use, mix 3 to 4 tablespoons of mix with 1 cup hot or cold water. Adjust to taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 101.5 calories, Carbohydrate 26.4 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Sodium 1.6 mg, Sugar 24.4 g
RUSSIAN TEA CAKES (NO NUTS)
These are bite-size shortbread-type cookies that are so simple and so popular. They're frequently the first cookie people will eat from my Christmas cookie tray. My mom made these every year for Christmas. She'd roll the dough into balls and we got to dunk the tops in green or red sugar crystals. Now I get to continue the tradition with my sons. My sister makes these for other holidays as well and changes the sugar color accordingly. The recipe is my mom's variation on the recipe from the old Betty Crocker "Cooky Book."
Provided by ShaGun
Categories Drop Cookies
Time 20m
Yield 48 cookies, 48 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F Mix butter, sugar, and vanilla or almond extract throughly. Mix in flour and salt.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and dip the tops in the colored sugar crystals. Place on greased baking sheet. (Cookies don't spread.) Bake 10 minutes or until set but not brown. Cool.
Tips:
- To make the tea cakes even more flavorful, use a good quality black tea. A strong black tea, such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast, will give the cakes a rich and complex flavor.
- If you don't have any tea bags, you can use loose tea leaves. Just wrap the tea leaves in a cheesecloth bag and steep them in the milk as directed in the recipe.
- Be sure to let the dough chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will help the dough to be less sticky and easier to work with.
- When rolling out the dough, be sure to use a lightly floured surface. This will prevent the dough from sticking to the counter or rolling pin.
- Cut the dough into small pieces before rolling them into balls. This will help to ensure that the tea cakes are all uniform in size.
- Bake the tea cakes until they are golden brown. This will help to ensure that they are cooked through.
- Let the tea cakes cool completely before coating them in powdered sugar. This will help to prevent the powdered sugar from melting.
Conclusion:
These Russian tea cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that are perfect for any occasion. They are light and fluffy, with a delicate tea flavor. The powdered sugar coating adds a touch of sweetness and elegance. These tea cakes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love