Indulge in a delectable journey through Russian culinary heritage with these scrumptious Russian Tea Cakes infused with the nutty goodness of pecans. These bite-sized treats, also known as Mexican Wedding Cakes or Snowballs, are a beloved confection enjoyed during festive gatherings, embodying the warmth and hospitality of Russian culture. With a delicate crumbly texture and a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies melt in your mouth, leaving a trail of sweet pecan flavor. Our comprehensive guide presents three enticing variations of Russian Tea Cakes: the classic recipe, a decadent chocolate-dipped version, and a unique cranberry-orange infused delight. Embark on a delightful culinary adventure as we delve into the secrets of creating these timeless cookies, ensuring they become a cherished tradition in your own kitchen.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
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 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
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
Provided by Anne Thornton, Host of Dessert First
Categories dessert
Time 50m
Yield 6 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large bowl mix together the cookie dough and the pecans. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Form 1-inch balls from the chilled dough and place them 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Bake until the edges of the cookies start to brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 5 minutes.
- While the cookies are cooling, line another cookie sheet with wax paper. Sprinkle 1 cup of the confectioners' sugar on the bottom of the sheet and place the slightly cooled cookies on top of the sugar. Place the remaining 1 cup of confectioners' sugar in a passe or fine sieve and then sprinkle over the tops of the cookies.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, stir together the flour and baking powder. In a standing mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter with sugar until fluffy and light. Mix in the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Turn down the mixer and slowly add the flour mixture, a third at a time to make a stiff dough. Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Use 2 pieces to make cut out cookies, and the other half for the Russian Tea Cakes.
- For the cut out cookies: On a lightly floured surface roll out a portion of cookie dough to 1/4-inch thick. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Place the cookies on lightly greased or nonstick cookie sheets. Bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes, rotating cookie sheet halfway through the cooking time. Cool on pans about 5 minutes, and then transfer to wire racks and cool completely.
EASY RUSSIAN TEA CAKES
This classic melt-in-your mouth cookie is a must-have on every Christmas cookie platter, and our new version is even easier than the original.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Dessert
Time 1h20m
Yield 44
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- In large bowl, mix cookie mix, flour, melted butter and egg with spoon until soft dough forms. Stir in pecans. Press firmly to shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet; remove to cooling rack. Cool 5 minutes. In small bowl, place powdered sugar. Roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar, and place on cooling rack. Cool completely, at least 20 minutes.
- Roll cookies again in powdered sugar to coat. Store covered at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 100, Carbohydrate 14 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Cookie, Sodium 50 mg, Sugar 9 g, TransFat 0 g
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
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially butter and nuts; they greatly impact the flavor.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will help incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies tender.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform-sized cookies. This will help them bake evenly.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Bake the cookies until the edges are just beginning to brown. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before rolling them in powdered sugar. This will help prevent the sugar from melting.
Conclusion:
These Russian tea cakes are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that everyone will love. They are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to afternoon tea parties. With their buttery, nutty flavor and delicate texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, chill the dough before baking, and bake the cookies until the edges are just beginning to brown. This recipe results in tender, flavorful cookies that will melt in your mouth.
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