Buttery Russian Tea Balls – Classic Holiday Cookies are a cherished tradition during festive seasons, offering a delightful combination of simplicity and indulgence.
These tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made with butter, finely chopped nuts, and a generous coating of powdered sugar, giving them a snowy, festive look.
Often called Snowball Cookies or Mexican Wedding Cookies, their nutty flavor and delicate sweetness make them a crowd favorite.
Whether served with a cup of tea or shared as a holiday gift, these classic cookies bring warmth and joy to any celebration.
“Buttery Russian Tea Balls – Classic Holiday Cookies”
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1-Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2-Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add flour, salt, and nuts, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3-Shape the Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4-Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Let them cool for 5 minutes.
5-Coat with Sugar: While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until evenly coated.
Let them cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.
These Russian Tea Balls are buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth perfection – a must-have for your holiday cookie tray!
For a unique twist on the classic Russian Tea Balls, try experimenting with different nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts to alter the flavor profile.
You can also add a splash of almond or orange extract alongside the vanilla for a subtle aromatic variation.
For a festive touch, mix in a handful of finely chopped dried cranberries or chocolate chips to the dough.
To ensure the cookies retain their tender, crumbly texture, avoid over-mixing the dough and keep the butter at room temperature.
Double-coating the cookies in powdered sugar not only enhances their sweetness but also gives them their signature snowy appearance, perfect for holiday gatherings.
To store Buttery Russian Tea Balls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to a week.
For extended storage, these cookies can be frozen for up to three months.
To freeze, layer the cookies between sheets of wax or parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking.
When ready to serve, let the cookies thaw at room temperature and roll them in powdered sugar again to restore their snowy, festive coating.
Proper storage ensures these delicate treats retain their melt-in-your-mouth texture and holiday charm.
Each Buttery Russian Tea Ball contains approximately 90-120 calories, depending on the size and specific ingredients used.
They are rich in healthy fats from the nuts and butter, with around 1-2 grams of protein per cookie.
These cookies also provide small amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E and magnesium from the nuts.
While they are a delightful treat, their powdered sugar coating adds extra sweetness, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet during the festive season.