Go Back
In this section, I’ll share the key components needed for making Snowball Russian Tea Cakes. These ingredients come together to create a rich, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth. - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1 cup finely chopped nuts (choose between walnuts or pecans) - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional for added flavor) Each ingredient plays a role. The butter gives a rich taste, while the powdered sugar adds sweetness. Vanilla and almond extracts boost the flavor, making the cookies special. Sifted flour ensures a light texture. Nuts provide a nice crunch. Feel free to choose the nuts you like best. Walnuts offer a hearty bite, while pecans lend a sweet touch. If you want to enhance the flavor, add almond extract. It gives a lovely depth to each cookie. Gather these ingredients before you start. Having everything ready makes your baking fun and smooth! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting even baking. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. In a large bowl, add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix these together. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. After the butter and sugar are mixed well, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. If you like, you can also add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix until these are fully blended. Now, sift in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies may end up tough. Now, take 1 cup of finely chopped nuts, either walnuts or pecans, and fold them into the dough. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout. With your hands, scoop out small portions of dough. Roll them into balls about 1 inch in size. Place these on the lined baking sheet with about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. They should turn lightly golden at the edges while staying soft in the middle. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm, roll each cookie in a plate of powdered sugar. Once they cool completely, give them another light dusting for that snowy look. To get the right texture for Snowball Russian Tea Cakes, focus on the butter. Make sure it is softened, not melted. This helps create a light and fluffy dough. When you mix the butter and sugar, beat them until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Avoid overmixing once you add the flour. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and crumbly. The nuts should be finely chopped but not too small. This gives a nice crunch without overpowering the cookie. If you have leftover cookies, store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, place them in the fridge. They will stay good for up to two weeks. Make sure to let them reach room temperature before serving for the best taste. For a stunning display, arrange the cookies on a pretty platter. A festive touch is to sprinkle them with more powdered sugar right before serving. You can also add a few whole nuts around the cookies for decoration. This not only looks nice but also hints at the flavor inside. Using a colorful napkin or tablecloth can make your cookies stand out even more. Enjoy sharing these delightful treats! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For more defined shapes, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Nut Variations: Experiment with different nuts like hazelnuts or almonds for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their taste. Powdered Sugar Coating: For an extra snowy appearance, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once while warm and again after they’ve cooled completely. Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of Snowball Russian Tea Cakes easily. Try adding chocolate chips for a rich taste. Use white chocolate or dark chocolate based on your liking. Another option is to mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist. Both options add a fun and tasty touch to the classic recipe. While walnuts and pecans are popular, you can use other nuts too. Hazelnuts bring a strong flavor that pairs well with the cookie's sweetness. Almonds add a nice crunch and a light taste. Feel free to experiment with any nut you enjoy. Just chop them finely to blend well into the dough. If you need a gluten-free option, simply swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for better texture. This change makes the cookies safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Your Snowball Russian Tea Cakes will still taste great, soft, and delicious. To keep your Snowball Russian Tea Cakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure the cookies cool completely before sealing them. This prevents moisture from making them soggy. You can layer the cookies with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This helps maintain their soft texture and delightful taste. You can freeze Snowball Russian Tea Cakes for later enjoyment. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight freezer bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar before serving. Snowball Russian Tea Cakes last about one week at room temperature. If stored properly in an airtight container, they remain fresh and tasty. Look for signs of spoilage such as an off smell or visible mold. If you notice any of these, it’s best to discard the cookies. For the best taste and texture, enjoy these treats within a week of baking. Snowball Russian Tea Cakes are small, round cookies that are soft and buttery. They are famous for their snowy coating of powdered sugar. The dough is made with butter, flour, and finely chopped nuts. These cookies have a rich, nutty flavor, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Yes, you can make Snowball Russian Tea Cakes ahead of time. You can bake them and store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to dust them with powdered sugar after thawing. In this recipe, you can use either walnuts or pecans. Both nuts add great flavor and texture. You can also try other nuts like hazelnuts or almonds. Just chop them finely to mix well into the dough. To make Snowball Russian Tea Cakes gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Many brands offer all-purpose gluten-free flour blends. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture. Follow the same instructions for mixing and baking. Enjoy your tasty gluten-free treats! In this article, we explored how to make Snowball Russian Tea Cakes. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and helpful tips for perfect cookies. I shared fun variations to match your taste and storage tips to keep them fresh. These cookies are not just delicious; they are also versatile and easy to make. You can impress your friends and family with this simple yet delightful treat. Enjoy baking and sharing these sweet moments!

Snowy Delight Russian Tea Cakes

Deliciously soft and buttery cookies rolled in powdered sugar, perfect for festive occasions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Russian
Servings 24
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 1 2 cup powdered sugar, plus additional for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • 1 4 teaspoon almond extract (optional for added flavor)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Cream these together with a hand mixer or a spatula until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using), and mix until fully incorporated.
  • Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until the ingredients are combined. Do not overmix, as it can toughen the cookies.
  • Gently fold in the chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a delightful crunch in every bite.
  • Using your hands, scoop small portions of the dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place these on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave space (about 2 inches) between each cookie to allow for spreading.
  • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. They should be lightly golden around the edges while the centers remain soft to the touch.
  • Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm, roll each cookie in a plate of powdered sugar until completely coated.
  • After cooling completely, give them another light dusting of powdered sugar for that festive, snowy finish.

Notes

For a charming display, arrange the cookies on a festive platter and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Keyword cookies, holiday treats, tea cakes