Classic Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes

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Hey friends!

The holiday season is just around the corner, and you know what that means—time for some baking!

Today, I’m excited to share a classic recipe that’s a must-have during the holidays: Russian tea cakes, also known as snowballs.

These little cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and dusted with powdered sugar.

They’re perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself).

Grab your baking supplies, and let’s get into the holiday spirit!

christmas cookies russian tea cakes (snowballs)
Image: © mollyshomeguide.com (Visualized and enhanced using AI technology)

Preparation Time 30-45 minutes
Cooking Time 7-10 minutes
Total Time 37-55 minutes
Level of Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (173g) confectioners’ sugar, separated
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
  • 2 1/4 cups (293g) plain flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (85g) finely chopped toasted pecans

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and 1/2 cup (58g) of powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth.

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together.

Stir in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Shape and Chill the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and shape them into balls.

Place the dough balls on a plate or tray and refrigerate them for about 1 hour.

This chilling step helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

After the dough has chilled, arrange the cookie balls on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them 1-2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly browned.

Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary.

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes until they are cool enough to handle.

Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Add the remaining 1 cup (115g) of powdered sugar to a small bowl.

Roll each slightly cooled cookie in the powdered sugar until well coated.

The sugar will melt slightly upon contact with the warm cookies.

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Once fully cooled, re-roll them in the powdered sugar to give them a generous coating.

Step 6: Store and Enjoy

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

This will keep them fresh and tasty.

Enjoy these delicious, melt-in-your-mouth treats anytime!

christmas cookies russian tea cakes (snowballs)
Image: © mollyshomeguide.com (Visualized and enhanced using AI technology)

christmas cookies russian tea cakes (snowballs)
Image: © mollyshomeguide.com (Visualized and enhanced using AI technology)

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