Russian Tea Cakes / Snowball Cookies (Nutty, Rolled in Powdered Sugar)

Russian Tea Cakes, also known as Snowball Cookies, are a timeless classic in the world of holiday baking. These tender, buttery cookies are packed with finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, and coated generously in powdered sugar, giving them their signature snowball appearance. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, nutty flavor, they are perfect for festive celebrations, tea parties, or as a sweet snack throughout the year.

These cookies are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, as they require simple ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and nuts. No special techniques are needed—just mix, shape, bake, and coat with powdered sugar. They also make excellent gifts because they are easy to package in decorative tins.

Beyond their delightful taste, Russian Tea Cakes have a fascinating history. While their origins are debated, many believe they were introduced to the United States by Russian immigrants and became popular during the holiday season. Their delicate texture, paired with the crunchy nuts, makes them irresistible to both kids and adults.

From an SEO perspective, using terms like “easy Russian Tea Cakes recipe,” “snowball cookies with nuts,” “holiday cookie recipes,” and “powdered sugar cookies” will help attract users searching for festive and easy-to-make cookies. Additionally, mentioning tips for perfect baking and variations, such as using almonds or adding vanilla extract, can improve user engagement and time on page.

Whether you are baking for Christmas, a birthday party, or simply for a cozy afternoon treat, this Russian Tea Cakes recipe is a must-try. It’s versatile, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• ½ cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter and ½ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in 1 cup of finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work well).
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
8. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then roll them in powdered sugar while still slightly warm.
9. Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar a second time for a snowy finish.
10. Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.