Russian Tea Balls Recipe

Russian Tea Balls, also known as Snowball Cookies, are a delicious and nostalgic treat that has been part of many family traditions, especially during the holiday season. The buttery, nut-filled cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is irresistible. For those with a sweet tooth, these cookies are a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, and the soft texture combined with a generous dusting of powdered sugar makes them an all-time favorite. If you’ve never made them before or are looking to refresh your holiday baking, here’s the recipe to bring this Christmas classic into your home!

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds are great options)

1/4 cup cornstarch (optional for an extra light texture)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. Make sure the butter is soft enough for the sugar to incorporate easily.

Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully incorporated.

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, salt, and cornstarch (if using). Mix on low speed or by hand until the dough begins to come together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Once the flour is mostly incorporated, add the finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) and mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Take small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls using your hands. If the dough is slightly sticky, you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make rolling easier.

Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Tea Balls

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just begin to turn golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking time can vary depending on the size of the balls and your oven. These cookies should remain light in color, so avoid overbaking them.

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Step 5: Coat in Powdered Sugar

While the cookies are still warm (but not hot), roll them gently in powdered sugar until completely coated. For an extra touch, you can roll them in a second layer of powdered sugar after they have cooled completely to make them extra sweet and snow-like!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Allow the Russian Tea Balls to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, serve them on a festive plate or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Why Russian Tea Balls Are a Holiday Favorite

1. Nostalgic Tradition

Russian Tea Balls have been a family favorite for generations, making them a staple of holiday traditions in many homes. As with many classic holiday recipes, they have a way of evoking nostalgia and memories of family gatherings. For many people, it just isn’t Christmas without a batch of Russian Tea Balls on the table, making them an integral part of the holiday season.

2. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

One of the reasons Russian Tea Balls are so beloved is their simplicity. Made with just a handful of basic ingredients—butter, flour, sugar, nuts, and vanilla—these cookies are easy to make but packed with rich flavor. The combination of buttery dough, nutty crunch, and the sweet powdered sugar coating creates a comforting flavor that everyone can enjoy.

3. Versatile Flavor Profile

While walnuts are commonly used in Russian Tea Balls, you can easily swap them for pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts to tailor the flavor to your liking. If you want to make the cookies even more festive, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. These small adjustments can provide a twist while still keeping the integrity of the traditional recipe.

4. Great for Gifting and Sharing

These cookies are perfect for holiday gift-giving or bringing to a holiday party. They’re small, portable, and look incredibly festive with the powdered sugar coating. Pack them into small decorative containers or gift tins, and they’ll be a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift. Additionally, Russian Tea Balls don’t require refrigeration and store well in airtight containers, so they’re ideal for long-term storage or sharing.

Tips for the Best Russian Tea Balls

1. Use Room Temperature Butter

To get the perfect texture, it’s important to use softened butter. Cold butter can make the dough too dense, while melted butter will result in a greasy texture. Allow the butter to come to room temperature before you begin.

2. Chop Nuts Finely

To ensure an even distribution of nuts throughout the dough, chop them finely. This will allow the nuts to blend into the dough without overpowering each bite.

3. Don’t Over-Bake the Cookies

The key to these cookies is their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Keep an eye on them while they bake and make sure not to overcook. They should be lightly golden around the edges, and soft in the middle. If you bake them too long, they will lose their delicate texture.

4. Double Coat for Extra Sweetness

For an extra indulgent treat, you can roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once while they are still warm, and again after they have cooled. This double-coating gives the cookies a perfect, snowy look and adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Conclusion: A Holiday Tradition Worth Making

Russian Tea Balls are a timeless treat that bring joy to both the baker and the eater. Their buttery, nutty flavor and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a holiday favorite that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for your own family or gifting them to loved ones, these cookies will always evoke the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

With their simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delightful taste, Russian Tea Balls are sure to become a beloved part of your holiday traditions, just as they have been for generations. So, this holiday season, bring a batch of these delicious cookies to the table and let them be a part of the memories you’ll cherish for years to come!

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