Easy Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes

Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes are small butter cookies rolled in powdered sugar.

They’re sometimes called snowballs or pecan sandies. They’re known for a crumbly, soft texture made from butter, flour, powdered sugar, and finely chopped nuts.

If there’s one cookie that feels like pure holiday comfort, it’s Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes.

I love how simple they are—no fancy tools, no tricky steps, just butter, flour, sugar, and nuts coming together most sweetly.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes Recipe

Even though this question mentions a different dish, the idea is the same. You’ll enjoy this Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes recipe because it’s quick,

made with everyday ingredients, and gives you soft, buttery cookies without needing mixers or fancy techniques. The dough comes together in minutes, and the cookies always turn out tender, sweet, and full of nutty flavor.

How To Prepare Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes?

Recipe Overview

Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes are soft butter cookies made with flour, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and toasted pecans. They’re coated in powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 57 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Cookies
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 24–30 cookies
• Calories per Serving: About 110
• Servings: 12
• Serving Size: 2 cookies

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl for powdered sugar
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (I use Madagascar bourbon vanilla extract)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup finely chopped toasted pecans

For the coating

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted to remove lumps

Ingredient Notes

1. Butter: Softened butter gives these cookies their tender bite.

2. Powdered sugar: Makes the dough smooth and the coating sweet.

3. Flour: Regular all-purpose flour keeps the texture light.

4. Nuts: Pecans add a gentle crunch. Almonds or walnuts work too.

5. Vanilla extract: Adds warm flavor to balance the butter and nuts.

How To Make Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes

1. Prepare the dough

Add the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar to a bowl. Mix until smooth. Add vanilla extract and salt, then stir again.

2. Add the dry ingredients

Stir in the flour until the dough looks soft and holds together. Fold in the chopped toasted pecans.

3. Chill the dough

I like chilling it for 20–30 minutes because it helps the cookies keep their round shape while baking.

4. Shape the cookies

Roll small portions of dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them on a parchment-lined tray.

5. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes. The bottoms should turn light golden.

6. First coating

Roll the warm cookies gently in powdered sugar. This layer melts slightly and sticks well.

7. Second coating

Once cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar to get the classic snowy look.

Nutrition

Approximate per 2 cookies:

• Calories: 110
• Carbs: 12g
• Fat: 7g
• Protein: 1g
• Sugar: 4g

Pro Tips and Variations

❖ Swap pecans with almonds or walnuts if you want a different nut flavor.

❖ Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon for a warm holiday twist.

❖ If the dough feels crumbly, add 1–2 teaspoons of soft butter.

❖ Store leftover cookies in an airtight container so the coating stays fresh.

❖ Make-ahead tip: Shape the dough balls and freeze them. Bake straight from the freezer—just add 1–2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

◈ Serve with hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

◈ Add to a holiday cookie tray.

◈ Pair with tea or coffee in the morning.

◈ Pack in cookie boxes for gifts.

Storing Tips

✅ Keep at room temperature in an airtight jar for up to 7 days.

✅ Freeze baked cookies for 1–2 months. Freeze before coating in sugar, then roll in sugar after thawing.

Recipe Notes

✔ Toasting the pecans gives the best flavor.

✔ Rolling twice in powdered sugar gives the classic snowball look.

✔ Let the cookies cool fully before storing.

Other Russian Tea Cakes Recipe

▶Best Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes)

▶Best Russian Tea Cakes Recipe

Why Do My Russian Tea Cakes Crack When I Roll Them In Powdered Sugar?

The cookies are delicate when warm, so tiny cracks can happen if the dough stayed dry or over-baked. Rolling gently helps keep them whole while still letting the sugar cling.

FAQs

Conclusion

I hope you try these Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes, and bake them for someone you love. They’re simple, sweet, and feel right at home during the holidays.

If you make them, tell me how they turned out—I always enjoy hearing from you.