Best Russian Tea Cakes Recipe

Russian Tea Cakes Recipe is a simple cookie made with butter, flour, powdered sugar, vanilla, and finely chopped walnuts.

There’s something special about making a cookie that feels warm, familiar, and comforting all at once. That’s exactly how I feel whenever I bake this Russian Tea Cakes Recipe.

buttery snowball cookies melt the moment they touch your tongue. They’re simple, they don’t need fancy tools, and they always impress.

The texture is tender, the sweetness is gentle, and the powdered sugar coating makes them look like little snowballs ready for gifting or snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Russian Tea Cakes Recipe?

Russian Tea Cakes Recipe gives you soft, round, powdered cookies with no extra steps. Just mix, roll, bake, and coat in sugar. They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.

How To Make Russian Tea Cakes Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Russian Tea Cakes Recipe creates soft, bite-size cookies rolled in powdered sugar. These snowball cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with finely chopped walnuts.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Cool Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Cuisine: Russian / American Holiday
• Course: Dessert / Cookies
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 3 dozen cookies
• Calories: About 95 per cookie
• Servings: 36

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for powdered sugar
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar, or more as needed (for coating)

Ingredient Notes

• Butter: Make sure it’s soft for easy mixing and the best texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm flavor that balances the sugar.
• Flour: Gives the cookies structure and keeps them soft.
• Powdered sugar: Used in the dough and for the snowy coating.
• Walnuts: Finely chopped nuts give the cookies a tender crunch. Pecans can work if you prefer a milder nut flavor.

Direction

Step 1: Mix the Butter and Sugar

Beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until smooth. This helps the cookies stay tender.

Step 2: Add Vanilla

Stir in the vanilla extract to bring in a warm hint of flavor.

Step 3: Add Flour and Nuts

Add the flour and mix gently. Fold in the chopped walnuts until the dough looks even.

Step 4: Roll the Dough

Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch each. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.

Step 6: Coat in Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies cool for a few minutes. While still slightly warm, roll them in powdered sugar. Cool fully and roll again for a thicker coating.

Step 7: Serve or Store

Place them on a cooling rack until fully set.

Nutrition (Approx. per cookie)

• Calories: 95
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fiber: 0.5g

Tips and Variations

Tips

▶  Roll twice in powdered sugar for a better coating.

▶  Make sure walnuts are finely chopped for smooth cookies.

▶  If your dough feels crumbly, warm it slightly with your hands.

Variations

▶  Swap walnuts with pecans.

▶  Add a pinch of cinnamon for warm flavor.

▶  Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate for a dessert platter.

Serving Suggestions

✔  Serve these snowball cookies with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

✔  Add them to a holiday cookie tray.

✔  Gift them in cute boxes during festive seasons.

Storing Tips (Storage)

1. Store in an airtight container for 5–7 days.

2. Keep them at room temperature to maintain texture.

Recipe Notes

• Roll cookies while warm for best sugar coverage.
• Let them cool fully before storing.
• Use real vanilla extract for better flavor.

How to Store Russian Tea Cakes?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about a week.

Can You Freeze Russian Tea Cakes?

Yes, you can freeze them. Freeze the cookies after baking, then dust them with fresh powdered sugar after thawing. They stay good for up to 2 months.

Other Cake Recipes You May Like

▶3 Ingredient Fruit Cake Recipe

▶Easy Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake Recipe

▶Best Orange Cake Recipe

▶3 Ingredient Applesauce Cake Recipe

▶French Vanilla Cake Recipe

FAQ

Conclusion

If you love soft, sweet cookies with simple ingredients, this Russian Tea Cakes Recipe is the perfect treat. I make them every year, and they always disappear fast. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you—feel free to share your experience or ask me anything.