Description
Russian Tea Balls are delicate, buttery cookies filled with finely chopped nuts and rolled twice in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. These tender treats melt in your mouth and are perfect for holidays or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
1 cup powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined without overworking the dough.
- Fold in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into smooth balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden while the tops remain pale.
- Cool for about 5 minutes, then gently roll the slightly warm cookies in powdered sugar.
- Once completely cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for a generous coating.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week with parchment between layers.
Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Toast the nuts before adding for deeper flavor.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice variation.
Do not reheat, as these cookies are meant to be tender and delicate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Russian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
