In addition to the delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Russian tea cakes from America's Test Kitchen, there are a few tips and tricks that can take this classic holiday treat to the next level. These bite-sized cookies, also known as Mexican wedding cookies or snowballs, are a staple at holiday parties and cookie exchanges. But with a few tweaks and additions, you can elevate these sweet and nutty delights to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Main Ingredients: Milk, Butter, Egg, Salt, Granulated Sugar, Bread Flour
What's better than a warm, gooey cinnamon roll? How about a sourdough cinnamon roll, made with a tangy and flavorful sourdough starter. These rolls are perfect for a lazy weekend morning or a special treat for a brunch gathering. The combination of the sourdough and cinnamon creates a unique and delicious flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Make sure to save some for yourself, as they will disappear quickly!
2of 20
Dad’s Secret BBQ Rib Sauce
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Tomato Puree, Tomato Paste, Apple Juice
Every dad has their own secret BBQ sauce recipe, and this one is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors creates the perfect balance for basting on ribs or any other grilled meats. This sauce is so good, you may want to double or triple the recipe to have extra on hand for future BBQs. Just make sure to give your dad credit for the recipe, even though you may be the one making it from now on.
3of 20
Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Main Ingredients: Popped Popcorn, Butter, Mini Marshmallows, Vanilla
These sweet and sticky treats are a childhood favorite that are sure to bring back memories. Perfect for a movie night, after-school snack, or even a party, these marshmallow popcorn balls are easy to make and fun to eat. Add in some chocolate chips or peanut butter for an extra burst of flavor and crunch. Just be prepared for sticky fingers and lots of smiles!
4of 20
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Cake, America, Gluten, Flour, Baking Powder, Baking
Who says peanut butter and jelly is just for sandwiches? These delicious cupcakes are a fun twist on the classic combination. The moist peanut butter cake is filled with a sweet and tangy strawberry jelly and topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting. They are perfect for a kid's birthday party or a nostalgic treat for adults. Just make sure to have extra napkins on hand for the inevitable sticky fingers.
5of 20
White Chocolate Lemon Skittles Fudge
Main Ingredients: Chips, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Lemon Extract, America
Take your fudge to the next level with this colorful and flavorful twist. The combination of white chocolate, lemon, and Skittles creates a unique and delicious treat that will have everyone coming back for more. This fudge is perfect for a party or as a homemade gift for friends and family. Just be prepared for the burst of flavors and colors in every bite.
6of 20
The Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Main Ingredients: America, Bean, Baking Soda, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Unsalted
Just because you have a gluten intolerance, doesn't mean you have to miss out on the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies. This recipe creates the perfect chewy and flavorful cookie, without the use of any gluten. The combination of almond flour, oat flour, and chocolate chips creates a delicious and satisfying treat that everyone can enjoy. Just make sure to have a glass of milk ready to dunk these cookies in.
This mouthwatering dish is a combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. The grilled pineapple adds a sweet and tangy element, while the crispy pork belly adds a salty and rich flavor. The creamy and milky burrata cheese brings all the flavors together for a delicious and satisfying dish. This is perfect for a summer BBQ or a special dinner party.
8of 20
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Main Ingredients: America, Baking Soda, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Unsalted
For those who are gluten-free, finding a good chocolate chip cookie recipe can be a challenge. But look no further, because these cookies are not only gluten-free, but they are also delicious. The brown rice flour and coconut flour create the perfect texture, while the dark chocolate chips add a rich and decadent flavor. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, or just as a tasty snack.
9of 20
Chocolate Chip Scones
Main Ingredients: America, Gluten, Large Eggs, Plain Yogurt, Vegetable
Scones are a classic breakfast or brunch treat, and these chocolate chip scones take it to the next level. The combination of chocolate chips and cinnamon creates a warm and comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. These scones are easy to make and can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for a quick and delicious breakfast on the go.
10of 20
Red White and Blue Cake Bars
Main Ingredients: White Cake Mix, Extra Large Eggs, Oil, Food Color
Celebrate the 4th of July with these festive and delicious cake bars. The red is represented by a layer of strawberry jam, the white is a creamy layer of vanilla pudding, and the blue is a layer of blueberry jam. These bars are easy to make and can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack at any summer gathering.
11of 20
Boozy Pumpkin Eggnog Pie
Main Ingredients: Pie Shell, America, Ice Water, Sour Cream, All Purpose
Combine two holiday favorites into one delicious and boozy dessert. This pie is a combination of pumpkin pie and eggnog, with a splash of rum for an extra kick. The gingersnap crust adds a unique and flavorful twist to this classic dessert. This pie is perfect for a holiday gathering or just as a special treat for yourself.
12of 20
Iced Raspberry Muffins
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Soda
These muffins are perfect for a summer breakfast or brunch. The combination of fresh raspberries and a sweet icing creates a burst of flavor in every bite. These muffins are moist and flavorful, and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They are also perfect for freezing and reheating for a quick and delicious breakfast on busy mornings.
13of 20
Chocolate Pots de Crème
Main Ingredients: Bittersweet Chocolate, Large Egg Yolks, Sugar, Table
This rich and creamy dessert is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. The combination of dark chocolate, heavy cream, and eggs creates a velvety and indulgent custard that is sure to impress. This dessert can be made ahead of time and chilled in the fridge until ready to serve. Just make sure to have some fresh whipped cream on hand for topping.
14of 20
Amaretto-Matcha Christmas Surprise Cake
Main Ingredients: Pound Cake Mix, America, Amaretto, Unsalted Butter
This festive and flavorful cake is a unique twist on the traditional Christmas cake. The combination of amaretto and matcha creates a delicious and unexpected flavor that will have everyone asking for more. The surprise comes in the form of a chocolate hazelnut filling, adding an extra layer of indulgence to this already decadent cake. Perfect for your holiday party or as a homemade gift for friends and family.
15of 20
Patriotic Surprise Firework Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: White Cake Mix, Vanilla Frosting, America, Candy Melts
These cupcakes are not only delicious, but they are also a fun and festive surprise inside. The red, white, and blue cupcake batter creates a patriotic look, while the hidden pop rocks add a fun and unexpected burst of flavor. These cupcakes are perfect for a 4th of July celebration or any other patriotic event.
16of 20
Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball
Main Ingredients: America, Crushed Pineapple, Philadelphia, Cream Cheese
This appetizer is a crowd favorite at any gathering. The combination of cream cheese, pineapple, and pecans creates a sweet and savory spread that is perfect for crackers or veggies. This cheese ball is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it the perfect party dish. Just make sure to have some extra crackers on hand, as this appetizer will disappear quickly.
17of 20
American Summer No-bake Cheesecake Cups
Main Ingredients: Vanilla Wafer Cookies, Cream Cheese, Heavy Whipping
When the weather is hot, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven. These no-bake cheesecake cups are the perfect solution for satisfying your cheesecake cravings without breaking a sweat. The combination of a graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a blueberry topping creates a delicious and refreshing dessert. These cups are perfect for a summer BBQ or as a quick and easy dessert for any occasion.
18of 20
How to make 5 Star Pizzeria style Pizza at Home
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Lukewarm Water, Active Yeast, Kosher Salt
Who needs delivery when you can make your own delicious and flavorful pizza at home? This recipe will teach you how to make the perfect pizza dough, tomato sauce, and toppings to create a pizzeria-style pizza that will rival any restaurant. Get creative with your toppings and make it your own. Plus, making pizza at home is a fun and delicious activity for the whole family.
19of 20
Gluten-Free Honey Oat Bread
Main Ingredients: Water, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Honey, America
For those who are gluten-free, finding a good bread recipe can be a challenge. But look no further, because this bread is not only gluten-free, but it is also soft, moist, and full of flavor. The combination of honey and oats creates a sweet and nutty flavor that is perfect for toasting or making sandwiches. This bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
20of 20
Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham Muffins
Main Ingredients: America, Food Coloring, Eggs, Muffins, Diced Ham
Get your kids excited about breakfast with these fun and colorful muffins inspired by the classic Dr. Seuss book. These muffins are made with spinach and ham for a healthy and delicious meal that will have your kids asking for seconds. These muffins are perfect for a quick and easy breakfast on busy mornings or for a fun weekend brunch.
The Power of Toasted Nuts
One of the key ingredients in the America's Test Kitchen Russian tea cakes recipe is toasted nuts. While the recipe calls for pecans, you can use any type of nut you prefer, such as almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the cookie dough not only enhances their flavor, but it also adds a nice crunch to the final product. To toast nuts, simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let them cool before adding them to the dough.
Try Different Flavors
While the traditional Russian tea cakes are made with vanilla extract, you can experiment with different flavorings to add a unique twist to the recipe. For a more festive flavor, try adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract or a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough. You can also add spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg for a warm and cozy flavor. Get creative and have fun with different flavor combinations.
Roll in Powdered Sugar...Twice
The signature look of Russian tea cakes is the thick coating of powdered sugar. To achieve this, the recipe suggests rolling the cookies in powdered sugar once they have cooled. However, for an extra sweet and snowy finish, you can roll them in powdered sugar a second time. This double coating not only enhances the visual appeal of the cookies but also adds a burst of sweetness with every bite.
Bake Ahead and Freeze
If you're short on time during the holiday season, you can easily make the dough for Russian tea cakes ahead of time and freeze it for later use. Simply roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
With these tips and tricks, you can take the America's Test Kitchen Russian tea cakes recipe and make it your own. Whether you add different flavors, double up on the powdered sugar, or make the dough ahead of time, these simple additions will make these cookies stand out at any holiday gathering. So go ahead and impress your friends and family with these delicious and festive treats.
