Russian tea cakes, also known as snowball cookies, are a delightful treat that originated in Eastern Europe. These delicate cookies are made with simple ingredients and are a favorite during the holiday season. However, with the recipe from renowned chef Emeril Lagasse, you can enjoy these delectable cookies all year round. In this article, we will take a closer look at Emeril Lagasse's Russian tea cakes recipe and learn how to make these melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
If you're looking for a delicious and unique dessert to add to your recipe collection, look no further than Russian tea cakes! These sweet and buttery cookies are made with a simple dough that is rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a snowball-like appearance. They are a staple in Russian cuisine and can be found in many Eastern European countries as well. Whether you're serving them at a holiday party or just enjoying them as an afternoon treat, Russian tea cakes are a must-try for any dessert lover.
2of 8
Russian Tea Cakes Cookie
Main Ingredients: Butter, Vanilla Extract, Flour, Confectioners Sugar
Also known as Mexican wedding cookies or butterballs, Russian tea cakes are a type of shortbread cookie that is popular all over the world. The traditional recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, including flour, butter, powdered sugar, and chopped nuts. However, there are countless variations of this recipe that incorporate different flavors and ingredients. Some bakers add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, while others use different types of nuts such as almonds or pecans. No matter how you make them, Russian tea cakes are sure to please any crowd.
3of 8
Russian Tea Cakes I
Main Ingredients: Butter, Vanilla Extract, Confectioners Sugar, All
If you're new to making Russian tea cakes, it's important to know that the dough can be a bit crumbly and difficult to work with at first. Don't be discouraged if your cookies don't look perfect the first time around. With a little practice and patience, you'll soon be rolling out perfectly round balls of dough. Chilling the dough before shaping it can also help make it easier to work with. And if you don't have time to chill the dough, don't worry - the cookies will still taste just as delicious!
4of 8
Green Tea Almond Russian Tea Cakes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Vanilla Extract, Confectioners Sugar, All
For a unique twist on the classic Russian tea cake, try adding a little green tea powder and almond extract to the dough. The earthy flavor of the green tea pairs perfectly with the nutty taste of the almonds, and the result is a delicious and slightly healthier version of the traditional recipe. You can also experiment with other types of tea and extracts to create your own unique flavor combinations.
5of 8
Christmas Russian Tea Cakes
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Sea Salt, Vanilla
While Russian tea cakes are a popular treat all year round, they are especially popular during the holiday season. Many families have their own special recipe for Christmas Russian tea cakes, and they are often served alongside other traditional holiday desserts. If you're looking to add a new cookie to your Christmas baking list, be sure to give Russian tea cakes a try. You can even add some festive decorations like sprinkles or candied cherries to make them even more holiday-appropriate.
For those with dietary restrictions, it's easy to modify the traditional Russian tea cake recipe to make it vegan-friendly. Simply substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative like margarine or coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk instead of regular milk. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. The result is a delicious vegan cookie that everyone can enjoy.
7of 8
Easy Russian Tea Cakes
Main Ingredients: Sugar Cookie Mix, Gold Medal All Purpose Flour, Butter
Don't let the fancy name and appearance of Russian tea cakes fool you - they are actually quite easy to make! With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a batch of delicious cookies ready to enjoy. And if you're short on time, you can even use a store-bought cake mix to make the dough. Just be sure to roll the cookies in powdered sugar to get that classic Russian tea cake look and taste.
8of 8
Snowballs (Russian Tea Cakes)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Vanilla, Confectioners Sugar, All Purpose
Whether you call them Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies, or snowballs, there's no denying the deliciousness of these sweet treats. They are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. So the next time you're in the mood for a unique and tasty dessert, give one of these top 8 Russian tea cake recipes a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
The History of Russian Tea Cakes
The Origins
Russian tea cakes have a long history, dating back to the 18th century in Russia. These cookies were a staple in traditional Russian tea ceremonies, hence the name. They were also often served during special occasions such as weddings and holidays. The original recipe consisted of flour, butter, and chopped nuts, which were formed into small balls and rolled in powdered sugar.
The Evolution
Over time, Russian tea cakes spread beyond Russia and became popular in other European countries as well. In the United States, they are commonly known as snowball cookies and are a beloved holiday treat. As with many traditional recipes, variations began to emerge, and different ingredients were added to enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Emeril Lagasse's Russian Tea Cakes Recipe
The Secret Ingredient
In his version of the recipe, Emeril Lagasse adds a secret ingredient that takes these cookies to a whole new level - vanilla bean paste. This adds a rich and intense vanilla flavor that perfectly complements the buttery and nutty taste of the cookies.
The Process
To make Emeril Lagasse's Russian tea cakes, you will need flour, butter, powdered sugar, chopped pecans, and of course, vanilla bean paste. The ingredients are mixed together and formed into small balls, then baked until they are lightly golden. After they cool, the cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a snowball-like appearance.
Tips for Perfect Russian Tea Cakes
To ensure that your cookies turn out just like Emeril's, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Make sure the butter is at room temperature before using it in the recipe.
Use good quality vanilla bean paste for a rich and intense flavor.
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm for better adherence.
In Conclusion
Now that you have learned about the history of Russian tea cakes and how to make them according to Emeril Lagasse's recipe, it's time to put on your apron and start baking! These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with friends and family. So why not add this delicious recipe to your collection and enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth treats any time of the year?
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__simply_recipes__uploads__2003__08__rolled-stuffed-flank-steak-vertical-a-1400-ceffacaab1784b419c05a96ab261d42b.jpg)
