Rhode Island Russian tea cakes, also known as snowball cookies, are a beloved holiday treat that are both delicious and easy to make. These delicate, buttery cookies are coated in powdered sugar, giving them a snowball-like appearance and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Originating from Russia, this recipe has made its way to Rhode Island and has become a holiday staple for many families. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress your loved ones and become a new favorite in your household. Let's dive into the simple steps to make these delectable treats.
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To start off, you will need to gather your dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sift these ingredients together to ensure there are no lumps and set the bowl aside.
In a separate mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. The butter should be at room temperature, making it easier to mix with the other ingredients. Creaming the butter and sugar together creates a light and fluffy texture for the cookies.
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture and mix well. This will give the cookies a subtle, yet delicious, vanilla flavor.
Next, add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the mixture. This step is optional, but the nuts add a nice crunch and flavor to the cookies.
Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are just lightly golden on the bottom. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Once the cookies have cooled slightly, roll them in a bowl of powdered sugar until they are evenly coated. This is what gives the cookies their signature snowball appearance.
Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely and then roll them in powdered sugar once more for a thicker coating. Store the cookies in an airtight container and enjoy!
With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make these delicious Rhode Island Russian tea cakes to share with your loved ones during the holiday season. They also make great gifts and can be easily customized with different types of nuts or extracts. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and let the sweet aroma of these cookies fill your home and bring joy to all who taste them.
Ingredients
