20 Russian Tea Ball Cookie Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!

The History of Russian Tea Ball Cookies

The Origin of the Name

Russian tea ball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes, have a long and interesting history. Despite their name, these cookies did not originate in Russia. In fact, they are believed to have originated in medieval Arab cuisine, where they were known as "polvorones." From there, they made their way to Europe, where they became popular among the upper class. It wasn't until the mid-19th century that they were introduced to Russia, where they were renamed "Russian tea cakes" or "tea balls." The name "Mexican wedding cookies" also came about due to their popularity at weddings in Mexico.

The Tradition of Russian Tea Cakes

In Russia, these cookies are often served during the winter holidays, such as Christmas and New Year's Eve. They are a symbol of hospitality and are often served to guests as a welcoming treat. In some parts of Russia, they are also known as "Christmas crescents" due to their crescent moon shape. These cookies have also become a popular tradition in many other countries, including the United States, where they are often served during the holiday season.

The Perfect Recipe for Russian Tea Ball Cookies

Now that you know the history and tradition behind Russian tea ball cookies, it's time to try your hand at making them yourself. Our recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup ground almonds or walnuts - 1/4 teaspoon salt Instructions: 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. 3. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined. 4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. 5. Fold in the ground nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough. 6. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. 7. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each ball. 8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. 9. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm. 10. Once the cookies have cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.

In Conclusion

Russian tea ball cookies are a delicious and traditional treat that have stood the test of time. Whether you call them Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, one thing is for sure - they are a crowd-pleaser and are perfect for any occasion. So why not give our simple and delicious recipe a try and share these delectable cookies with your loved ones?