18 Russian Tea Cakes Recipe Kitchn Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
Russian tea cakes, also known as Mexican wedding cookies or snowball cookies, are a delightful treat that originated in Russia. These bite-sized cookies are made with a rich and buttery dough, studded with chopped nuts, and rolled in a generous coating of powdered sugar. They are a staple in many Russian households, often enjoyed during special occasions like weddings and holidays. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Russian tea cakes recipe and how you can easily make them in your own kitchen.
Russian tea cakes are a beloved dessert that has been passed down through generations. These delicate, buttery cookies are a staple at holiday gatherings, but they are also perfect for any occasion. This recipe is simple yet delicious, making it a go-to for many home bakers.
Also known as Mexican wedding cookies or snowballs, Russian tea cakes are typically made with flour, butter, powdered sugar, and chopped nuts. However, there are many variations of this classic recipe that incorporate different flavors and ingredients to create a unique twist on the traditional cookie.
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Russian Tea Cakes Cookie
Main Ingredients: Butter, Vanilla Extract, Flour, Confectioners Sugar
If you're a fan of shortbread cookies, the Russian tea cakes cookie is sure to become a new favorite. The buttery, crumbly texture is similar to shortbread, but with the addition of nuts and powdered sugar, these cookies have a unique flavor and texture that sets them apart.
One popular variation of Russian tea cakes includes adding a hint of citrus with the addition of lemon or orange zest. This adds a refreshing twist to the otherwise rich and nutty cookie. Another variation is to use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, giving the cookies a slightly nuttier taste.
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Green Tea Almond Russian Tea Cakes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Vanilla Extract, Confectioners Sugar, All
For a unique and unexpected take on Russian tea cakes, try adding green tea powder to the cookie dough. This not only adds a beautiful green color but also infuses the cookies with a subtle tea flavor. To enhance the nuttiness, you can also use almond flour in this recipe.
These green tea almond Russian tea cakes are perfect for a tea party or as a light and refreshing dessert. They are also a great way to incorporate a little bit of green tea into your diet for added health benefits.
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Russian Tea Cakes I
Main Ingredients: Butter, Vanilla Extract, Confectioners Sugar, All
If you're looking for a classic Russian tea cake recipe, look no further than the original Russian Tea Cakes I recipe. This tried and true recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in many households.
With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and produces delicious results every time. The key to perfect Russian tea cakes is to not overmix the dough and to use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
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Christmas Russian Tea Cakes
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Sea Salt, Vanilla
During the holiday season, many families have their own traditions and recipes for Christmas cookies. The Christmas Russian tea cakes are a popular addition to any cookie platter and are often decorated with festive sprinkles or drizzled with melted chocolate.
This recipe is similar to the classic Russian tea cakes, but with the addition of holiday spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These warm and cozy flavors add a festive touch to the already delicious cookies.
For those following a vegan diet, there is no need to miss out on the deliciousness of Russian tea cakes. With a few simple substitutions, you can easily make vegan Russian tea cakes that are just as tasty as the traditional version.
Instead of butter, use a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil in this recipe. You can also use almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk. And for a healthier option, use almond or oat flour in place of all-purpose flour.
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Easy Russian Tea Cakes
Main Ingredients: Sugar Cookie Mix, Gold Medal All Purpose Flour, Butter
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the deliciousness of Russian tea cakes, there are plenty of easy recipes out there that require minimal effort. One popular shortcut is to use store-bought sugar cookie mix and add in chopped nuts and powdered sugar to create a similar flavor to the traditional recipe.
Another easy variation is to use a cake mix to make Russian tea cake bars instead of individual cookies. This is a great option for larger gatherings or when you want to make a bigger batch with less effort.
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Snowballs (Russian Tea Cakes)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Vanilla, Confectioners Sugar, All Purpose
No matter what you call them, there's no denying that these cookies resemble little snowballs with their powdered sugar coating. But did you know that Russian tea cakes are also known as snowballs in some regions?
The snowball variation is typically made with pecans or walnuts and incorporates a touch of vanilla extract for added flavor. Some recipes also include a dash of salt to balance out the sweetness. These snowballs are perfect for a winter-themed party or as a cozy treat on a cold day.
The Ingredients You'll Need
To make these delicious Russian tea cakes, you will need flour, butter, powdered sugar, and chopped nuts. The butter should be at room temperature, and the nuts can be any variety you prefer, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. You will also need vanilla extract and salt to enhance the flavor of the cookies. These simple ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store, making this recipe accessible for anyone to try.
How to Make Russian Tea Cakes
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add in the vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add in the flour until a soft dough forms. Finally, stir in the chopped nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly golden around the edges. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Coating the Cookies
Once the cookies are cool enough to handle, it's time to coat them in powdered sugar. Roll each cookie in a bowl of powdered sugar until they are completely covered. The warmth of the cookies will help the sugar stick to them, creating a beautiful snowy effect. You can also sift additional powdered sugar on top of the cookies to give them an extra powdery finish.
Serving and Storing
These Russian tea cakes are best enjoyed warm with a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can also freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Just let the dough thaw in the fridge before baking as usual.
In conclusion, Russian tea cakes are a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make these delicious cookies in the comfort of your own kitchen. So why not give this traditional Russian tea cakes recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your baking skills?
