19 Traditional Russian Tea Cakes Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
Russian tea cakes, also known as snowball cookies, are a beloved treat that has been enjoyed for centuries in Russia and other Eastern European countries. These delicate, buttery cookies are a staple at holiday celebrations and special occasions, but can also be enjoyed any time of year. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this traditional Russian tea cakes recipe is sure to impress your friends and family with its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Russian tea cakes, also known as Russian tea cookies or snowball cookies, are a classic holiday treat that is loved by many. These small, round cookies are made with a buttery dough that is rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a snowy appearance. They are perfect for any occasion, but especially during the Christmas season. Here are 8 delicious variations of the traditional Russian tea cake recipe that you have to try.
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Russian Tea Cakes Cookie
Main Ingredients: Butter, Vanilla Extract, Flour, Confectioners Sugar
The classic Russian tea cake recipe calls for butter, flour, powdered sugar, and chopped nuts. These ingredients are mixed together to create a dough that is then rolled into small balls and baked until golden brown. However, for those who are looking for a twist on the traditional recipe, there are many variations that use different types of nuts or add in other ingredients such as chocolate or dried fruit.
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Russian Tea Cakes I
Main Ingredients: Butter, Vanilla Extract, Confectioners Sugar, All
This recipe is a slight variation of the classic Russian tea cake recipe, but it adds a unique twist by using almond extract instead of vanilla. This gives the cookies a slightly different flavor that pairs well with the nutty taste of the chopped almonds. The powdered sugar coating on these cookies makes them look like little snowballs, perfect for a winter treat.
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Christmas Russian Tea Cakes
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Sea Salt, Vanilla
What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with a batch of Christmas Russian tea cakes? This recipe adds in festive red and green colored sugar to the powdered sugar coating, giving the cookies a festive appearance. They make a great addition to any holiday cookie platter and are sure to be a hit with friends and family.
For those who follow a vegan diet, there is a variation of the Russian tea cake recipe that is completely plant-based. Instead of butter, this recipe uses vegan butter or coconut oil, and almond milk instead of regular milk. The result is a delicious and vegan-friendly version of the classic Russian tea cake that everyone can enjoy.
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Russian Tea Cakes (Snowballs)
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract
This recipe stays true to the classic Russian tea cake recipe, but adds in a touch of lemon zest for a citrusy twist. The lemon adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the cookies, making them perfect for spring or summer gatherings. They are still rolled in powdered sugar, giving them the appearance of little snowballs.
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Easy Russian Tea Cakes
Main Ingredients: Sugar Cookie Mix, Gold Medal All Purpose Flour, Butter
If you are short on time but still want to enjoy the deliciousness of Russian tea cakes, this easy recipe is for you. Instead of making the dough from scratch, this recipe uses a boxed cake mix as the base. This simple shortcut saves time and effort, but still results in the same delicious cookies that everyone loves.
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Snowballs (Russian Tea Cakes)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Vanilla, Confectioners Sugar, All Purpose
This variation of the classic recipe uses a combination of ground almonds and coconut to give the cookies a unique flavor and texture. They are still rolled in powdered sugar, making them look like little snowballs, but the addition of coconut adds a tropical twist that is perfect for summertime.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
For rolling the cookies:
- Additional powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Start by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature. This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly.
2. Cream the butter and powdered sugar.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add in the flour and salt.
Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until well combined. The dough will be slightly crumbly, but should come together when pressed.
4. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The walnuts add a delicious nutty flavor and a bit of crunch to the cookies.
5. Roll the dough into balls.
Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The cookies will not spread much, so you can place them close together on the sheet.
6. Bake and cool.
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, until they are set but still pale in color. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Roll in powdered sugar.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar until they are completely coated. This will give them their signature snowy appearance.
Enjoy!
These traditional Russian tea cakes are best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They also make a great gift during the holiday season. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week, if they last that long!
Conclusion
This traditional Russian tea cakes recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. With a few simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can create a batch of these delicious treats to impress your loved ones or enjoy on a cozy evening at home. So put on your apron and get ready to indulge in these Russian delicacies!
