Buttery Russian Tea Balls – Classic Holiday Cookies

Are you ready to delight your taste buds with a taste of nostalgia? Buttery Russian Tea Balls are a classic holiday cookie that melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of sweet treats. These little delights are not just cookies; they’re a cherished memory from family gatherings, parties, and chilly winter afternoons. Did you know that these cookies, also known as snowballs or Mexican wedding cookies, have been enjoyed for generations? Their sweet simplicity and delightful crumbly texture make them a favorite for cookie exchanges and festive celebrations alike. Plus, they come together in no time, making them perfect for families who want to create lasting memories without spending all day in the kitchen. If you love treats that are as easy to make as they are delicious, you’ll want to keep reading. They’re as inviting and comforting as the classic chocolate chip cookie but with a unique twist that will make your holiday baking extra special!

What are Buttery Russian Tea Balls?

You might be wondering, “What exactly are Buttery Russian Tea Balls?” Well, first, let’s talk about that charming name! These little cookies are like a cozy hug in dessert form. Originating from Eastern European traditions, they’re known for their crumbly texture and sweet, nutty flavor. They’re often rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a snowy, festive look! Funny story: they say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these cookies might just win over everyone in your family. It’s hard to resist a treat that’s buttery, sweet, and melts in your mouth! So, why not give these delightful cookies a try? They’re easy to make and guaranteed to bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love Buttery Russian Tea Balls

Buttery Russian Tea Balls offer so much more than just a sweet treat! First and foremost, these cookies are incredibly simple to whip up. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a batch of cookies that feel like holiday magic. Not only are they budget-friendly, but making them at home also saves you from those overpriced holiday cookies at the store! The delightful combination of butter, flour, and chopped nuts creates an elegant flavor that’s distinctive without being overpowering. If you’re a fan of classic holiday treats, you’ll love them as much as gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some memories together in the kitchen!

How to Make Buttery Russian Tea Balls

Quick Overview

You won’t believe how easy and satisfying these cookies are to make! In just about 30 minutes of prep and baking time, you can have a dozen or more delightful cookies that will impress your friends and family. The charm of these butter cookies lies in their crispy texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness! With minimal effort, you can create a batch of cookies that feels exceptionally festive and homemade.

Key Ingredients for Buttery Russian Tea Balls

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Extra powdered sugar for rolling

Take a look at this lovely visual representation of the ingredients to get inspired!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add in the vanilla extract and stir until mixed thoroughly.
Combine the dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
Incorporate the nuts: Stir in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape into balls: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space to spread while baking.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale.
Cool and roll: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes. Roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm. For an extra snowy finish, roll them in powdered sugar again after they’ve cooled completely.

What to Serve Buttery Russian Tea Balls With

These delightful cookies are perfect by themselves, but they love company too! Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee, or serve them alongside a glass of hot cocoa during the chilly months. For a festive touch, consider placing them on a beautiful platter with other holiday favorites like gingerbread men or peppermint bark. The contrast of flavors and textures will create a gorgeous spread that everyone will enjoy!

Top Tips for Perfecting Buttery Russian Tea Balls

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some useful tips:

Experiment with nuts: Don’t hesitate to switch up the nuts based on your preference, whether you like walnuts, pecans, or even almonds.
Keep the dough cool: If the dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for a short period before rolling it into balls.
Watch baking time: Keep an eye on them in the oven; you want them to stay pale, as they’ll firm up as they cool.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Once you’ve made your batch of Buttery Russian Tea Balls, you might want to know how to keep the leftovers fresh. Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay delicious for about a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them! Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature or gently reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

By following this recipe, you’re not just making cookies; you’re creating delicious memories to savor during the holidays. Enjoy the baking process and share your Buttery Russian Tea Balls with loved ones – there’s no better way to spread joy!

Buttery Russian Tea Balls

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Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds
Extra powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add in the vanilla extract and stir until mixed thoroughly.
Combine the dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
Incorporate the nuts: Stir in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape into balls: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space to spread while baking.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale.
Cool and roll: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes. Roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm. For an extra snowy finish, roll them in powdered sugar again after they’ve cooled completely.
What to Serve Buttery Russian Tea Balls With
These delightful cookies are perfect by themselves, but they love company too! Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee, or serve them alongside a glass of hot cocoa during the chilly months. For a festive touch, consider placing them on a beautiful platter with other holiday favorites like gingerbread men or peppermint bark. The contrast of flavors and textures will create a gorgeous spread that everyone will enjoy!
Top Tips for Perfecting Buttery Russian Tea Balls
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some useful tips:
Experiment with nuts: Don’t hesitate to switch up the nuts based on your preference, whether you like walnuts, pecans, or even almonds.
Keep the dough cool: If the dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for a short period before rolling it into balls.
Watch baking time: Keep an eye on them in the oven; you want them to stay pale, as they’ll firm up as they cool.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Once you’ve made your batch of Buttery Russian Tea Balls, you might want to know how to keep the leftovers fresh. Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay delicious for about a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them! Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature or gently reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.
By following this recipe, you’re not just making cookies; you’re creating delicious memories to savor during the holidays. Enjoy the baking process and share your Buttery Russian Tea Balls with loved ones – there's no better way to spread joy!