Russian Tea Cakes Recipe
Russian Tea Cakes are tender, buttery nut cookies rolled in powdered sugar until snowy and sweet. They are a classic holiday treat with a delicate crumb and a light nutty flavor.
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Servings: 40 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 c unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 1/2 c powdered sugar divided
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 c all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 c finely chopped nuts such as toasted pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and 1/2 c of the powdered sugar together until smooth and well combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Add the flour and salt. Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together.
- Stir in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and roll each portion into a smooth ball.
- Refrigerate the dough balls for approximately 1 hour.
- Arrange the chilled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1 to 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly browned.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for several minutes, until they are cool enough to handle.
- Place the remaining 1 c powdered sugar in a small bowl. Roll each warm cookie in the powdered sugar until well coated.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely, then roll them in the powdered sugar a second time before serving.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten free, replace the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binder. Also confirm that the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and nuts are certified gluten free, as ingredients and manufacturing practices can vary by brand. Because gluten-free flour can produce a more delicate texture, chill the dough thoroughly and handle the cookies gently after baking to help them hold their shape.