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Buttery Russian Tea Balls

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Buttery Russian Tea Balls (Classic Holiday Cookie Recipe)

Buttery Russian Tea Balls are a timeless Christmas cookie known for their rich flavor, delicate crumb, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Finished with a generous coating of powdered sugar, these snowball-style cookies are ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or serving alongside coffee or afternoon tea.

Buttery Russian Tea Balls

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 27 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are best)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Heat the oven
    Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Cream butter and sugar
    In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.

  3. Mix in the dry ingredients
    Add the flour and salt gradually, stirring until a soft dough forms. Fold in the finely chopped nuts until evenly combined.

  4. Form the cookie balls
    Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.

  5. Bake
    Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the bottoms turn lightly golden. Avoid overbaking—these cookies should stay tender.

  6. Coat with powdered sugar (twice)
    Cool for 5 minutes, then roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then roll again for a bright, snowy finish.

Tips for Perfect Russian Tea Balls

  • Chop nuts finely to keep the texture smooth and the cookies easy to shape.
  • Roll twice in powdered sugar for the classic holiday “snowball” look.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

FAQs

Can I make Russian Tea Balls without nuts?
Yes. Simply leave out the nuts for a nut-free version that’s still buttery and crumbly.

Can I freeze Russian Tea Balls?
Yes. Freeze the baked cookies before adding powdered sugar. After thawing, roll them in powdered sugar to refresh the coating.

A Holiday Cookie You’ll Bake Every Year

With their buttery flavor, gentle crunch from nuts, and signature powdered sugar coating, Russian Tea Balls are a festive favorite that belongs on every holiday dessert table. They’re easy to make, beautiful to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser.