Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking. The parchment paper also ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t brown too quickly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. The butter should be at room temperature to ensure it mixes well and creates a light texture in the cookies.
Step 3: Add the Vanilla Extract and Nuts
Once the butter and sugar are creamed together, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat for another 30 seconds to combine.
Next, add the chopped nuts to the dough. You can use walnuts, pecans, or almonds, depending on your preference. Mix the nuts into the dough until they are evenly distributed. The nuts add a delightful crunch and flavor to the cookies.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Slowly add this flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or the mixer on low speed. The dough will be quite thick, but it should come together easily.
Step 5: Form the Dough into Balls
Once the dough is mixed, take small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Make sure the dough is evenly shaped for uniform baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake them, as they should remain soft and slightly crumbly in the center. The cookies may look a little pale, but they will firm up once cooled.
Step 7: Roll the Cookies in Powdered Sugar
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up and makes them easier to handle.
Once the cookies have cooled slightly but are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to coat them. Gently shake off any excess sugar and transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. The powdered sugar gives the cookies their signature snowy appearance and adds a touch of sweetness.
For an extra snowy effect, you can roll the cookies in powdered sugar again once they are completely cooled. This second dusting adds even more sweetness and enhances the appearance of the cookies.
Step 8: Store and Serve
Once cooled, the cookies are ready to be served. These cookies are best enjoyed within 5-7 days of baking and can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can also refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips for Perfecting Russian Tea Cakes:
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer a firmer dough that’s easier to handle, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This helps the dough hold its shape better while baking.
- Finely Chop the Nuts: For a more uniform texture, finely chop the nuts before adding them to the dough. This will ensure that every bite has a pleasant crunch.
- Don't Overbake: These cookies should be soft and slightly crumbly in the center. Keep an eye on them while baking, and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar Twice: For that iconic snowball effect, roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar, and then roll them again once they have cooled for an extra coating of sweetness.
- Add Flavor Variations: While the classic recipe uses vanilla extract, you can experiment with different extracts like almond or hazelnut for a unique twist.
Other Popular Christmas Cookies You Can Try
While Russian Tea Cakes are a Christmas favorite, there are plenty of other delicious holiday cookies to bake and share:
- Sugar Cookies: Simple and sweet, often decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Spicy, warm, and perfect for cutting into festive shapes and decorating.
- Snickerdoodles: Soft, cinnamon-sugar-coated cookies that are a holiday staple.
- Peanut Butter Blossoms: Rich peanut butter cookies topped with a Hershey’s kiss for a chocolatey finish.
Conclusion:
Russian Tea Cakes are the ultimate comfort cookies, bringing a festive touch to your holiday baking. With their buttery texture, nutty flavor, and sweet powdered sugar coating, these cookies are a perfect addition to your holiday spread. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a cookie exchange, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of tea, these cookies will quickly become a beloved holiday tradition.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of Russian Tea Cakes that will fill your home with the sweet aroma of the season. Happy baking!
