Mom’s Russian Tea Balls

Mom’s Russian Tea Balls – A Holiday Tradition Worth Keeping

Every family has that one special holiday treat that's non-negotiable—those delightful bites that instantly make you feel festive. For me, it's always been my mom’s Russian Tea Balls. Buttery, nutty, and coated in a soft, snowy layer of powdered sugar, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies bring instant cheer. They're so addictive, you'll wonder how you ever celebrated without them! ✨

Equipment Needed:

•  Baking sheet
•  Large mixing bowl
•  Whisk or electric mixer
•  Measuring spoons and cups
•  Wire cooling rack
•  Silicone baking mat or parchment paper

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until fluffy and smooth.
3. Vanilla Touch: Stir in the vanilla extract—it’ll instantly fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma!
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour and salt together. Gradually incorporate into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be gentle—overmixing can make the cookies tough!
5. Nutty Fold: Gently fold in the chopped nuts, distributing evenly through the dough.
6. Shape & Arrange: Roll tablespoons of dough into small 1-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake & Watch: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops will remain pale—that’s perfect!
8. Sugary Coat: Allow cookies to cool slightly, then roll each gently in powdered sugar while still warm.
9. Final Snowfall: Once fully cooled, give each cookie another generous dusting of powdered sugar for that beautiful snowy finish.

Extra Tips & Tricks:

• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Store in an airtight container—they stay fresh and delightful for days.
• These cookies are gorgeous! Arrange them on a festive plate or platter for a charming presentation.

Final Thoughts: These Russian Tea Balls aren't just cookies—they're memories, traditions, and tiny bites of holiday joy. Give them a try, and maybe they'll become your family tradition, too!

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Mom’s Russian Tea Balls

A buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie coated generously in powdered sugar—a festive favorite you'll love making year after year!

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar plus extra for coating
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup finely chopped nuts walnuts, pecans, almonds

Equipment

• 🍪 Baking sheet
• 🥣 Large mixing bowl
• 🍴 Whisk or electric mixer
• 📏 Measuring spoons and cups
• 🌬️ Wire cooling rack
• 🖌️ Silicone baking mat or parchment paper

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheet.
2. Cream butter and powdered sugar.
3. Mix in vanilla extract.
4. Whisk flour and salt, gradually mix into butter.
5. Fold in chopped nuts.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls; arrange on baking sheet.
7. Bake 10-12 mins; bottoms lightly golden.
8. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
9. Cool completely, dust again with powdered sugar.

Notes

Add cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.

Store cookies airtight for freshness.