Russian Tea Cakes

why make this recipe

Russian Tea Cakes are delightful little treats that melt in your mouth. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee. These cookies are rich, buttery, and have a lovely nutty flavor from the walnuts. Plus, they are easy to make and require simple ingredients that you might already have at home.

how to make Russian Tea Cakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
• Additional powdered sugar for rolling

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before rolling in additional powdered sugar.
9. Allow to cool completely before serving.

how to serve Russian Tea Cakes

Serve Russian Tea Cakes on a beautiful plate or in a cookie jar. They are great for sharing with family and friends. You can enjoy them as a sweet treat with tea or coffee. They also make wonderful gifts when packaged nicely.

how to store Russian Tea Cakes

To store Russian Tea Cakes, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

tips to make Russian Tea Cakes

• Make sure your butter is soft, but not melted, for the best texture.
• You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer a different nut flavor.
• For a festive touch, add some holiday spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
• Be gentle when rolling the cookies in powdered sugar to avoid breaking them.

variation

A fun variation is to add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

How do I make these cookies without nuts?

Simply omit the nuts from the recipe. The cookies will still be delicious!