Buttery, nutty, and dusted with holiday magic
It’s not the holidays without a batch of Russian Tea Cakes, also known as Snowball Cookies or Mexican Wedding Cookies! 🎁 These soft, buttery cookies are rolled in powdered sugar twice for that perfect “snowy” finish, and each bite melts in your mouth with rich nutty flavor. Perfect for cookie exchanges, festive dessert trays, or edible gifts, they’re the ultimate cozy classic that brings instant holiday cheer. Made with simple pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes, these cookies are elegant enough for parties but easy enough for weeknight baking. Pair them with a mug of cocoa, wrap them in cellophane, or just snack straight from the tin no judgment. ☃️💛
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Cream the butter & sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually stir in flour and salt until combined. Fold in chopped nuts.
- Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Form cookies: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden (tops will stay pale).
- Snowball magic: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar. Cool completely, then roll again for the full “snowball” effect.
✨ Pro Tip: Roll while warm for the first coat that’s how you get that perfect snowy stick! ☃️
Pro Tips
- Nut Options: Pecans add buttery flavor; almonds bring light sweetness; walnuts give rustic depth.
- Storage: Keep in airtight tins for up to 10 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Holiday Gifting: Stack in jars or gift boxes with parchment between layers and ribbon for a charming touch.
- Flavor Twist: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract or orange zest for a festive spin.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cookie | 110 | 1g | 8g | 8g | 0g | 3g |