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Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes)

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These classic snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes, are buttery, tender, and coated in powdered sugar for a festive, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Perfect for holiday cookie trays, gifting, or cozy winter afternoons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 cups (270g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (85g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted if desired
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Optional: Toast pecans or walnuts on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Cool, then chop finely.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes with a mixer, 4-5 minutes by hand).
  4. Beat in vanilla extract and salt until combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and finely chopped nuts. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed or gently by hand until a soft, crumbly dough forms. Do not overmix.
  6. Scoop dough by tablespoon (or use a #60 cookie scoop) and roll into 1-inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet. If dough is sticky, chill for 10 minutes.
  7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden and tops are set. Cookies will not brown much on top.
  8. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes.
  9. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Place on a wire rack to finish cooling.
  10. Once cooled completely, roll cookies again in powdered sugar for a thick, snowy coating.

Notes

For gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend. For nut-free, omit nuts and add 2 tablespoons extra flour. Double rolling in powdered sugar gives the best snowy finish. Toasting nuts deepens flavor. Cookies freeze well and are even more tender after a day or two. If dough is too dry, add 1 teaspoon milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: snowball cookies, Russian tea cakes, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, powdered sugar cookies, nut cookies, easy cookie recipe

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/snowball-cookies-recipe-easy-russian-tea-cakes-for-holidays/