Hey there! Today, we’re talking about a cookie that feels like a hug in dessert form—Snowball Cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes. These soft, buttery cookies lightly dusted with powdered sugar have a way of making any moment feel festive. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special gathering, or just craving something sweet to go with your coffee, these cookies will deliver timeless joy.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious and deceptively easy to make, these crumbly, nutty delights are calling your name!
### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
– They are irresistibly tender and buttery, with a delicate nutty flavor.
– Perfect for holiday gifts, cookie swaps, or any sweet craving.
– Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in just about 30 minutes.
– Freezer-friendly, so you can make them ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
### **Ingredients Breakdown**
#### **Essentials**
– **Unsalted Butter**: The creamy foundation of these cookies. Room-temperature butter helps the dough come together smoothly.
– **Powdered Sugar**: Used in the dough for a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and for rolling the cookies to create that iconic “snowball” finish.
– **All-Purpose Flour**: Forms the structure of the cookies while keeping the texture delicate.
– **Chopped Nuts**: Traditionally made with pecans or walnuts. Feel free to use your favorite nut, or substitute with finely chopped almonds.
– **Vanilla Extract**: Adds a warm, sweet note to the cookies.
#### **Pro Tips**
– Toast your nuts for a deeper, richer flavor. Simply spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
– Sift the powdered sugar over the cookies for an even, bakery-worthy dusting.
### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Prep and Preheat:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. **Cream the Butter and Sugar:**
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. You’re looking for a pale, fluffy texture—this is the base of that lovely melt-in-your-mouth feel.
3. **Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients:**
Stir in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the flour and a pinch of salt. Mix it gently but thoroughly until you have a smooth dough. Don’t worry if it looks crumbly at first—keep mixing, and it’ll come together!
4. **Fold in Chopped Nuts:**
Gently fold in the finely chopped nuts. These are the heart of the cookies, adding both texture and a subtle, nutty flavor.
5. **Shape the Dough:**
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (about the size of a small walnut) and place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
6. **Bake:**
Bake in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are just lightly golden. Avoid overbaking—these are meant to stay tender.
7. **Cool and Roll in Sugar:**
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. Place on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, give them another generous coating of powdered sugar.
### **Chef’s Tips and Tricks**
– **Double Dusting:** The first coating of powdered sugar helps it stick, and the second coat makes them look extra snowy and festive.
– **Avoid Overmixing:** Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
– **Storage Tip:** Store in an airtight container for up to a week, and sprinkle with a fresh dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
### **Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions**
– **Nut-Free Option:** Use sunflower seeds or omit the nuts altogether for similar texture and flavor.
– **Flavor Twist:** Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or grated orange zest to the dough for a delightful seasonal variation.
– **Pairing Idea:** These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea, hot chocolate, or even a glass of milk for a nostalgic moment.
### **FAQs**
#### Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, simply add a minute or two to the baking time—no need to thaw first!
#### Why do my cookies spread too much?
Make sure your butter isn’t overly softened, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is especially warm.
#### How do I store leftovers?
Snowball cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5–7 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes)
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla, then gradually add flour and salt until a smooth dough forms.
- Stir in finely chopped nuts.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar. Cool completely and roll in sugar again before serving.
There you have it! A classic cookie recipe that’s guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your table. I’d love to see how yours turn out—comment below or share your creations on social media with #TheKitchensAid. Happy baking!
