Heavenly Russian Tea Balls Recipe: A Sweet Winter Delight

Nestled in culinary traditions, these russian tea balls sparkle with a delicate, powdery charm that whispers of cozy winter afternoons.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen drift through every buttery bite.

Walnut-studded and rolled in soft confectioners’ sugar, these cookies melt instantly on your tongue.

Sweet simplicity defines their elegant appeal.

Compact and perfect for afternoon gatherings, they carry a hint of nostalgia in each crumbly morsel.

Fragrant and light, these treats promise a moment of pure comfort.

Bake a batch and let the magic unfold.

Russian Tea Balls to Savor

• Savor Nutty Richness: Toasted walnuts bring a deep, warm flavor that transforms these tea balls into a gourmet treat with minimal effort.
• Craft Simple Elegance: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, home bakers can create stunning powdered sugar-coated cookies that look professionally made.
• Enjoy Holiday Charm: Perfect for winter gatherings, cookie exchanges, and festive celebrations, these Russian Tea Balls deliver a delightful sweet touch that everyone will adore.
• Indulge Stress-Free Baking: Requiring basic kitchen tools and simple techniques, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels to create delicious homemade cookies without complicated processes.

Ingredients for Russian Tea Balls

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides flavor and helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Walnuts: A nutty ingredient that adds crunch and depth of flavor to the Russian Tea Balls.
• Flour: The primary structural component that gives the cookies their characteristic texture.

• Powdered Sugar, Salt: Key ingredients that balance sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavoring that adds warmth and complexity to the cookie's taste.

How to Prepare Russian Tea Balls

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Toast Walnuts

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toss walnuts frequently for about 5 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden.

This process brings out their rich, nutty flavor and adds depth to the cookies.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Continue mixing until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gradually add flour and salt to the creamy mixture. Mix until fully incorporated, creating a slightly lumpy texture.

Gently fold in the toasted walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape and Bake Cookies

Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form 1-inch balls.

Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching for a golden bottom.

Step 6: First Sugar Coating

While the cookies are still warm, roll them in a bowl of powdered sugar. Ensure each cookie is completely covered with a generous layer of sugar.

Transfer to a platter to cool.

Step 7: Final Sugar Dusting

Once the cookies have cooled to room temperature, roll them in powdered sugar a second time.

This creates a beautiful, snow-white coating that makes these tea balls look as delightful as they taste. Store in an airtight container for up to a week, if they last that long!

Tips to Nail Russian Tea Balls

• Toast walnuts carefully in a dry skillet, stirring frequently to prevent burning and develop a rich, nutty flavor without scorching.
• Use a small cookie scoop for uniform ball sizes, ensuring consistent baking and an attractive presentation of Russian Tea Balls.
• Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar immediately after baking for better sugar adherence and a smoother, more even coating.
• Allow cookies to cool completely before the second sugar coating to prevent clumping and achieve a pristine white finish.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sticking.

Variations on Russian Tea Balls

• Gluten-Free Russian Tea Balls: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities. Maintain the same preparation method and enjoy a celiac-friendly version.
• Pecan Variation: Swap walnuts with toasted pecans for a different nutty flavor profile. The recipe remains identical, offering a southern-style alternative with rich, buttery undertones.
• Chocolate-Dusted Russian Tea Balls: After the second powdered sugar coating, lightly dust cookies with cocoa powder for a decadent chocolate accent. This adds depth and complexity to the traditional recipe.
• Spiced Russian Tea Balls: Incorporate ground cinnamon or cardamom into the flour mixture for a warm, aromatic twist. These subtle spices enhance the cookie's overall flavor complexity without overwhelming the delicate butter base.

Pairing Suggestions for Russian Tea Balls

• Select a strong black tea like Russian Caravan or Earl Grey to complement the nutty, buttery cookie profile. The tea's bold flavor will beautifully balance the delicate sweetness of the powdered sugar coating.
• Pair these cookies with a smooth vanilla bean custard or a light mascarpone cream. The rich, velvety texture will create a delightful contrast against the crumbly, nutty tea ball texture.
• Choose a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a late harvest Riesling. These wines offer subtle sweetness that mirrors the powdered sugar and provides a elegant liquid accompaniment to the walnut-studded cookies.

Storage Advice for Russian Tea Balls

• Place Russian Tea Balls in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them refrigerated for up to 7-10 days, maintaining their delicate texture and powdered sugar coating.
• Carefully stack cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving to preserve their delicate crumbly texture.
• Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep at cool room temperature for 5-7 days, ensuring the container is tightly closed to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.

FAQs

• Are Russian Tea Balls difficult to make?

These cookies are surprisingly simple to prepare. Even novice bakers can successfully make them with basic baking skills and a few common ingredients.

• Why do the cookies get rolled in powdered sugar twice?

The first coating occurs while the cookies are warm, which helps the sugar stick better. The second coating after cooling creates a beautiful, snow-white finish and adds an extra layer of sweetness.

• Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Pecans work wonderfully as a direct replacement for walnuts. They provide a similar texture and nutty flavor that complements the delicate cookie base.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is required. A standard electric hand mixer, a baking sheet, and a skillet are the primary tools you’ll need to create these delightful Russian Tea Balls.

Russian Tea Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Russian tea balls blend classic holiday charm with buttery, nutty goodness. Powdered sugar-coated cookies melt delicately, offering sweet comfort perfect for festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1/2 pound (16 tbsps or 227 g) unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup walnuts (toasted and coarsely chopped)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (for rolling the cookies)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
2. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, tossing frequently until fragrant and lightly golden.
3. Use an electric mixer to cream butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Gradually incorporate flour and salt into the creamed mixture, mixing until fully integrated. The dough will appear slightly lumpy.
5. Gently fold toasted walnuts into the dough, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
6. Using a cookie scoop or hands, form dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the bottom edges turn golden brown.
8. Immediately roll warm cookies in a bowl of powdered sugar, coating them thoroughly.
9. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Once cooled, perform a second roll in powdered sugar to create a fully coated, snow-white appearance.
11. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, preserving their delicate texture and flavor.

Notes

• Toast walnuts carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, watching them closely and stirring frequently during the 5-minute process.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother creaming and better ingredient integration, ensuring a more consistent dough texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies, stopping when ingredients are just combined and walnuts are evenly distributed.
• Roll cookies in powdered sugar while warm for the first coating, which helps the sugar adhere better and creates a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth exterior.
• For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Store cookies in a single layer between parchment paper to maintain their delicate powdered sugar coating and prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 178
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1.3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg