Russian Tea Balls: Buttery Snow-Dusted Holiday Classics
Russian Tea Balls are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies rolled in a soft cloud of powdered sugar. Known for their tender crumb and rich nutty flavor, these bite-sized treats are a staple during the holiday season but are delightful any time of year. In different regions, they are also called snowball cookies, Mexican wedding cookies, or butterballs. No matter the name, their appeal lies in their simplicity: a buttery dough, finely chopped nuts, and a generous coating of powdered sugar.
Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to making perfect Russian Tea Balls from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make approximately 24–30 cookies, gather the following:
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for the dough)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ to 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work beautifully)
- 1 to 1½ cups powdered sugar (for rolling)
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Butter Base
Start by placing the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. It should be soft enough to press with your finger but not melted. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until it becomes light and creamy.
Add ½ cup of powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy. This step helps create the tender texture that makes these cookies so special.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until evenly incorporated. Vanilla enhances the buttery richness and balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar coating.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed. The dough will start to look crumbly at first—this is normal. Continue mixing just until the flour is fully incorporated.
Avoid overmixing, as that can make the cookies dense rather than delicate.
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