Russian Tea Balls:

Russian Tea Balls, also known as Snowball Cookies or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth pastries that make a delightful addition to any holiday dessert spread. These sweet, nutty treats are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re sharing them during the festive season or enjoying a quiet afternoon with tea, these Russian Tea Balls are sure to become a cherished favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy.
2. Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and the vanilla extract to the butter. Beat the mixture until it’s well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Fold in the finely chopped nuts. Pecans or walnuts are commonly used for Russian Tea Balls.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. You can use your hands to shape them into smooth balls.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Place the cookie balls on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.

Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar

1. Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet until they are still warm but not hot to the touch.
2. Roll each cookie in powdered sugar until it’s generously coated. This will give the cookies their classic snowy appearance.

Step 6: Cool and Re-Roll

1. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Once they are cool, give them a second roll in powdered sugar to ensure a sweet, snowy appearance.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Arrange the Russian Tea Balls on a serving platter.
2. These delicate, nutty treats are ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. They also make a wonderful addition to your holiday cookie platter.

Notes:

• Russian Tea Balls are often made with pecans, but you can use walnuts or other nuts of your choice.
• Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for several days, but they’re usually so delicious that they disappear quickly!

Russian Tea Balls are a timeless classic that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. These delicate, nutty cookies are a wonderful addition to any dessert table, making them a delightful treat to share with friends and family or enjoy on your own with a warm beverage.