Oh, let me tell you about the sheer joy of baking Russian tea cakes! These little bites of bliss are not just cookies; they’re buttery, nutty treasures that melt in your mouth. The moment you take them out of the oven, the aroma fills your kitchen, wrapping you in warmth and nostalgia. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, family get-togethers, or even just a cozy night in with a cup of tea. Trust me, there’s something magical about rolling these cookies in powdered sugar, transforming them into snowy delicacies. They’re soft, crumbly, and oh-so-delicious, making them a hit with everyone—from kids to grandparents. Once you try making these, I promise you’ll be hooked! So, let’s get to it and create some cookie magic together!
Ingredients for Russian Tea Cakes
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for making the best Russian tea cakes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Make sure your butter is at room temperature so it creams perfectly with the sugar.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – This gives the cookies their sweet base and a lovely texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the foundation that holds everything together.
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) – Choose your favorite! These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla brings out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and brings out the buttery goodness.
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting – Don’t skimp on this! It’s the finishing touch that makes these cookies so special.
How to Prepare Russian Tea Cakes
Alright, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these Russian tea cakes. Trust me, it’s simpler than you might think and oh-so-rewarding! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and warm when your cookies are ready to go in. While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it should take about 3-5 minutes. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Prepping the Oven and Mixing Ingredients
With your oven preheating, you’ll want to keep mixing until the butter and sugar really come together. This is where the magic begins! It should look creamy and inviting. Once that’s done, take another bowl and whisk together the flour, salt, and finely chopped nuts. Gradually add this dry mixture to your buttery goodness, mixing until just combined. Don’t overdo it—this dough loves to be handled gently!
Forming and Baking the Cookies
Now comes the fun part! Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to breathe. Bake them for about 12-15 minutes, and keep an eye out for those light golden bottoms—this is your cue that they’re done! Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar. This is a crucial step, as they need to be slightly warm to soak up that sugary goodness. After that, let them cool completely on a wire rack, and then they’re ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s quick to prepare and utterly delightful, Russian tea cakes are the answer! Here’s why they’re my go-to treat:
- Quick to whip up—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Buttery, nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- They look stunning with that snowy powdered sugar dusting.
- Great for any occasion, from holiday parties to cozy evenings at home.
- Kid-friendly and a hit with adults too!
Tips for Success with Russian Tea Cakes
To make sure your Russian tea cakes turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, ensure your butter is really softened; it should be creamy but not melted. This helps create that light texture we all love. Also, be gentle when mixing the dough—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that! If you want extra flavor, try toasting the nuts before adding them; it enhances their nuttiness beautifully. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step before dusting with powdered sugar; it helps the sugar stick better. Happy baking!
Variations on Russian Tea Cakes
One of the best parts about baking Russian tea cakes is how easily you can customize them to suit your taste! Feel free to mix it up by swapping out the nuts—try hazelnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. If you’re in the mood for something a bit sweeter, toss in some chocolate chips instead of nuts; they’ll melt into gooey goodness! You can even experiment with different extracts like almond or hazelnut for a unique twist. Get creative and make these cookies your own!
Nutritional Information for Russian Tea Cakes
When it comes to indulging in Russian tea cakes, it’s nice to know what you’re savoring! Each cookie is approximately 100 calories, making them a delightful treat without going overboard. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per cookie:
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the ingredients you choose. Enjoy them in moderation, and savor every buttery, nutty bite!
FAQ About Russian Tea Cakes
I know you might have some questions about making these delightful Russian tea cakes, so let’s tackle a few common ones together! These cookies are not just tasty; they also have some fun features that make them even better.
Can I Freeze Russian Tea Cakes?
Absolutely! Freezing Russian tea cakes is a great way to keep them fresh for later. Just let the cookies cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. They’ll taste just as delicious as when they were freshly baked!
What Nuts Can I Use in Russian Tea Cakes?
You can get creative with the nuts in your Russian tea cakes! While walnuts and pecans are traditional, feel free to use hazelnuts or almonds for a unique flavor twist. Each nut brings its own personality to the cookie—walnuts offer a rich, earthy taste, while pecans add a buttery sweetness. Experiment and see which one becomes your favorite!
How Should I Store Russian Tea Cakes?
To keep your Russian tea cakes fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them as mentioned earlier. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before packing them away to maintain that perfect texture. Enjoy your baking!
Drucken
Russian Tea Cakes: 7 Irresistible Bites of Bliss
- Gesamtzeit: 35 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 cookies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Russian tea cakes are buttery, nutty cookies rolled in powdered sugar.
Zutaten
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and nuts.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Can replace nuts with chocolate chips for a variation.
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 15 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: Russian
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cookie
- Kalorien: 100
- Zucker: 5g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 7g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 10g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterin: 15mg
Keywords: russian tea cakes, cookies, dessert, holiday cookies
