Ingredients You Will Need
Here is a list of everything you will need to make these soft and sweet Russian Tea Balls. The quantities are for about 24 to 30 cookies, depending on size.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work well)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
That is all you need. You can find these ingredients easily in any grocery store. Always use fresh butter and good quality nuts for the best taste.
Step by Step Method
Follow these simple steps to make perfect Russian Tea Balls even if you have never baked before.
Step 1: Prepare the Butter Mixture
Take a large mixing bowl and add the softened butter. If your butter is cold, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting. Beat the butter with a spoon or electric mixer until it becomes creamy and smooth. This helps make your cookies soft and tender.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Vanilla
Once the butter is creamy, add the half cup of powdered sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix again until everything is well combined. The mixture should look light and fluffy. This is the base of your cookie dough.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Now add the all purpose flour and salt. Stir slowly so the flour mixes in evenly. The dough will start to look crumbly at first but that is normal. Keep mixing until it begins to hold together.
Step 4: Add the Nuts
Finely chop your favorite nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Add them into the dough and mix again. The nuts give a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that makes these cookies extra special.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or about 175 degrees Celsius. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Roll small portions of dough into balls about one inch wide and place them on the tray. Leave a small space between each cookie so they bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. The cookies should stay pale in color and not turn brown. Check the bottom of one cookie; it should be slightly golden. That means they are done.
Step 7: Cool and Roll in Sugar
Take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar. The sugar will stick beautifully to the warm surface and create a sweet snowy coating. Let them cool completely and roll them again once more in sugar for that perfect look and taste.
Step 8: Store and Serve
When the cookies are completely cool, store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about a week at room temperature and even longer in the refrigerator. Serve them with tea, coffee, or as a sweet snack whenever you like.
