These Russian Tea Balls, also known as Snowball Cookies or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are delicate, buttery, and loaded with chopped nuts. Rolled in powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs and are perfect for holiday gatherings or teatime treats!
🛒 Ingredients:
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍬 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 🥄 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🍞 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 🌰 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work great)
- 🧂 1/4 tsp salt
🔥 Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3️⃣ Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients:
- Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, salt, and chopped nuts, stirring just until combined. The dough will be thick.
4️⃣ Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
5️⃣ Bake:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
6️⃣ Cool Slightly & Roll in Sugar:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm.
7️⃣ Second Sugar Coating:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar again for a beautiful, snowy finish.
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Buttery & Nutty: A rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a delightful crunch.
- Perfect for Gifting: A festive and elegant treat for the holidays.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
- Versatile: Use your favorite nuts or a mix for different flavors.
These Russian Tea Balls are a timeless classic that everyone will adore. Enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat! 🍪✨