Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies

Featured in Sweet Treats for Every Occasion.

These Russian Tea Cookies, also called Snowball Cookies, are delicate, buttery delights filled with finely chopped nuts. Rolled in powdered sugar, they melt in your mouth and are a favorite for holidays or any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, flour, vanilla, and nuts, they’re quick to prepare. Chill the dough, bake into golden perfection, and coat generously with powdered sugar for a snowball-like treat that’s irresistible.

Updated on Fri, 28 Mar 2025 08:28:33 GMT
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This buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie recipe has been passed down in my family for generations. The delicate, nutty flavor paired with the powdery sugar coating transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible treat that disappears quickly at every gathering.

I first learned to make these cookies standing on a chair next to my mother during holiday baking season. Now they're the first cookies my children request when the weather turns cold, creating that same sense of tradition and warmth.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

The pecans are truly what make this recipe special in my family. My grandmother insisted on hand chopping them rather than using a food processor to control the texture. I can still picture her at the kitchen counter, methodically chopping nuts while telling stories of holiday celebrations from her childhood.

The Cultural Significance

Storage Solutions

Flavor Variations

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a gluten-free flour blend?

Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well as a substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe.

→ What nuts work best for this dessert?

Pecans and walnuts are traditional choices, but you can also use almonds or hazelnuts for a unique flavor.

→ How do I make the cookies extra nutty?

Lightly toast the nuts before folding them into the dough. This enhances their rich, nutty flavor.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 3 months.

→ Can I make these in advance for a holiday party?

Yes, these cookies freeze well, so you can prepare them in advance and enjoy them when needed.

Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies

Buttery, nut-filled cookies rolled in powdered sugar; perfect for holidays and special occasions.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Russian

Yield: 24 cookies

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 225 g unsalted butter, softened
02 60 g powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 250 g all-purpose flour
05 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 90 g finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy (about 2 minutes). Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed. Cover the dough and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 02

Preheat oven to 175°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden on the bottom.

Step 03

Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Let them cool completely, then roll again in powdered sugar for a perfect snowball effect.

Notes

  1. Lightly toast the nuts before adding them for a richer flavor.
  2. Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
  3. Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains nuts (pecans or walnuts)
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour)
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 110.5
  • Total Fat: 7.6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9.8 g
  • Protein: 1.2 g