Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies are like little bites of nostalgia wrapped in powdered sugar, evoking warm memories of holiday gatherings and cozy afternoons. Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, crumbly treat that practically melts in your mouth while the scent of vanilla dances through the air, making you feel like a kid again.
These delightful cookies not only taste amazing but also bring a sense of comfort and joy that only Mom’s baking can provide. Perfect for tea time, a festive celebration, or just because it’s Tuesday, these cookies promise happiness in every bite and an irresistible urge to have just one more. For more inspiration, check out this cookie monster cookies recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cookies are incredibly easy to make, even if you’re a novice baker.
- Their rich flavor profile combines buttery goodness with a hint of sweetness and nutty notes from nuts.
- They look stunning on any dessert platter, dusted with powdered sugar like fresh snow.
- Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon snack.
Ingredients for Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for that perfect creamy consistency needed to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweet ingredient gives the cookies their characteristic sweetness and helps create that beautiful dusting on top.
- Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation for richer flavor that elevates these cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your cookie dough; ensure it’s properly measured to keep the texture just right.
- Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans work best here; they add crunch and subtle earthiness to balance the sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly while you prepare the dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. You want it airy enough that it could float away—just kidding!
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly. That’s right; let those delicious aromas fill your kitchen!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and chopped nuts. Gradually add this mixture to the butter-sugar blend until combined; don’t overmix unless you want tough cookies—nobody wants that!
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, roll the dough into balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet about two inches apart. Remember: they won’t spread much, so shape them how you want them!
Step 6: Bake and Dust
Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Once they cool slightly, dust generously with more powdered sugar before serving—because who doesn’t love more sugar?
Transfer to plates and enjoy these delightful morsels with family or friends—or keep them all for yourself; we won’t tell!
You Must Know
- Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies are not just delightful treats; they bring a family tradition to life.
- Soft, buttery, and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies will transform your afternoon tea into a festive celebration.
- Perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate the vanilla and nuts next. Gradually mix in the flour to form a dough. Chill for easier handling before rolling into balls. Bake until just golden for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out nuts for chocolate chips or dried fruits if you want to mix things up. A touch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile beautifully. You can even experiment with flavored extracts like almond or hazelnut!
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. No reheating is necessary; they taste great straight from the fridge!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature butter for better creaming and texture.
- Avoid overmixing once you add flour; it keeps cookies tender.
- And don’t skimp on chilling the dough; it makes shaping easier and improves flavor!
Sharing these cookies with friends one holiday season brought unexpected laughter and joy when my aunt declared them “better than therapy,” leading to our annual cookie-making tradition where laughter was as plentiful as the powdered sugar!
FAQs :
What are Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies?
Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies are delightful, buttery treats that melt in your mouth. These cookies, often rolled in powdered sugar, are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with tea. The blend of nuts and the light dusting of sugar gives these cookies a unique flavor and texture. Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies They are simple to make and require minimal ingredients, making them a favorite family recipe passed down through generations. You might also enjoy this strawberry cheesecake cookies recipe.
How do I store Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies?
To keep Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Proper storage helps maintain their soft texture and delightful flavor. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they’re well-sealed. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I customize Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies?
Absolutely! You can customize Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies by adding different nuts like almonds or pecans for varied flavor profiles. Additionally, consider incorporating spices such as cinnamon or vanilla extract for an enhanced taste. Chocolate Snowball Cookies Some people even add chocolate chips or dried fruits for a twist on the traditional recipe. Classic Yule Log Recipe These variations can make your cookies unique while still maintaining their classic charm.
What occasions are best for serving Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies?
Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies are perfect for various occasions, especially holiday celebrations like Christmas and New Year’s. They also make excellent treats for coffee breaks or afternoon tea gatherings with friends and family. Their delicate nature makes them ideal for gifting during special events or as part of a dessert platter at parties. No matter the occasion, these cookies always bring warmth and joy to the table.
Conclusion for Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies :
In summary, Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies offer a delightful taste of tradition with every bite. Their buttery flavor combined with a light dusting of powdered sugar makes them irresistible snacks for any gathering. Easy to make and customizable, these cookies can suit various preferences while remaining true to their roots. Whether served at festive events or enjoyed on a quiet afternoon, they bring comfort and joy to everyone who tastes them.
Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Mom’s Russian Tea Cookies are delightful, buttery treats that evoke warm memories of family gatherings. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor from chopped nuts, all beautifully dusted with powdered sugar. These cookies are not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or festive celebrations. Indulge in these nostalgic delights that promise comfort and joy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and chopped nuts. Gradually add this mixture to the butter-sugar blend until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spaced two inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Dust with additional powdered sugar while still warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Russian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
