christmas

Nana’s Russian Tea Cakes

Posted by texasgirlcooks on

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Yield: About 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for first coating)
  • Additional powdered sugar (for second coating)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
  6. Fold in the chopped pecans (or walnuts). Stir in the cinnamon if using.
  7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
  9. Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes.
  10. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar.
  11. Once completely cool, roll them a second time in powdered sugar for their signature snowy finish.

From My Kitchen to Yours 🤍

These delicate little cookies have been a Christmas favorite for generations. Buttery, nutty, and covered in a blanket of powdered sugar, they’re the kind of treats that disappear quickly from every holiday cookie tray. They bring back memories of cookie tins on the kitchen counter, family gatherings, and Nana’s kitchen filled with warmth and love.

Nana’s Tip ❤️

The second roll in powdered sugar is the secret! It gives these cookies their beautiful snowy appearance and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth sweetness everyone remembers.

Delicious Add-Ins

  • Substitute walnuts for pecans.
  • Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for extra flavor.
  • Stir in finely grated orange zest.
  • Mix a pinch of cinnamon into the powdered sugar coating.
  • Drizzle with white chocolate for a festive twist.

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