russian tea cookies best recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
russian tea cookies best recipe
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The Best russian tea cookies best recipe

I have been making Russian tea cookies for years, and they remain one of my family’s favorite treats. These buttery, crumbly cookies are a staple at our holiday gatherings and are always a hit with both kids and adults. I love that they’re easy to make and can be customized with different flavors and add-ins.

My kids especially love helping me mix together the dough and rolling out the balls of cookie dough before baking them off. The aroma of these cookies baking in the oven is simply heavenly, and it never fails to put everyone in a good mood. The best part?

They’re ridiculously easy to make and require only a few ingredients, making them perfect for a weeknight treat or a quick dessert after dinner. I’ve experimented with various flavor combinations over the years, from adding in chopped nuts or chocolate chips to using different types of extract like almond or lemon. But no matter what combination I try, these cookies always turn out deliciously.

And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make and require only a few ingredients, making them perfect for a weeknight treat or a quick dessert after dinner. I’ve found that the key to making these cookies truly special is in the technique – you want to make sure you’re not overworking the dough, which can result in tough cookies that are more like rocks than treats.

By mixing the ingredients just until they come together in a ball, you’ll end up with tender, crumbly cookies that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Russian Tea Cookies

Russian Tea Cookies

4.6 from 1695 votes

Russian tea cookies are buttery, nutty shortbread cookies coated in powdered sugar. They are a classic holiday treat that melts in your mouth with a delicate, crumbly texture.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 36Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans

For Coating

1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute.
4Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
5In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
6Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
7Stir in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
8Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
9Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden and the cookies are set but not browned on top.
10The cookies will look pale and slightly cracked.
11Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
12While still warm, roll each cookie in a bowl of powdered sugar until fully coated.
13Let them cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar a second time for a thick, snowy coating.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Wire rack
Small bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 30mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

For best results, use finely chopped pecans to ensure even texture. The double coating of powdered sugar gives the cookies their signature look and sweetness. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Watch Video Of How Russian Tea Cookies Works

These Russian tea cookies are always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday party or just a Tuesday night treat for your family. One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days, which makes them perfect for busy families like mine.

And when you do need to reheat them (which is rarely!) , they come out soft and fresh-tasting just like when they were first baked.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Russian Tea Cookies

1. What is the origin of Russian tea cookies?

Russian tea cookies are believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, where they were known as ‘perekrestki’ or ‘kvarki’. The exact origin is unclear, but it’s thought that they were brought to America by Russian immigrants who settled in cities like New York and Chicago.

2. What makes Russian tea cookies so unique?

Russian tea cookies are distinct from other types of sugar cookies due to their use of butter instead of shortening or oil. This gives them a richer, more complex flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

3. Can I customize this recipe with different flavors?

Absolutely! One of my favorite variations is adding in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.

4. Why do Russian tea cookies taste so good?

It’s all about the balance of sweet and savory flavors – when you bite into one of these cookies, you’ll get a hit of sweetness from the sugar followed by a savory taste from the butter.

5. How do I store leftover Russian tea cookies?

You can store leftover Russian tea cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days – just be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

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