Russian Tea Balls Recipe: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treats

Russian tea balls, dusted in powdered sugar, look like little snow-dusted gems perfect for the holiday season.

These delicate cookies crumble gently at first bite, melting away to reveal a nutty richness that feels both simple and satisfying.

Butter and finely chopped pecans give them their signature texture—soft, tender, and full of flavor.

As they bake, the kitchen fills with the inviting aroma of toasted nuts and buttery sweetness, creating a sense of warmth on chilly days.

Though they require only a handful of ingredients, the result is a cookie that feels timeless and endlessly shareable.

Whether served with tea, added to a holiday cookie tray, or enjoyed by the fire, these classic treats never lose their charm.

Russian Tea Balls That Melt In Your Mouth

• Quick to Create: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these Russian tea balls a breeze to prepare for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Delicate, nutty cookies that melt in your mouth, perfect for sharing with family and friends during gatherings or quiet moments.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Adaptable recipe that works wonderfully as a festive holiday treat, afternoon snack, or elegant addition to any dessert spread.
• Sensory Experience: Soft, powdery texture combined with rich buttery flavor and crunch of nuts creates a memorable taste sensation that tantalizes multiple senses.

Ingredients Needed to Prepare Russian Tea Balls

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides a smooth texture and delicious flavor to the cookies.
• Flour: The structural foundation that gives the Russian tea balls their classic crumbly consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: A sweet coating that adds a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness to the cookies.

• Walnuts, Pecans: Crunchy nuts that bring a delightful nutty flavor and interesting texture to the cookie.

• Vanilla Extract, Salt: Essential ingredients that balance and amplify the overall taste of the Russian tea balls.

How to Make Russian Tea Balls Step-by-Step

Tips to Perfect Russian Tea Balls Every Time

• Select high-quality butter for a rich, creamy texture that enhances the cookie’s delicate flavor.
• Chop nuts finely to distribute them evenly throughout the dough, ensuring a consistent crunch in every bite.
• Cool cookies briefly before first sugar coating to help the powdered sugar adhere better and create a smooth, delicate layer.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal without breaking delicate edges.
• Watch baking time carefully, as these cookies can quickly go from golden to overdone, affecting their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Variations to Refresh Russian Tea Balls

• Gluten-Free Tea Balls: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Nutless Wonder: Swap chopped walnuts with toasted sesame seeds or shredded coconut for those with nut allergies.
• Chocolate Chip Crunch: Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet chocolate variation with a delightful texture.
• Spiced Snowball: Add ground cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor profile that complements the traditional recipe.

Pairings That Complement Russian Tea Balls

• Creamy, spiced chai complements the nutty, buttery cookies with its rich, aromatic profile that echoes the warmth of the tea balls.
• Traditional Russian black tea creates a harmonious match, cutting through the cookie’s sweetness while highlighting its delicate texture.
• This smooth, nutty liqueur mirrors the walnut notes in the cookies, offering a sophisticated adult pairing that elevates the dessert experience.
• Caffeine-free and smooth, this herbal tea provides a gentle backdrop that allows the cookie’s subtle flavors to shine without overwhelming the palate.

Storage Advice to Keep Russian Tea Balls Fresh

• Store cooled Russian tea balls in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing crumbling.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers, preserving texture and taste for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Reheat briefly in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore slight crispness, being careful not to overbake and dry out the delicate cookies.

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Russian Tea Balls Recipe

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• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful russian tea balls showcase a powdery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that delights winter gatherings. Nutty Mexican wedding cookies inspire this classic sweet treat with delicate confectioners’ sugar coating.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for the delicate Russian tea balls.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the butter and initial powdered sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency, then gently incorporate the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually introduce flour and salt into the butter blend, stirring methodically until a uniform dough forms. Carefully fold the chopped nuts throughout the mixture.
4. Craft small, uniform spheres approximately 1-inch in diameter, positioning each gently on the prepared baking sheet with precise spacing.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for subtle golden edges that indicate perfect doneness.
6. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to rest momentarily on the baking sheet, preserving their delicate structure.
7. While still warm, delicately roll each cookie in powdered sugar, ensuring complete coverage with a gentle coating.
8. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, then perform a second powdered sugar dusting for an elegant, snowlike finish.
9. Serve these tender morsels alongside a steaming cup of tea, savoring their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle nutty undertones.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter for smoother, easier mixing and better cookie texture.
• Chop nuts finely to ensure even distribution and prevent crumbling during baking.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• Roll cookies in powdered sugar while warm for better sugar adhesion and a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth coating.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
• Substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans for different flavor variations.
• Make gluten-free by using almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.
• Reduce sugar content by using a sugar substitute or cutting the powdered sugar quantity in half.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 22 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg