Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes)

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. 2 In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
3. 3 Mix in vanilla extract.
4. 4 Gradually add flour and mix until dough comes together.
5. 5 Stir in nuts until evenly distributed.
6. 6 Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place onto prepared baking sheets.
7. 7 Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are just set.
8. 8 While warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar to coat.
9. 9 Let cool, then roll again in powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition

Tips

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it's too soft to handle.
• For extra festive sparkle, use sanding sugar instead of powdered sugar.
• Store in an airtight container to keep cookies fresh.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Re-roll in powdered sugar if needed before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
• Package them up beautifully for holiday gifts.

FAQ