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Russian Tea Balls

Russian Tea Balls recipe image
Russian Tea Balls are a classic holiday favorite known for their intense chocolate flavor and snowy, sweet appearance. These dense, fudgy cookies are made with a combination of cocoa powder, butter, and nuts, creating a rich texture that melts in your mouth. The dough is rolled into small balls, baked until firm, and then tossed in powdered sugar while still warm for a delicate coating. They are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot tea. Simple to prepare and requiring no chilling time, these treats are a nostalgic delight that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4
Calories: 430.2
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
Russian Tea Balls are a classic holiday favorite known for their intense chocolate flavor and snowy, sweet appearance. These dense, fudgy cookies are made with a combination of cocoa powder, butter, and nuts, creating a rich texture that melts in your mouth. The dough is rolled into small balls, baked until firm, and then tossed in powdered sugar while still warm for a delicate coating. They are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot tea. Simple to prepare and requiring no chilling time, these treats are a nostalgic delight that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups confectioners sugar
  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
  1. 1
    Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375 degrees F (191&# 194;°C).
  2. 2
    In a large bowl, combine the softened butter with 1/2 cup of the confectioners sugar.
  3. 3
    Beat with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 1 minute.
  4. 4
    Stir in the vanilla, flour, salt, and chopped walnuts to form a stiff dough.
  5. 5
    Using about 2 teaspoons of dough for each cookie, shape half the dough by rolling between your hands to form small balls.
  6. 6
    Place balls about 1 1/2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
  7. 7
    Bake for about 12 minutes, until just pale golden on the bottom and firm to the touch.
  8. 8
    Meanwhile, sift 1/2 cup of the remaining confectioners sugar into a shallow pan or bowl.
  9. 9
    As soon as cookies are removed from the oven, use a spatula to transfer them to the sugar.
  10. 10
    Toss the warm cookies gently to coat them completely in sugar.
  11. 11
    Let the cookies cool completely in the sugar.
  12. 12
    Once cool, sift 1/4 cup more sugar over them for a final coating.
  13. 13
    Repeat the process with the remaining dough, using a cooled baking sheet and the remaining sugar for coating.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 430.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 48.6g75%
Saturated Fat 30.6g153%
Cholesterol 129.0mg43%
Sodium 1.2mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 0.1g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.1g
Protein 0.5g1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.

The cookies will be soft when first removed from the oven; handle with care until cooled and coated.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.

For a chocolate variation, add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.

Keywords: chocolate, cookies, holiday, christmas, nuts, walnuts, powdered sugar, confectioners sugar, buttery, rich, dessert, tea time, classic, easy, no chill
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/russian-tea-balls/