Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes) Recipe

There is something truly magical about the Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes) Recipe that makes them a timeless favorite during the holiday season. These delightful little bites are incredibly buttery and melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a gentle crunch from finely chopped pecans and a snowy blanket of powdered sugar that gives them their iconic look and irresistibly sweet finish. Whenever I bake these, I’m reminded of warm gatherings, cozy kitchens, and the wonderful aroma that fills the house, inviting everyone to share in a joyful holiday tradition.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes) Recipe is wonderfully simple, yet each component plays an essential role in creating those perfectly tender, crumbly cookies. The combination of butter, nuts, and powdered sugar is what gives these treats their luscious flavor, delightful texture, and festive appearance.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture without any added saltiness.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough smoothly and works twice for coating, creating that beautiful snowy finish.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the buttery goodness perfectly.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together while keeping the cookies tender.
• ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavors.
• ¾ cup finely chopped pecans: Offers a toasty crunch and nutty richness essential to the traditional cookie flavor.

How to Make Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes) Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your dough is. This step sets the stage for baking the cookies evenly and helping them develop that perfect delicate texture without browning too much.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This creaming step is crucial because it incorporates air, which helps the cookies become tender and crumbly rather than dense.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Dry Ingredients

Next, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with that unmistakable warm aroma. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely chopped pecans. Mixing these gently ensures the dough holds together but stays soft enough to roll without becoming tough.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small, even balls about 1 inch in diameter. Rolling the dough into uniform balls helps them bake consistently, resulting in the perfect texture that crumbles delightfully with every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your dough balls on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving just enough space for them to hold their shape. Bake in the preheated oven for 13–15 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. They should be set without turning golden brown — that pale color is part of their charm!

Step 6: The Double Sugar Coating

Immediately after baking, while the cookies are still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar. Let them cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar again for that classic snowball appearance. This double coating gives them their signature sweet, snowy look and irresistible sugary crust.

How to Serve Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes) Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are stunning in their simplicity, you can elevate presentation by serving them alongside a light dusting of additional powdered sugar on a festive plate or a sprinkle of edible glitter for extra holiday sparkle. A sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick nearby adds a lovely touch of color and aroma.

Side Dishes

Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes) Recipe pairs beautifully with hot beverages like spiced tea, rich coffee, or creamy hot chocolate. The warm drinks perfectly complement the crumbly, buttery sweetness of the cookies, making for a cozy treat that’s hard to resist during cold winter evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider arranging these snowball cookies in a festive jar layered with red and green tissue paper or nestled in small holiday gift boxes tied with ribbons. You could also stack them in a pyramid on a decorative plate or serve them alongside fresh cranberries and orange zest for a beautifully colorful holiday dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes) Recipe keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps retain their tender texture and prevents them from drying out, making them perfect for enjoying all season long or sharing with family and friends.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these delightful cookies ahead of time, you can freeze them either before or after baking. Store the dough balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready, thaw at room temperature gently.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes) Recipe, simply thaw them at room temperature. For that freshly baked sensation, you can warm them in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for 5 minutes, but be careful not to overheat, as these cookies are best savored tender and gently crumbly.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Walnuts and almonds are great substitutes and will provide their own unique crunch and flavor while maintaining the classic texture of these cookies.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

No need to refrigerate Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes) Recipe. They store best at room temperature in an airtight container to keep their soft, crumbly texture intact.

Why do the cookies stay pale rather than golden brown?

This recipe is designed for a tender, buttery texture that doesn’t rely on browning. Keeping them pale ensures they remain delicate and crumbly rather than crisp or dry.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.

How long do these cookies last once baked?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to one week, perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday celebrations.

Final Thoughts

If you are searching for a truly heartwarming, classic holiday treat, you really cannot go wrong with the Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes) Recipe. These cookies offer just the right balance of buttery richness, nutty crunch, and sugary sweetness that produces smiles with every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, gifting friends, or simply treating yourself, these snowball cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your festive baking traditions. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll want to revisit this recipe year after year!

Print