Russian Tea Balls: A Buttery, Snow-Dusted Classic Cookie
Russian Tea Balls are one of those timeless cookies that quietly steal the show. Delicate, crumbly, and rich with buttery flavor, these little rounds are rolled in powdered sugar until they look like soft snowballs. You may also hear them called Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies, but whatever the name, their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them unforgettable.
Below is a detailed, step-by-step method to make Russian Tea Balls at home, along with helpful tips to ensure perfect results every time.
What Makes Russian Tea Balls Special?
Unlike chewy or crisp cookies, Russian Tea Balls are all about tenderness. They contain no eggs, which gives them their signature shortbread-like crumb. Finely chopped nuts—usually walnuts or pecans—add a gentle crunch and deep flavor, while powdered sugar provides sweetness without heaviness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- Powdered (confectioners’) sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- A pinch of salt
Simple ingredients, but when combined correctly, they create something magical.
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by placing the softened butter in a mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and beat until the mixture becomes smooth, pale, and fluffy. This step is important because it traps air in the dough, giving the cookies their light texture.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. These small additions enhance the buttery flavor and balance the sweetness.
Step 3: Incorporate the Nuts
Stir in the finely chopped nuts. Make sure they are chopped very small so they blend evenly into the dough and don’t overpower the delicate texture.
Step 4: Add the Flour Gradually
Add the flour a little at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stop as soon as the flour is fully incorporated. The dough should be soft but not sticky—overmixing can make the cookies dense.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Take small portions of dough and roll them between your palms to form smooth balls, about the size of a walnut. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space between each one.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven until the bottoms are just lightly golden. The tops should remain pale—this ensures the cookies stay tender rather than crunchy.
Step 7: First Sugar Coating
Let the cookies cool slightly, just until they are warm but not hot. Gently roll them in powdered sugar, coating each one completely. The warmth helps the sugar cling to the surface.
Step 8: Final Snowy Finish
Once the cookies have cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar a second time. This creates the classic thick, snowy coating that Russian Tea Balls are known for.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use softened butter, not melted, to maintain the right dough texture.
- Chop nuts finely for a smoother, more delicate bite.
- Don’t overbake—a pale cookie is the goal.
- Double-coat with sugar for the most authentic look and taste.
How to Serve and Store
Russian Tea Balls are perfect with hot tea or coffee, making them ideal for holidays, special gatherings, or simple afternoon treats. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh and tender for several days.
Final Thoughts
Russian Tea Balls are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly elegant. Their buttery crumb, gentle nuttiness, and sweet powdered sugar finish make them a cookie that never goes out of style. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking collection. 
