Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Special equipment needed:
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy.
3. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating until just combined.
6. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
10. Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar until coated.
11. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again to ensure a thick coating.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
400°F
Serving size:
Makes approximately 36 cookies
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 25mg
Carbohydrates: 9g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but omit the additional salt.
- Pecans or almonds can be used instead of walnuts.
Variations:
- Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a spiced version.
- Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before beginning.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized cookies.
- Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice ensures a thick coating.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh them.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust with additional powdered sugar for a festive presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or additional powdered sugar on top of the cookies for a decorative touch.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a classic pairing.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies are perfect on their own, but can also be served with fresh fruit or a cheese plate.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk to bring it together.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before beginning. Store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Russian tea cakes, also known as Mexican wedding cookies or snowball cookies, are a traditional holiday cookie that originated in Europe in the 18th century.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies are buttery, nutty, and sweet with a delicate texture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies at holiday gatherings, tea parties, or as a sweet treat with afternoon coffee.
Related Categories
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Region: Russian
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Vanilla, Crumbly, Vanilla-Flavored