Print

Russian Tea Balls

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Russian Tea Balls are a classic, melt-in-your-mouth holiday treat with a rich, buttery texture and a sweet powdered sugar coating. These crumbly cookies are simple to make, gluten-free with a soft center, and perfect for Christmas celebrations or cozy afternoons with tea or coffee. With just a few ingredients, these cookies quickly become a favorite, offering both tradition and indulgence with every bite.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

  • Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

  • Gradually add the flour, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough will be soft but should hold together.

  • Scoop out small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the bottom.

  • Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

  • While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat them thoroughly.

  • Allow them to cool completely and then roll them in powdered sugar again for a perfect finish.

  • Enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee!

Notes

If desired, add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a nutty twist.

For a spiced version, roll the cookies in cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar.

Experiment with almond or hazelnut extract for a unique flavor.