Russian Tea Cakes
- MAKES
- 3 dozen
- COOK TIME
- 20 Min
Tea cookies seem to have origins from many different countries, but we're going with the recipe that dates back to 18th century Russia. No matter where they originated, we know no one can resist the buttery, nutty recipe we're calling Russian Tea Cakes!
What You'll Need
- 2 sticks butter, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
What to Do
-
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
-
In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and water; beat well. With a spoon, stir in flour and pecans. Shape into 1-inch balls and place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
-
Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until bottoms of cookies are light golden. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
- Place confectioners' sugar in a resealable plastic storage bag; add a few cookies at a time and shake until completely coated. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Note
-
These are perfect to make and keep on hand for drop-in company, since they'll stay fresh for a couple of weeks if stored in an airtight container.
- And when you put these out, be sure to serve them with steaming mugs of our Viennese Coffee!
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inthegarden
Feb 20, 2019
This is one of my favorite Christmas cookies or otherwise, like misklasiq I would eat them all. I also have never added water and I've always baked them at 300 degrees for about 30 mins. Does the higher temp for less time make for a better texture?
misklasiq 4019958
Oct 03, 2015
Have been making these cookies for almost 50 years!!! Melt in your mouth goodness!! My Mom, and Nana made these cookies as well! I also don't add the water. Same as mmccurine 1801095 I make these every year for Christmas and give them away as gifts, with other cookies. I only make them at Christmas time, otherwise I would eat them until they are gone!
mmccurine 1801095
Oct 03, 2015
I've been making these cookies for years and years, every Christmas I give them as gifts and mail them to family and friends. Everyone loves them and wishes I would send more.My recipe is a litle different, I don't add the water. They are the best.
reimerosa 9915225
Apr 15, 2015
could splenda powdered sugar be used?
Test Kitchen Team
Apr 16, 2015
Hi there! - While we haven't tested this recipe using Splenda powdered sugar, we believe it can be a substitute for the granulated sugar in the cookie. However, we're not sure how well it would work with rolling the cookie in it after baking. If you do decide to give it a try, we'd love to know how it turns out!
mbeaulieu4041 3198 396
Dec 22, 2014
I have been making these cookies for 40 years. They are absolutely the best, no matter what the name is. They are the most requested cookie by my children and my grandchildren at Christmas. The recipe needs no alterations!
jobrant 6641549
Sep 27, 2014
these are delicious.wedding cookies can not come near this cake.they are good as is.I don't see any changes needed.
grannyblu
Feb 16, 2014
..Russians use walnuts in their baking not pecans Walnuts give a very special taste to these cookies My Grandmother who is from Poland also uses 1/2 cup powdered sugar in her cookies let cookies cool slightly but still warm then roll in powdered sugar roll again when cool
gp1941 1844006
Dec 23, 2011
This recipe calls for 1/3 can granulated sugar......should it be 1/3 Cup?
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