Here’s the perfect traditional recipe 👇
🍪 Russian Tea Balls (Snowball Cookies)
Ingredients (makes about 30 cookies)
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ tsp salt
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¾ cup finely chopped nuts (traditionally walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven
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Set to 375°F (190°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the dough
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In a large bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until light and creamy.
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Stir in flour, salt, and chopped nuts.
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Mix until a soft dough forms — it should come together but not be sticky.
3. Shape
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Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just barely golden (tops should stay pale).
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Don’t overbake — that’s how they stay melt-in-your-mouth soft!
5. Coat in sugar
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While still warm, roll cookies gently in powdered sugar.
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Cool completely on a wire rack.
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Once cooled, roll them a second time in powdered sugar for that perfect snowy finish.
💡 Tips
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Finely chop or pulse the nuts in a food processor for a tender texture.
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Store in an airtight container — they actually taste better the next day!
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Freeze up to 2 months (they thaw beautifully).
🎁 Flavor Twists
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Add ½ tsp almond extract for a nutty aroma.
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Use hazelnuts and roll in cocoa powder for a “Nutella” version.
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Add a touch of cinnamon to the sugar coating for a warm holiday flavor.
Would you like me to give you a chocolate version (Cocoa Snowballs) or a lemon vanilla snowball twist next?
