Russian Tea Cakes

Name: Russian Tea Cakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 2 1/4 cups (285g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon fine salt; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Confectioners' sugar, for dusting; Chopped nuts, for garnish; 1/4 cup (30g) granulated sugar, for rolling

By Kaia Jardine · June 19, 2026 · Cookies

Prep20 min

Cook12 min

Total45 min

Serves24

Russian Tea Cakes are a classic dessert that I've always loved, and I'm excited to share my recipe with you. These buttery, crumbly, and sweet cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday party or just a cozy night in. I remember making them with my family when I was a kid, and now I love making them for my own friends and family.

One of the things I love about Russian Tea Cakes is how easy they are to make. The ingredients are simple, and the process is straightforward. But despite their simplicity, these cookies are incredibly delicious and impressive. They're perfect for a potluck or a gift for a friend, and they're also great for a special treat any time of the year.

I've perfected my Russian Tea Cakes recipe over the years, and I'm excited to share it with you. I've included all the tips and tricks I've learned along the way, so you can make these delicious cookies with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Russian Tea Cakes are a great choice for anyone who loves sweet treats but doesn't want to spend all day in the kitchen. They're quick to make, and they're perfect for a weeknight dessert or a special occasion. And the best part is, they're incredibly versatile - you can customize them with different flavors and toppings to suit your taste.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make classic Russian Tea Cakes, with a buttery and crumbly texture and a sweet and nutty flavor. I'll also give you some tips and variations, so you can try different flavors and toppings to suit your taste. So let's get started, and make some delicious Russian Tea Cakes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Russian Tea Cakes are easy to make and require minimal ingredients
They're perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday party or just a cozy night in
They're incredibly delicious and impressive, with a buttery and crumbly texture and a sweet and nutty flavor
They're versatile and can be customized with different flavors and toppings to suit your taste
They're a great choice for anyone who loves sweet treats but doesn't want to spend all day in the kitchen
They're perfect for a weeknight dessert or a special occasion

Why This Recipe Works

Russian Tea Cakes work because of the combination of butter, sugar, and flour. The butter and sugar give the cookies a rich and sweet flavor, while the flour provides structure and texture. The key to making great Russian Tea Cakes is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overmix the dough. This will help the cookies to retain their delicate texture and flavor.

Another important factor in making great Russian Tea Cakes is the temperature and baking time. The cookies need to be baked at a moderate temperature, so they cook evenly and don't burn. They also need to be baked for the right amount of time, so they're crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

Finally, the type of flour used is also important. All-purpose flour is the best choice for Russian Tea Cakes, as it provides the right amount of structure and texture. Bread flour or cake flour can also be used, but they will give the cookies a slightly different flavor and texture.

By following these tips and using high-quality ingredients, you can make delicious Russian Tea Cakes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Russian Tea Cakes, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including butter, sugar, flour, and nuts. The quality of these ingredients is important, as it will affect the flavor and texture of the cookies. Look for high-quality butter and sugar, and use all-purpose flour for the best results.

You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as baking powder and salt. Make sure to use fresh ingredients and to follow the recipe carefully, as this will help the cookies to turn out right.

1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softenedThe butter should be softened to room temperature, so it's easy to mix with the other ingredients. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugarThe sugar should be granulated, as this will help the cookies to bake evenly and give them a smooth texture. Use white sugar for the best results.
2 1/4 cups (285g) all-purpose flourThe flour should be all-purpose, as this will give the cookies the right amount of structure and texture. Use fresh flour for the best results.
1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnutsThe walnuts should be chopped, so they're evenly distributed throughout the dough. Use fresh walnuts for the best flavor.
1/4 teaspoon baking powderThe baking powder should be fresh, as this will help the cookies to rise and give them a light texture.
1/4 teaspoon fine saltThe salt should be fine, as this will help to balance the sweetness of the cookies. Use a high-quality salt for the best flavor.
1 large eggThe egg should be large, as this will help to bind the ingredients together and give the cookies a rich flavor. Use a fresh egg for the best results.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extractThe vanilla extract should be pure, as this will give the cookies a rich and creamy flavor. Use a high-quality extract for the best results.
Confectioners' sugar, for dustingThe confectioners' sugar should be used to dust the cookies, as this will give them a sweet and elegant finish. Use a high-quality sugar for the best results.
Chopped nuts, for garnishThe chopped nuts should be used to garnish the cookies, as this will give them a nice texture and flavor. Use fresh nuts for the best results.
1/4 cup (30g) granulated sugar, for rollingThe granulated sugar should be used to roll the cookies, as this will give them a sweet and crunchy coating. Use white sugar for the best results.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlHand mixer or stand mixerMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskRubber spatulaBaking sheet lined with parchment paperInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Russian Tea Cakes

1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set it aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the bowl, and mix until just combined.
4
Stir in the chopped walnuts and vanilla extract.
5
Roll the dough into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Then, roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
6
Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of space between each cookie.
7
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they're lightly golden brown on the bottom and set on top.
8
Remove the cookies from the oven, and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
9
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
10
Once the cookies are cool, dust them with confectioners' sugar and garnish with chopped nuts, if desired.
11
Serve the cookies warm, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, as this will affect the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Don't overmix the dough, as this will make the cookies tough.
Use the right amount of sugar, as this will help the cookies to bake evenly and give them a smooth texture.
Don't overbake the cookies, as this will make them dry and crumbly.
Let the cookies cool completely before storing them, as this will help them to retain their texture and flavor.
Experiment with different flavors and toppings, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, to make the cookies your own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Overmixing the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
Using too much sugar, which can make the cookies overly sweet.
Overbaking the cookies, which can make them dry and crumbly.
Not letting the cookies cool completely before storing them, which can cause them to become soggy or stale.
Not using the right type of flour, which can affect the texture and flavor of the cookies.

Variations and Substitutions

Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spicy flavor.
Use different types of nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a different flavor and texture.
Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet and indulgent treat.
Use dried fruit, such as cranberries or cherries, for a sweet and fruity flavor.
Make the cookies into different shapes, such as balls or logs, for a fun and creative presentation.
Use a different type of sugar, such as brown sugar or turbinado sugar, for a different flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Russian Tea Cakes

Russian Tea Cakes are perfect for serving at any time of day. They're great with a cup of coffee or tea in the morning, or as a sweet treat in the afternoon. You can also serve them as a dessert after dinner, or as a snack at a party.

Some other ideas for serving Russian Tea Cakes include dusting them with powdered sugar, or serving them with a side of chocolate sauce or whipped cream. You can also try pairing them with a glass of cold milk, or a cup of hot cocoa.

Serve Russian Tea Cakes with a cup of coffee or teaDust the cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet and elegant finishServe the cookies with a side of chocolate sauce or whipped creamPair the cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoaTry serving the cookies with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Russian Tea Cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months, and thawed at room temperature when you're ready to serve them.

To freeze the cookies, simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and put the sheet in the freezer. Once the cookies are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, and store them in the freezer.

To thaw the cookies, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours, or thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. You can also try microwaving them for a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat them.

It's also a good idea to label the container or bag with the date and the contents, so you can keep track of how long they've been stored. This will help you to ensure that the cookies are fresh and delicious when you serve them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of flour to use for Russian Tea Cakes?

The best type of flour to use for Russian Tea Cakes is all-purpose flour. This type of flour provides the right amount of structure and texture for the cookies, and will help them to bake evenly and have a smooth texture.

Can I use a different type of sugar for Russian Tea Cakes?

Yes, you can use a different type of sugar for Russian Tea Cakes. However, keep in mind that different types of sugar can affect the flavor and texture of the cookies. For example, brown sugar will give the cookies a richer and more caramel-like flavor, while turbinado sugar will give them a slightly crunchy texture.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when they're lightly golden brown on the bottom and set on top. You can also check them by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cookie - if it comes out clean, the cookies are done.

Can I freeze Russian Tea Cakes?

Yes, you can freeze Russian Tea Cakes. Simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, and put the sheet in the freezer. Once the cookies are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How do I thaw frozen Russian Tea Cakes?

To thaw frozen Russian Tea Cakes, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours, or thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. You can also try microwaving them for a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat them.

Can I make Russian Tea Cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Russian Tea Cakes ahead of time. Simply bake the cookies and let them cool, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, and thaw them when you're ready to serve them.

What is the best way to store Russian Tea Cakes?

The best way to store Russian Tea Cakes is in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help to keep the cookies fresh and prevent them from becoming stale or soggy.

Can I make Russian Tea Cakes in a different shape?

Yes, you can make Russian Tea Cakes in a different shape. Simply roll the dough into the desired shape, and bake the cookies as directed. Keep in mind that different shapes may affect the baking time, so be sure to check the cookies frequently to avoid overbaking.

The Full Recipe

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