Oh friend… just looking at these snowy little cookies takes me straight back to my mama’s kitchen. She’s been making these Russian Tea Balls for as long as I can remember — the powdered sugar everywhere, the warm buttery smell drifting through the house, and that first tender bite that practically melts before you even chew.
These delicate, nutty, powdered sugar–coated cookies are simple, humble, and absolutely magical. If you grew up calling them Mexican Wedding Cookies, Snowball Cookies, or Butterballs — you already know the joy.
Thank you for being here and baking along with me. If you love nostalgic, family-style recipes like this, be sure to subscribe so you never miss a cozy classic.
Overview of Russian Tea Balls
Russian Tea Balls are:
- Buttery, tender, and crumbly
- Packed with finely chopped nuts
- Rolled generously in powdered sugar
- Perfect for holidays and cookie trays
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
They’re especially popular during Christmas, but in my kitchen? We make them whenever we need something comforting and old-fashioned.
What They Taste Like
They are delicate and buttery with a soft nutty crunch. The powdered sugar coating gives them that sweet, melt-away finish that feels like biting into a cloud of sweetness.
Ingredients (Full & Complete)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (for the dough)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (90g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts
For Rolling
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for coating after baking)
Tools Needed
How to Make Russian Tea Balls
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins — pale, creamy, and silky smooth.
Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in flour and salt. Stir in finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
The dough will be soft but not sticky.
Step 4: Shape
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden but tops remain pale.
Do not overbake — they should stay light in color.
Step 6: First Sugar Roll
Let cookies cool slightly (about 5 minutes), then gently roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
Step 7: Second Sugar Roll
Once fully cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for that thick snowy coating.
What to Serve with Russian Tea Balls
- Hot tea (of course!)
- Strong coffee
- Hot cocoa
- Holiday dessert platters
- Gift tins for neighbors
Tips for Perfect Russian Tea Balls
- Use room temperature butter for smooth creaming.
- Finely chop nuts — large pieces will affect texture.
- Don’t overbake — they should not brown much.
- Double roll in powdered sugar for the classic snowy look.
- Store with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Storage Instructions
- Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months.
- Freeze baked cookies (without sugar coating) and roll in sugar after thawing.
General Information
Despite the name, Russian Tea Balls are believed to have Eastern European roots and became popular in American holiday baking traditions.
They are known by many names:
- Snowball Cookies
- Mexican Wedding Cookies
- Butterballs
But no matter the name — they always taste like home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use almonds instead of pecans?
Yes! Finely chopped almonds work beautifully.
Why are my cookies dry?
Too much flour or overbaking can cause dryness.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I add almond extract?
Yes — replace 1 teaspoon vanilla with almond extract for variation.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approximate, makes 24)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 40mg |
Interactive Moment
If you bake these Russian Tea Balls, I’d love to see your snowy creations!
Share your photos on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Leave a comment and tell me — did your mom or grandma make these too?
Print
Russian Tea Balls (Buttery, Melt-In-Your-Mouth Holiday Classics)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Russian Tea Balls made with butter, powdered sugar, and finely chopped nuts. These melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies are perfect for holidays.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet.
2. Cream butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
3. Mix in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add flour and salt.
5. Stir in chopped nuts.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
7. Bake 12–15 minutes until bottoms lightly golden.
8. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
9. Roll again after fully cooled.
Notes
Do not overbake.
Double roll in powdered sugar for best coating.
Store in airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Table of Contents
Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
Let’s be friends!
