Russian Tea Cakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (120g) finely ground almonds 1 cup (120g) finely ground almonds

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 90 kcal / 377 KJ
• Fat: 6g (3.5g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 8g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Salt: 0.05g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. 6.
   Stir in the finely ground almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. 7.
   Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. 8.
   Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden.
9. 9.
   Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
10. 10.
    Once completely cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a snowy appearance.
11. 11.
    Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the powdered sugar.
• Powdered sugar — Sift the powdered sugar before using to ensure a smooth texture in the cookies.
• Almonds — For a more intense flavor, toast the almonds lightly before grinding them.

Tips & Tricks

• For a festive touch, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the dough.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely before rolling them in powdered sugar for a better coating.
• Store the Russian Tea Cakes in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
• These cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to a month.
• Experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, for a unique twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Russian Tea Cakes on a decorative platter or in a cookie tin. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the powdered sugar-coated Russian Tea Cakes in a pyramid shape on a serving plate for an elegant presentation. Dust some additional powdered sugar on top for a snowy effect.