❄️🍪 Buttery Russian Tea Balls – Classic Holiday Cookies

Also known as Snowball Cookies, Mexican Wedding Cookies, or Butterballs, these classic holiday treats are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies made with buttery dough, finely chopped nuts, and a generous coating of powdered sugar. They’re a Christmas cookie favorite and perfect for gifting, cookie trays, and cozy winter gatherings.

⏱️ Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour
• Servings: 30–36 cookies

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🛒 Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1½ cups powdered sugar (for coating)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and creamy.
2. Add vanilla extract and mix.
3. Gradually add flour and salt.
4. Fold in chopped nuts until evenly combined.

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2. Chill the Dough

• Cover dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• This helps the cookies hold their round shape while baking.

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3. Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
4. Place on baking sheets about 1 inch apart.

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4. Bake

• Bake for 12–15 minutes.
• Cookies should be set but not browned.
• Let cool for 5 minutes.

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5. Coat with Sugar

1. While still warm, gently roll cookies in powdered sugar.
2. Allow to cool completely.
3. Roll again in powdered sugar for that classic snowy finish.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

Perfect for:

• 🎄 Christmas cookie trays
• 🎁 Holiday gift boxes
• ☕ Coffee and tea parties
• ❄️ Winter desserts
• Family gatherings

Serve alongside:

• Hot cocoa
• Coffee
• Chai tea
• Vanilla ice cream

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💡 Tips for Perfect Russian Tea Balls

• Use finely chopped nuts for the best texture.
• Toast pecans or walnuts first for deeper flavor.
• Don’t overbake—these cookies should stay tender and buttery.
• The second powdered sugar coating gives the traditional “snowball” look.
• Add lemon zest, orange zest, or almond extract for a flavor twist.

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🎄 Variations

🍫 Chocolate Snowballs

Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and extra chocolate chips.

🍒 Cherry Almond Snowballs

Add chopped dried cherries and almond extract.

🥥 Coconut Snowballs

Replace some nuts with shredded coconut.

🌰 Hazelnut Snowballs

Use toasted hazelnuts instead of pecans.

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🧊 Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for about 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months; dust with fresh powdered sugar after thawing.

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🍴 Approximate Nutrition (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 110
• Protein: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 45 mg

Buttery Russian Tea Balls are a timeless holiday classic—crumbly, nutty, buttery, and covered in a snowy layer of powdered sugar that makes every bite feel festive. ❄️🍪✨