As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a wonderland of festive treats, with the sweet aroma of baked goods wafting through the air. One bite of these Classic Christmas Cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes, transports me back to cherished childhood memories—sitting by the tree, warm cookies in hand, and the laughter of family surrounding me. With their delicate crumb and rich flavor, these cookies are not just a delightful addition to your dessert table; they are a true crowd-pleaser.
The beauty of Russian Tea Cakes lies in their simplicity. Made with buttery goodness, finely chopped toasted pecans, and that enchanting dusting of confectioners’ sugar, they come together effortlessly, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike. Plus, they’re a fantastic antidote to the fast food fatigue many of us face these days. Let’s dive into creating this timeless recipe that will not only fill your home with holiday cheer but also leave your loved ones reaching for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Classic Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes
- These Classic Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes are incredibly easy to make, perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the holidays.
- With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich buttery flavor, they are a delicious treat that will have everyone coming back for more.
- The versatility of this recipe means you can easily customize it with different nuts or flavorings to suit your taste.
- Plus, the stunning visual appeal of these snowy white cookies, dusted in confectioners' sugar, makes them a beautiful addition to any holiday spread.
Classic Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes Ingredients
Prepare to whisk away your holiday worries with these delightful little treats!
For the Dough
- Unsalted Butter – 1 cup, softened for a rich and creamy base.
- Confectioners’ Sugar – ½ cup, adds just the right sweetness to the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 ¼ cups, providing the perfect structure for our cookies.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon, enhancing the flavors of this Classic Christmas Cookies recipe.
- Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons, for that warm, inviting aroma.
- Finely Chopped Toasted Pecans – ¾ cup, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
For Coating
- Confectioners’ Sugar – 1 cup, for rolling the cookies after baking for a snowy finish.
How to Make Classic Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat to prevent the cookies from sticking while baking. This step ensures perfectly cooked cookies without the mess!
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Cream the softened butter and ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This stage is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture we adore!
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Mix in the vanilla extract, and watch as the lovely aroma fills your kitchen. This adds a warm note that perfectly complements the buttery base.
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Add the all-purpose flour and salt gradually into the butter mixture. Stir just until a soft dough forms; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Stir in the finely chopped toasted pecans. These nutty bites bring an irresistible crunch and impart a delightful traditional flavor to your Classic Christmas Cookies.
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Shape the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls. Chill these little treasures in the refrigerator for 1 hour—this step helps them maintain their round shape during baking.
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Place the chilled dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, allowing 1–2 inches of space between them. This distance is key to ensuring they bake evenly without merging together!
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Bake for 7–10 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as you want them to be just set and soft in the center.
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Cool the cookies slightly on the baking sheet before rolling them in powdered sugar while they're still warm. This creates a lovely coating and a burst of sweetness!
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Let the cookies cool completely, then roll them again in the confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful snowy finish that everyone will love.
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Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature so you can enjoy them for days to come!
Optional: Dust with extra confectioners' sugar before serving for added flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Classic Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own with these delightful twists!
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Nut-Free: Substitute the pecans with an equal amount of sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative that still provides a lovely texture.
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Flavor Infusion: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty sweetness that adds depth to your cookies.
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Chocolate-Dipped: After rolling in powdered sugar, dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Spiced Up: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a hint of nutmeg to the flour for an extra layer of warmth that perfectly complements the holiday season.
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Coconut Bliss: Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut along with the pecans for a tropical flair that brings sunshine to your winter treats.
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Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy this traditional delight.
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Citrus Zest: Include 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest in the dough for a refreshing citrusy brightness that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
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Fruity Surprise: Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped dried fruit, like cranberries or apricots, to add a chewy, fruity element that pairs wonderfully with the rich buttery base.
What to Serve with Classic Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes?
As you prepare to savor these delightful morsels, let’s create a memorable holiday spread that complements their sweet, nutty charm.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: A creamy cup of hot chocolate enhances the cookies' textures and provides a cozy, warm pairing with every bite.
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Festive Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits like pomegranate and citrus brighten the dessert table, balancing the cookies' sweetness with a refreshing zing.
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Spiced Chai Tea: Aromatic chai tea, with its blend of spices, perfectly complements the buttery flavor of the cookies while adding warmth to your gathering.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a luscious contrast, making for an indulgent dessert experience that will leave you smiling.
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Mulled Wine: The rich, spiced flavors of mulled wine provide a sophisticated touch, enhancing the holiday vibe while perfectly pairing with the cookies' nutty undertones.
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Creamy Cheesecake Bites: Light and tangy cheesecake bites provide a delightful contrast, balancing the sweetness of the Russian Tea Cakes with every delectable morsel.
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Gingerbread Cookies: Incorporating gingerbread adds a classic holiday flair, highlighting festive flavors that harmonize beautifully with the snow-dusted treats.
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Almond Milk: Serving with a glass of almond milk complements the nutty essence of the cookies and offers a delightful dairy-free option.
How to Store and Freeze Classic Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes
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Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps their delicate texture intact and ensures they remain a delightful treat.
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Fridge: If you want to extend their shelf life, place the container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, gently reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This step revives that fresh-baked taste that's so comforting!
Make Ahead Options
These Classic Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks who love to meal prep! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to maintain their delightful texture. Simply shape the dough into balls and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. On bake day, just place the chilled dough balls on your baking sheet, and they’ll bake to perfection in no time! For optimal freshness, be sure to roll them in powdered sugar right after they come out of the oven. With these make-ahead tips, you'll have these delicious cookies ready with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones during the festive season!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Classic Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- A common mistake is overmixing the dough, so mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
- For a deeper flavor, consider toasting the pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty aroma in the final cookie.
- Baking them at 375°F for the right 7–10 minutes allows for that perfect golden bottom while keeping the centers soft.
Classic Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pecans for my Russian Tea Cakes?
Absolutely! Look for pecans that are fresh and free from dark spots or mold. Ideally, the nuts should have a firm texture and rich aroma. Additionally, to enhance their flavor, you can toast them lightly in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until they’re fragrant.
What’s the best way to store my Russian Tea Cakes for maximum freshness?
To maintain their delightful texture, store your Classic Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigeration will keep them fresh for up to a week—just let them come to room temperature before enjoying their melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Can I freeze Russian Tea Cakes? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they’re firm, which takes about 1 hour. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring they are layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, and you can thaw them at room temperature before serving to enjoy that freshly baked taste.
What should I do if my dough feels too crumbly?
Very often, a crumbly dough can be a result of dry ingredients or under-creamed butter. If you encounter this, try adding a teaspoon of milk or water to the mixture to help bind it together. Alternatively, make sure your butter is truly softened; better fully creamed butter can help create that smooth dough we love in our Classic Christmas Cookies.
Are there any allergy considerations I should be mindful of?
Definitely! If you’re baking for a group, it’s wise to check for nut allergies, as this recipe uses pecans. Consider substituting with sunflower seeds or a seed mixture for those who can't enjoy nuts. You may also ensure all baking ingredients, like confectioners’ sugar, are gluten-free if you're catering to gluten-sensitive guests.
Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?
The more the merrier! Feel free to swap pecans for any nut you adore, such as walnuts or almonds, keeping in mind that each type will provide its own unique flavor. Just remember to chop them finely and toast them if you wish for an extra nutty punch in your Classic Christmas Cookies.
Classic Christmas Cookies Russian Tea Cakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
- Cream the softened butter and ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add the all-purpose flour and salt gradually into the butter mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms.
- Stir in the finely chopped toasted pecans.
- Shape the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Place the chilled dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, allowing 1–2 inches of space between them.
- Bake for 7–10 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown.
- Cool the cookies slightly before rolling in powdered sugar while warm.
- Let the cookies cool completely, then roll again in confectioners’ sugar for a snowy finish.
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
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