Mom's Russian Tea Cakes: The Classic Holiday Cookie You Need This Season

Every holiday season, Russian Tea Cakes were the crown jewel of my mom’s cookie plates. She lovingly baked them for all our closest friends and family, wrapping up these sweet little snowballs to share holiday cheer. Of course, I wasn’t always the best helper—I was more like the cookie thief, sneaking one (or fifteen) warm from the tray. Few things capture the magic of those moments like the buttery, nutty sweetness of Russian Tea Cakes.

Also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, these melt-in-your-mouth treats are dusted in a generous coating of powdered sugar, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you're baking for a party, packaging them up as a gift, or sneaking one with your morning coffee, these cookies are a holiday must-have.

Russian Tea Cakes vs. Mexican Wedding Cookies

Is there a difference? The answer is no—they're the same cookie! Different cultures adopted this recipe over the years, giving it unique names like polvorones or snowball cookies. While they share a universal love for the classic ingredients of butter, powdered sugar, and finely chopped nuts, you might find subtle variations depending on where you’re enjoying them. But rest assured, whatever you call them, they’re utterly delicious.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work best)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

  

Optional:

Before starting, consider toasting the nuts for added depth of flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Let them cool completely before chopping.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or spray with Pam.

   
   

2. In a large bowl or food processor, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla.

   
   

3. Gradually add flour, salt, and nuts to form a dough. It may seem crumbly at first but will come together as you mix and roll the cookies into balls.

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.

   
   

5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. Don’t overbake!

   
   

6. Allow cookies to cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Let them cool completely, then roll in sugar again for that signature snowball look.

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

   

   First powdered sugar coating

   

   Second powdered sugar coating

   
   

Storing and Shelf Life

Russian Tea Cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’re planning ahead for the holiday rush, they can also be stored in the refrigerator for two weeks. Just bring them to room temperature before serving to fully enjoy their delicate texture.

Freezing the Dough

Want to get ahead of your holiday baking? Russian Tea Cake dough freezes beautifully. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen dough balls into a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

A Sweet Holiday Tradition

Baking Russian Tea Cakes is more than just making cookies; it’s about creating memories. The powdered sugar dusting often turns into a snowstorm in the kitchen (and on your clothes), but that’s part of the fun. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them with a cup of tea, these cookies are a little bite of holiday joy.

What Are Your Favorite Christmas Cookies?

I’d love to hear about your holiday baking traditions! Are Russian Tea Cakes a staple in your home, or do you have another favorite? Share your go-to Christmas cookies in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Anthemion Aesthetics for more festive recipes, tips, and inspiration throughout the season. Let’s make this holiday the sweetest one yet!