Recipe

How to Make Russian Teacake Cookies

By Maya Giaquinta at Michigan State University

Winter is the optimal time to curl up on your couch and binge-watch Netflix while enjoying some tasty treats. Luckily for you, these Russian Teacake cookies are the best cookies for a quick and easy snack. They're also perfect for a holiday cookie exchange, since they look like mini snowballs.

Russian Teacakes have a long history in my family even though my family isn't Russian. My Nana used to make these cookies for my family, and she taught me to make them almost 15 years ago. Russian Teacakes are a dessert staple in my family's diet. In fact, they are one of the only sweets my mom will eat along with Sour Cream Coffee Cake. Russian Teacakes are not super sugary, but they're addicting. Soon enough you'll finish eating one batch and be up for baking another. 

Russian Teacakes

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 13 mins
  • Total Time: 33 mins
  • Servings: 35
Ingredients
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • confectioners' sugar for decoration

Maya Giaquinta

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2

In a bowl, cream together the butter and vanilla until smooth.

Maya Giaquinta

Step 3

Mix together the cinnamon, confectioners' sugar, and flour. Then add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, and stir.
#SpoonTip: The cinnamon is optional, but I add it to give a little extra flavor to the cookies.

Maya Giaquinta

Step 4

Mix in the chopped walnuts.

Maya Giaquinta

Step 5

Roll the dough into 1 inch balls, and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet. Then bake the cookies for 13 minutes.

Maya Giaquinta

Step 6

When the cookies have cooled, roll them in the confectioners' sugar.
#SpoonTip: For extra powdery cookies, roll the cookies in the sugar twice.

Maya Giaquinta

Step 7

Enjoy!

Maya Giaquinta

Russian Teacakes pair great with tea, coffee, or a sweet tooth. Be prepared to make this recipe over and over again once your family and friends taste these simple yet delicious cookies.