Chinese Tea Balls
Golden-brown Chinese Tea Balls are rich with buttery, nutty flavors, lightly sweetened and dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for tea parties or sweet snack cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter with a mixer.
- Stir in pecans.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Mix with hands and roll into balls.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Roll in powdered sugar while warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, try substituting half of the pecans with walnuts or almonds. If you're aiming for a slightly healthier version, you can use coconut oil instead of butter. Be sure to mix the dough just until combined to keep the tea balls tender. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling can also help with shaping. Explore more Chinese recipes to expand your culinary skills.
Serving Suggestions
These Chinese tea balls are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a cup of hot tea for a traditional experience. They also pair beautifully with Olga's Dumplings for a complete meal. Consider adding fresh fruit or a light salad like China'S Strawberry Salad to create a balanced dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, which will help restore their texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Tea Balls contains roughly 907 calories, with 2g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 503mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with different nuts! Pecans are traditional, but walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios can add unique flavors. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend well into the dough.
How do I know when the tea balls are done baking?
The tea balls are done when they are lightly browned on the bottom and firm to the touch. They should not be overly browned on top. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling into balls and baking, which will make it easier to handle.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).