Ella Davis' Russian Tea Cakes
Ella Davis' Russian Tea Cakes are delicate, buttery cookies coated in powdered sugar, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich nutty flavor. Perfect for holiday celebrations or as a sweet gift, these treats are loved for their simplicity and elegant appearance, appealing to those who enjoy sweet, nutty confections.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and 10x sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the sifted flour, vanilla, and ground nuts; mix until well combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls.
- Bake at 400°F for 14 to 17 minutes until lightly golden.
- While warm, roll the cookies in 10x sugar, then once cooled, roll again in sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, try using pecans or walnuts instead of the ground nuts in the recipe. If you're short on time, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes to make rolling easier. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming with the sugar. Remember that baking times can vary, so keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Great Grandma Lockerbie's Scones for a delightful dessert spread. Dust with additional 10x sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Russian Tea Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5-10 minutes until they're just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ella Davis' Russian Tea Cakes contains roughly 205 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 14g fat.
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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After mixing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling into balls.
What can I use instead of ground nuts?
If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use nuts, you can substitute with an equal amount of finely crushed oats or even use an additional 3/4 cup of flour for a nut-free version. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still yield delicious cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done baking when they are lightly golden on the bottom and firm to the touch. They should not be overly brown on top. If you're unsure, you can test one cookie by removing it and letting it cool slightly before tasting.
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).