Great Grandmother'S Russian Teacakes

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: Russian

Delightful Russian Teacakes with buttery, nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for holiday gatherings or teatime indulgence, appealing to those who love sweet, crumbly cookies.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar
  • 2 1/4 cups flour
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Mix butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla thoroughly.
  2. Measure flour by dipping method.
  3. Stir flour and salt together; blend in and mix in chopped nuts.
  4. Chill dough overnight.
  5. Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
  7. Place on ungreased baking sheet.
  8. Cookies do not spread during baking.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set but not browned.
  10. While still warm, roll cookie balls in powdered sugar, then roll in sugar a second time.

Tips & Substitutions

For a nuttier flavor, try using toasted nuts instead of raw. If you're out of powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar until fine. Make sure to chill the dough overnight to ensure the cookies hold their shape while baking. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce.

Serving Suggestions

These Russian Teacakes are delightful served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with Pirogie for a comforting snack platter. For an elegant touch, serve them on a tiered dessert stand with other baked goods like Lucy's French Cheesecake. They make a lovely addition to holiday cookie trays as well.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to regain their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Great Grandmother'S Russian Teacakes contains roughly 257 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 24g fat.

257 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.4g 1% DV
Total Fat 24g 31% DV
Carbs 4.3g 2% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 1.5g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 291.6mg 13% DV
Potassium 50.5mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 67.5mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.2mcg
Calcium 3.4mg
Iron 0.1mg
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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?

Absolutely! While the traditional recipe calls for finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, you can use almonds, hazelnuts, or any nut of your choice. Just ensure they are finely chopped so they blend well into the dough.

What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If your dough feels too crumbly and is not holding together, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until it reaches the right consistency. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as it can affect the texture of the cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for proper texture, or add a small amount separately.

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).

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