Mexican Tea Balls(Russian Wedding Cakes)
Mexican Tea Balls, also known as Russian Wedding Cakes, are delicate, nutty cookies coated in powdered sugar, perfect for celebrations or as a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar together until smooth.
- Add the flour, chopped pecans, and vanilla to the creamed mixture and blend well.
- Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls.
- Bake the cookies at 350°F until they are light brown, about 15 minutes.
- Immediately after baking, roll the cookies in powdered sugar.
- Allow the cookies to cool, then roll them in powdered sugar again for a second coating.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans before chopping. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be good substitutes. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly for a light texture. If the dough feels too dry, adding a tablespoon of milk can help achieve the right consistency. Consider using a flavored vanilla extract for an extra layer of taste.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with Coconut-Pecan Candy for a festive dessert platter. For a special touch, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries to balance their sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Mexican Tea Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, allow them to come to room temperature; there's no need to bake them again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Tea Balls(Russian Wedding Cakes) contains roughly 137 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 7g 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 these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better structure. The cookies may have a slightly different texture, but they will still be delicious.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. Alternatively, you can use a sugar substitute suitable for baking, keeping in mind the specific conversion rates.
Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can fold in some mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent twist. Just be mindful that this will change the flavor profile of the cookies.
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).