Pecan Cookies(Russian Tea Cakes)
Delicate Russian Tea Cakes with crunchy pecans and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet treat with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla together until smooth.
- Add the sifted flour and mix well.
- Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Roll the dough into balls about the size of walnuts.
- Place the balls on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake in a slow oven at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour.
- While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and consider toasting the chopped pecans before adding them to the dough. If you don't have pecans, walnuts are a great substitute. Ensure the dough is cold before rolling to prevent sticking. To achieve a softer texture, you can slightly reduce the baking time or increase the butter by a tablespoon.
Serving Suggestions
These pecan cookies are delightful on their own or paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon snack time. They can also be served alongside other sweet treats like Espresso Kisses for a lovely dessert platter. For a festive touch, serve them at holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pecan cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving, and roll in powdered sugar again if desired.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Cookies(Russian Tea Cakes) contains roughly 839 calories, with 20g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or even almonds for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to chop them finely to maintain the texture of the cookies. Each nut will impart a unique taste, so choose according to your preference.
Why are my cookies not rolling into balls easily?
If the dough is too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm it up before rolling. Additionally, ensure you are using sifted flour as specified, as this can affect the dough's consistency and ease of handling.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To enhance the festive appeal, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You could also dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate after baking for a delightful chocolatey twist that pairs beautifully with the nutty flavor.
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).