Russian Baked Butter Balls
Russian Baked Butter Balls are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with buttery richness and nutty accents, perfect for festive occasions or as an elegant treat for guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat together the butter and icing sugar until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla, salt, and chopped nuts until evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into small balls.
- Place the balls on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Slightly flatten the tops of each ball.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and consider toasting the chopped nuts before adding them to the dough. If you want a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, you can experiment with different nuts or even add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Russian baked butter balls are perfect as a sweet treat with tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with Homemade Macaroons as part of a dessert platter. For a festive touch, dust them with additional icing sugar before serving, or try them alongside a warm cup of Cream Of Onion Soup Potatoes for a unique contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked butter balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Russian Baked Butter Balls contains roughly 149 calories, with 2g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 6g 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 use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine or oleo as a substitute for butter, but it may alter the texture slightly. Keep in mind that butter provides a richer flavor, so if possible, opt for unsalted butter for the best results.
What can I use instead of icing sugar?
If you don't have icing sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until fine. For a healthier option, consider using powdered coconut sugar or an alternative sweetener, keeping in mind that it may change the taste and sweetness level.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Absolutely! You can customize the flavor by adding different extracts such as almond or hazelnut. Additionally, incorporating citrus zest, like lemon or orange, can add a delightful twist to these butter balls.
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).