Russian Nut Balls(Christmas Cookie)
Russian Nut Balls are rich, nutty Christmas cookies with a tender crumb, coated in powdered sugar. Perfect for holiday gatherings and nut lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine butter or margarine, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a bowl.
- Add flour and finely chopped pecans or walnuts; mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls.
- Place the balls on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, no longer than 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven, cool, then roll in powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're out of pecans or walnuts, you can substitute them with almonds or hazelnuts. To enhance the taste, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. Ensure the dough is not too warm when forming the balls to maintain their shape while baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Russian Nut Balls make a delightful addition to your holiday cookie platter, pairing beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. They also complement desserts like Date Pie or Theresa Shea's Cherry Winks for a festive assortment. Consider dusting them with extra powdered sugar right before serving for a charming presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Russian Nut Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. To reheat, simply 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 Nut Balls(Christmas Cookie) contains roughly 182 calories, with 2g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 16g 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 different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts instead of pecans or walnuts. Just make sure to chop them finely so they mix well with the dough and provide that delightful crunch.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden on the bottom when done, usually around 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as they can turn dry quickly.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling it into balls to make it easier to handle.
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).