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Classic Russian Tea Cakes (also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowballs) are buttery shortbread cookies loaded with chopped pecans and generously dusted with confectioners’ sugar. They are crisp, mildly sweet, and melt in your mouth, perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 30 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (plus extra for coating)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Sift the flour and set aside.
  3. In a stand mixer bowl, combine the butter and 1 cup confectioners’ sugar. Cream together until smooth.
  4. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
  5. Fold in the chopped pecans gently into the mixture.
  6. Gradually add sifted flour to the mixture and combine to form a dough.
  7. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper.
  8. Use a cookie scoop to portion out dough and roll each portion into a smooth ball with your hands.
  9. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 1.5 to 2 inches apart.
  10. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown.
  11. Carefully remove the hot cookies using two spoons to keep their shape intact.
  12. While still warm, roll each cookie in confectioners’ sugar to coat thoroughly.
  13. Place the coated cookies on a wire cooling rack to cool completely and set the sugar coating.

Notes

Handle the hot cookies gently to maintain their shape., Work quickly when rolling the cookies in sugar to maximize coating adhesion., Use fresh chopped pecans for the best flavor and texture., Cookies are traditionally served with tea for a cozy treat.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American, Mexican, Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 333 kcal per cookie
  • Fat: 30 g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g per serving
  • Protein: 2 g per serving