Best 4 Snowballs Aka Meltaways Or Russian Tea Cakes Recipes

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In the realm of delectable treats and memorable culinary experiences, few confections stand the test of time quite like the irresistible snowballs, also affectionately known as meltaways or the charming Russian tea cakes. These bite-sized morsels of pure delight evoke nostalgia and warmth, beckoning bakers of all skill levels to embark on a delightful journey of taste and tradition. From the crisp outer shell to the tender, crumbly interior, snowballs hold a special place in the hearts of dessert enthusiasts, and with this comprehensive guide, you will discover the secrets to crafting the perfect snowball recipe.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

RUSSIAN TEA CAKES



Russian Tea Cakes image

Classic, old-fashioned Christmas cookies! You'll love these buttery shortbread treats that are rolled in a blizzard of powdered sugar!

Provided by Blair Lonergan

Categories     Cookies

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond flavor
½ cup sugar
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup finely chopped walnuts
Powdered sugar, to coat ((about ½ cup))

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together butter, vanilla, almond flavoring and sugar.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Add flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix to combine. It will look crumbly at first, but keep mixing until it comes together in a thick dough. Mix in walnuts.
  • Shape dough into balls (about the size of golf balls). Place about 1 inch apart on parchment or silicone-lined baking sheets.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or just until set and firm to the touch (but not browned). Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes, then roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Once cool, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cookie, Calories 149 kcal, Carbohydrate 15 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 19 mg, Sodium 96 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 6 g

RUSSIAN TEA CAKES I



Russian Tea Cakes I image

This is a family recipe that's been made at Christmas time by at least 4 generations. This year will be the first for number 5!!! 'Bubba' brought it with her when she came from Lithuania. I pass it on in the true spirit of this season!

Provided by THEAUNT708

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Eastern European     Russian

Time 35m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped walnuts
⅓ cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a medium bowl, cream butter and vanilla until smooth. Combine the 6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar and flour; stir into the butter mixture until just blended. Mix in the chopped walnuts. Roll dough into 1 inch balls, and place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  • Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. When cool, roll in remaining confectioners' sugar. I also like to roll mine in the sugar a second time.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 101.6 calories, Carbohydrate 8.2 g, Cholesterol 13.6 mg, Fat 7.3 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 36.6 mg, Sugar 2.5 g

WEDDING COOKIES (SNOWBALLS, RUSSIAN TEA CAKES)



Wedding Cookies (Snowballs, Russian Tea Cakes) image

POPULAR cookies at parties, weddings or on a cookie tray. They melt in your mouth! Very impressive and addictive! I have been making these cookies for 45 years. These are also the same cookies that our dear "Meme" calls butter balls. Yield is approximate as it depends on how large you form each cookie. I have never known anyone to not like this cookie! I have always used real butter for this recipe.

Provided by Seasoned Cook

Categories     Dessert

Time 27m

Yield 30 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup pecans, chopped
powdered sugar, for rolling

Steps:

  • Blend softened butter with powdered sugar. Add vanilla.
  • Mix in salt, baking powder, flour and chopped pecans.
  • Form dough into 1 inch balls or flattened cookies and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  • Bake in a 325 degree oven for 12 minutes, until firm but not brown. While hot roll in powdered sugar. Let cool and roll again in powdered sugar.

RUSSIAN TEA CAKES



Russian Tea Cakes image

There's no feeling quite as blissful as your first bite of one of these cookies. Whether you call them Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies or snowballs, there's no denying that they're essential to bake during the Christmas season. A shortbread-like dough, studded with chopped nuts, bakes up to a texture that's beautifully sandy and tender, never dry or crumbling to bits. The classic finish for them is a roll through powdered sugar-just like dashing through the winter snow! Make this recipe and you'll be part of a legacy of bakers who have made Russian Tea Cakes one of the most anticipated treats of the season.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h15m

Yield 48

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400°F.
  • Mix butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the vanilla in large bowl. Stir in flour, nuts and salt until dough holds together.
  • Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
  • Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool slightly on wire rack.
  • Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar; cool on wire rack. Roll in powdered sugar again.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 75, Carbohydrate 6 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 55 mg

Tips:

  • Use cold butter: This will help the cookies keep their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy: This will help the cookies be tender and flavorful.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition: This will help the cookies hold together.
  • Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined: Overmixing will make the cookies tough.
  • Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking: This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much.
  • Bake the cookies until the edges are just beginning to brown: Overbaking will make the cookies dry.
  • Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar while still warm: This will help the powdered sugar stick to the cookies.
  • Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Conclusion:

Snowballs, also known as meltaways or Russian tea cakes, are a delicious and festive cookie that is perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be customized with different flavors and toppings. With a few simple tips, you can make perfect snowballs every time.

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