In an effort to make it feel like Christmas in Southern California, i’ve been trying to practice lots of the traditions my family did growing up.  One thing I always remember is how my Mom used to make Russian Tea Cakes.  She’d make dozens and dozens, pack them in cute Christmas tins or on plates, and give them to friends, family, and basically anyone who showed up at our house in the month of December.  I like them so much that I used to make her mail them to me, I don’t why it never occurred to me that I could actually just make them myself ;).  This year, I decided to grow up and try, and they were SO easy.  So now I’m giving you the recipe, in case you can’t make it up to Seattle to get some from my Mom…

They are super easy with just a few, basic ingredients that you probably already have in your cupboard!  Make them for Christmas Eve, everyone will love them!

Christmas Cookies | Russian Tea Cakes | Palms to Pines

Russian Tea Cakes (also called Mexican Wedding Cakes…or my Mom likes to joke Portuguese Party Cookies, since she’s Portuguese!)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla (I use my good ol’ vanilla bean paste)
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts

Christmas Cookies | Russian Tea Cakes | Palms to PinesChristmas Cookies | Russian Tea Cakes | Palms to PinesChristmas Cookies | Russian Tea Cakes | Palms to PinesChristmas Cookies | Russian Tea Cakes | Palms to Pines

Kitchen Aid | Mixing Bowls | Vanilla Bean Paste | Measuring Cups | Measuring Spoons

Instructions

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix thoroughly butter, sugar and vanilla.  
Christmas Cookies | Russian Tea Cakes | Palms to PinesChristmas Cookies | Russian Tea Cakes | Palms to Pines

Work in flour salt and nuts until dough holds together. Shape dough into 1-inch balls.  Place onto engrossed baking sheet.
Christmas Cookies | Russian Tea Cakes | Palms to PinesChristmas Cookies | Russian Tea Cakes | Palms to Pines

Cookie Sheets

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not brown.  While warm, roll in confectioner’s sugar.  Cool.  Roll in sugar again.
Christmas Cookies | Russian Tea Cakes | Palms to Pines

Small Christmas Plates

(Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.)

Merry Christmas!

xo

Jen

Shop This Post: