1-How to Prepare the Perfect Russian Tea Cakes: Creating Russian Tea Cakes is a fun and rewarding process that anyone can master with these clear instructions. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper, as this helps with even baking and easy cleanup. In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.

2-Dough Preparation: Gradually add 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt, mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Stir in ¾ cup finely chopped nuts of your choice to add that signature crunch. If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator until it’s firmer and easier to handle.

3-Shaping and Baking Steps: Scoop the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them out for proper baking. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes until the bottoms are lightly browned, watching closely to avoid overcooking. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle safely. Roll each cookie thoroughly in additional powdered sugar and set them on a rack to cool completely. Optionally, re-roll the cooled cookies in powdered sugar for a thicker, sweeter coating.