Where did Russian tea cakes originate?
Sometimes called Mexican wedding cakes, Swedish tea cakes, pecan butterballs, pecan sandies, or polvorónes, Russian tea cakes have somewhat indistinct origins. Legend has it, these tasty treats originally came from Europe where they were served as a tea time snack (hence the name). But it’s more likely the classic cookie came from Cleveland, Ohio and was popularized by the Jewish immigrants that inhabited the area in the late 1800’s. Wherever they came from, we’re just happy they’re here!
How do you make Russian tea cakes?
These Easy Russian Tea Cakes are a snap to make, so they’re a perfect fit for experienced and new bakers alike. With Betty Crocker™ Sugar Cookie Mix, all you need is flour, butter, one egg, chopped pecans, and powdered sugar for coating. No kidding—it really is that easy!
More About This Recipe
- It’s no coincidence that Russian Tea Cakes resemble adorable little snowballs—there’s nothing quite like this classic cookie to put you in a holiday mood. Add them to your cookie tray this year, and they’ll disappear in the blink of an eye. And don't worry if the powdered sugar starts to fly when you bite in—we say let it snow!
Frequently Asked Questions
Easy Russian Tea Cakes
- Prep Time 20 min
- Total 1 hr 20 min
- Servings 44
- Ingredients 6
Ingredients
- 1 pouch (17.5 oz) Betty Crocker™ Sugar Cookie Mix
- 1/2 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions
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Step1Heat oven to 350°F.
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Step2In large bowl, mix cookie mix, flour, melted butter and egg with spoon until soft dough forms. Stir in pecans. Press firmly to shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
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Step3Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet; remove to cooling rack. Cool 5 minutes. In small bowl, place powdered sugar. Roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar, and place on cooling rack. Cool completely, at least 20 minutes.
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Step4Roll cookies again in powdered sugar to coat. Store covered at room temperature.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Cookie
- Calories
- 100
- Calories from Fat
- 40
- Total Fat
- 4g
- 6%
- Saturated Fat
- 1 1/2g
- 8%
- Trans Fat
- 0g
- Cholesterol
- 10mg
- 3%
- Sodium
- 50mg
- 2%
- Potassium
- 15mg
- 0%
- Total Carbohydrate
- 14g
- 5%
- Dietary Fiber
- 0g
- 0%
- Sugars
- 9g
- Protein
- 1g
% Daily Value*:
- Vitamin A
- 0%
- 0%
- Vitamin C
- 0%
- 0%
- Calcium
- 0%
- 0%
- Iron
- 0%
- 0%