Russian Tea Cakes Recipe

Russian Tea Cakes, also known as Russian Tea Cookies or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are a classic dessert enjoyed during holiday seasons and special occasions. These delicate, buttery cookies are known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor. While their origin is still unclear, it is believed that Russian immigrants brought this recipe to the United States, where it gained popularity.

To make Russian Tea Cakes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of eggs (approximately five eggs)
- 1 cup of sour cream
- Enough flour for rolling
- 3/4 pound of brick butter (unsalted)
- 1 cup of chopped almonds
- Cinnamon (to taste)

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make Russian Tea Cakes:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of eggs, and 1 cup of sour cream. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Gradually add enough flour to the mixture, stirring continuously until the dough becomes thick enough to roll. The exact amount of flour may vary, but aim for a workable dough consistency.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about one-fourth inch thick.
4. Spread a thin layer of butter over the rolled-out dough. Fold the dough over itself and gently roll it out again. Repeat this process three or four times, using a total of 3/4 pound of brick butter. This process will create layers in the dough, resulting in a flaky texture.
5. Once the dough has been rolled and layered, place it in a bowl. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in the refrigerator or on ice to harden slightly. This will make it easier to work with.
6. Preheat your oven to a hot temperature.
7. Take the dough out of the refrigerator and roll it as thin as possible. It should be approximately seven inches in width.
8. Sprinkle 1 cup of chopped almonds onto the rolled-out dough. Additionally, sprinkle sugar and cinnamon to taste. These ingredients will add a delightful nutty and sweet flavor to the cookies.
9. Cut the dough into seven-inch strips.
10. Roll each strip separately into a tight roll and then cut the roll into squares. The size of the squares can vary depending on your preference.
11. Place the squares on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
12. Sprinkle more chopped almonds, sugar, and cinnamon on top of each square.
13. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven until they are golden brown. This typically takes around 12-15 minutes.
14. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving. Russian Tea Cakes are traditionally served at room temperature.

Fun fact: Russian Tea Cakes are known by different names in different cultures. In Mexico, they are called Polvorones, while in Eastern Europe, they are known as Kourabiedes and are often made with ground walnuts instead of almonds.

Similar recipes to Russian Tea Cakes include Snowball Cookies and Shortbread Cookies. Snowball Cookies are made with similar ingredients such as butter, sugar, and nuts but are shaped into small balls and rolled in powdered sugar after baking. Shortbread Cookies have a similar buttery texture but often omit the use of eggs and sour cream in favor of a simpler ingredient list. Regardless of their slight variations, these cookies are all popular choices during festive seasons and provide a delightful treat for any occasion.