Russian tea cake
Russian tea cakes, also known as Mexican wedding cookies, snowball cookies, or butterballs, are small, nutty pastries often enjoyed around Christmas in the United States. They’re made with flour, butter, ground nuts, and powdered sugar. After baking, they’re rolled in powdered sugar while hot and again once they cool for a snowy finish.
Variations:
- European versions use chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts.
- Mexican wedding cookies (Polvorones) use chopped pecans or almonds and may include a hint of cinnamon.
Origin: The exact reason for the name isn’t known. They may come from Eastern European shortbread, have moved to Mexico with European nuns, or be cookies served near Russian tea urns.
History: By the 20th century, these cookies were common in weddings, Christmas, and Easter celebrations in the U.S., known by their Russian tea cake or Mexican wedding cookie names.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 06:12 (CET).