Mmmm, I love these cookies! They are the type you find on a plate at the back of the table at a cocktail party, and the first cookies gone from that plate. They are popular at Christmas time because they look a bit like snowballs. The Russian Tea cookie (or cake) became popular in the 1700s as part of a tea-sharing ceremony, then became popular at weddings and holidays. They are also known as butterball cookies and Mexican Wedding Cakes, although that last synonym is likely from the 1950s when relations between the West and Russia were strained. Interesting.

Russian Teas

1 cup sifted flour

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup of chopped nuts

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup sifted confectioners sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 tsp cold water

Mix flour, salt, nuts. Cream butter, sugar till fluffy, add vanilla, water and mix. Add flour mixture gradually. Chill dough. Shape into balls and bake. Bake 325, 23 minutes. roll in powdered sugar.