Russian Tea Cakes

Russian Tea Cakes

                            

Russian Tea Cakes have been a Christmas staple in my family for as long as I can remember. I will warn you, they are more than a bit addicting, so a batch never lasts long. I often make three or for batches over the Christmas season. But being really behind on my holiday baking this is my first batch this year.

 

Makes about 3 dozen.      

What You Will Need:

2 cups ( 4 sticks) butter

1 cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 Tablespoons orange liqueur

1 teaspoon grated orange zest

4 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cups walnuts finely chopped(optional)

Additional powdered sugar.

What To Do:

Preheat oven to 350f

In a large bowl cream together the butter and the sugar until fluffy.

Add the vanilla, orange liqueur and the orange zest, mix well.

Slowly add the flour, on a low speed mix the chopped walnuts.

Shape the dough in you're hands into 1"balls. Place onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until set( don't let them brown). Remove from the cookie sheet. let cool for a couple of minutes. While the cookies are still warm roll in the powdered sugar to coat.(Be sure to keep the sugar, you will need it again).Place the coated cookies on a cooling rack, let cool completely, then roll in the powdered sugar again.

I hope you have a great weekend. And happy baking.

Anna