Vegan Russian Tea Cakes are a delightful and simple treat perfect for any occasion. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies, also known as Mexican wedding cookies or snowballs, are made with a buttery, crumbly dough that gets rolled in powdered sugar for a festive, snowy appearance. While traditional recipes use butter and eggs, this vegan version is just as delicious and satisfying, using plant-based alternatives for an ethical and allergy-friendly treat.
Gather Your Ingredients for Plant-Based Perfection
These vegan Russian tea cakes require just a few simple ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the magic of transforming humble ingredients into a delightful confection.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) vegan butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Vegan Russian tea cakes ingredients laid out on a table
Baking Up a Batch of Vegan Delights: Step-by-Step Guide
This easy-to-follow guide will help you create perfectly crumbly and delicious vegan Russian tea cakes:
- Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Make sure your vegan butter is at room temperature for optimal creaminess.
- Flavor Infusion: Stir in the vanilla extract, adding a fragrant depth to your cookies.
- Nutty Incorporation: Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can result in tough cookies.
- Chill Out: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and ensures that the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll and Bake: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before rolling them in the remaining powdered sugar. Once they are cool enough to handle, roll them again in the powdered sugar for a beautiful snowy coating.
Close-up of vegan Russian tea cakes dough being rolled into balls
Expert Tips for Perfect Vegan Tea Cakes
“The key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture in these cookies is to use finely ground nuts and to avoid overmixing the dough,” advises renowned vegan pastry chef, Emily Carter. “And for a festive twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough.”
Vegan Russian tea cakes baking in the oven
FAQs About Vegan Russian Tea Cakes
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts for a unique flavor profile.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend at a 1:1 ratio.
How should I store these cookies?
Store your vegan Russian tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Get creative! A teaspoon of lemon or orange zest can add a bright, citrusy flavor, while a pinch of ground spices like nutmeg or ginger can add warmth.
Can I use coconut sugar instead of powdered sugar?
While coconut sugar can add a caramel-like flavor, it won’t provide the same snowy appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture as powdered sugar.
Vegan Russian tea cakes dusted with powdered sugar
These vegan Russian tea cakes are a delicious and satisfying treat that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just starting to explore plant-based desserts, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delightful cookies!
