Russian Tea Cakes

We used to make these at Cafe Nola. They're also known as Mexican Wedding Cakes.

Makes 3-4 dozen cookies

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1/2 cup nuts (hazelnuts, pecans or walnuts) toasted

  • 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter

  • 1/4 t salt

  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar

  • 2 t vanilla

  • 3 cups flour

Also:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

METHOD

Preheat oven.

Toast nuts for about 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

Cream together butter and sugar.

In a cuisinart, grind nuts plus one cup of flour.

Add nuts, salt and vanilla to butter and mix to combine. Add remaining 2 cups of flour and mix well.

Break off scant 1-inch round pieces of dough and roll into balls. Bake until lightly golden.

Cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar. Cool completely and roll a second time in the sugar.