Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes

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Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes are tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies coated in a delicate layer of powdered sweetener. Each bite delivers a rich, buttery flavor balanced with subtle nuttiness, making them a perfect low-carb treat for holidays, tea time, or anytime you crave something sweet without the sugar overload.

These classic snowball-style cookies have been reinvented for a keto lifestyle while keeping their signature crumbly texture. They look elegant on a dessert platter and taste just as indulgent as the traditional version—without the carb crash.

Why You’ll Love This Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes Recipe

These cookies are incredibly simple to prepare, yet they taste bakery-worthy. The dough comes together in one bowl, requires minimal prep, and bakes quickly. They’re naturally gluten-free and ideal for anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle.

Their soft, sandy texture paired with the snowy coating makes them perfect for holiday trays, cookie swaps, or gifting. Plus, they store beautifully, which means you can make them ahead of time without sacrificing freshness.

Are Russian Tea Cakes the Same as Snowball Cookies?

Yes, they’re often known by different names depending on the region. Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, and Snowball Cookies all share a similar base of butter, nuts, and a powdered coating. This keto version keeps the same traditional structure but swaps in low-carb ingredients to keep everything sugar-free and keto-friendly.

Ingredients

After gathering your ingredients, allow refrigerated items to come to room temperature. This ensures a smooth dough and even baking.

• Almond flour – Forms the low-carb base and provides a soft, tender crumb.
• Finely chopped pecans or walnuts – Add classic nutty flavor and delicate crunch.
• Unsalted butter – Creates richness and that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Powdered keto sweetener – Sweetens the dough and coats the cookies without adding sugar.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor and adds warmth.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and deepens the buttery notes.

How To Make the Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes

Before you begin, preheat your oven and prepare a lined baking sheet so everything is ready once the dough is formed.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sweetener

Beat the softened butter with the powdered keto sweetener until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air and ensures the cookies bake with a tender texture.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add the almond flour and finely chopped nuts, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies delicate.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Scoop and roll the dough into evenly sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each one.

Step 4: Bake Until Set

Bake until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops look set. The cookies will remain pale, which is exactly what you want.

Step 5: First Powdered Coating

Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then gently roll them in powdered keto sweetener while still warm. This helps the coating stick.

Step 6: Second Powdered Finish

Once completely cooled, roll them a second time in powdered sweetener for that beautiful snowy appearance.

The Best Way to Serve Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes

These cookies are ideal for dessert platters, afternoon coffee breaks, or holiday gatherings. This recipe typically feeds about 6 to 8 people, depending on portion sizes and what other desserts are served alongside them.

Pair them with hot tea, black coffee, or even a sugar-free hot chocolate for a cozy treat. Their delicate sweetness also complements richer desserts on a holiday table.

How to Store Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to maintain the powdered coating.

For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. They also freeze well—simply thaw and dust lightly with additional powdered sweetener if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?

Coconut flour absorbs significantly more moisture and cannot be substituted directly. If you prefer coconut flour, you’ll need to adjust the ratios and possibly add extra fat or liquid.

2. Why are my cookies crumbly?

These cookies are naturally tender and slightly crumbly. If they fall apart too easily, the dough may need a little more mixing to fully incorporate the butter, or the cookies may need a few extra minutes to cool before handling.

3. Can I toast the nuts first?

Absolutely. Lightly toasting the pecans or walnuts enhances their flavor and adds depth to the finished cookies.

4. What’s the best powdered sweetener for coating?

A finely powdered erythritol or monk fruit blend works best. Make sure it’s powdered to achieve that classic smooth, snowy finish.

5. Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative suitable for baking. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

Want More Cookie Ideas?

If you love these Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes, you’ll probably enjoy these other sweet treats:

• Chocolate Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Center for another melt-in-your-mouth favorite.
• Vanilla Pecan Pralines if you adore nutty desserts.
• No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls for an easy bite-sized treat.
• Soft Christmas Peppermints (Old-Fashioned Butter Mints) for a festive sweet option.

You can also discover more daily recipe inspiration over on my Pinterest page, Life With Livia, where I share even more dessert and dinner ideas.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toast the nuts first? Did you try a flavored extract twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are always welcome—let’s bake smarter together.

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