The first cookie I typically make when I start my Christmas cookie baking for the season has been Russian Tea Cakes (aka Mexican Wedding Cakes). This year I decided to try a little bit of a twist on the traditional cookie by adding some crushed peppermint to the cookie dough, and then rolling them in crushed peppermint again. The peppermint is a perfect variation to this favorite cookie, making them a festive holiday treat!
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Prep Time:
40 Minutes
Cook Time:
10 Minutes
Total Time:
50 Minutes
Servings:48 cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup crushed peppermint candies, divided
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
Additional powdered sugar
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a large bowl beat butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed.
In another bowl mix together flour, salt, and 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies. Stir into butter mixture. Stir in nuts, if desired.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place balls on an ungreased cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake 8-9 minutes or until set but not brown.
Immediately after removing from oven roll in powdered sugar. Cool about 5 minutes, then roll in reserved crushed peppermint candies. Re-roll, if desired. Cool completely.