Russian tea cakes are a kind of pastry, commonly eaten in the US around Christmas. They are a form of jumble, a pastry common in Middle Ages England. They are also known as Mexican wedding cookies from having been served often at Mexican weddings.

Composition

Russian tea cakes have a relatively simple recipe, generally comprised entirely of ground nuts and flour (with water), baked, and then coated in powdered sugar.

History

Russian tea cakes appeared in Russia in the 18th century, literally as a confection used in a tea-sharing ceremony. By the 20th century, they were a part of wedding and Christmas traditions in the US, by their popular "Russian tea" nomenclature.