Delicately crumbly and buttery, these keto Russian tea cakes melt in your mouth with every bite. Traditionally dusted in powdered sugar, these holiday favorites have been reimagined into a low-carb treat that sacrifices none of the nostalgic flavor. Toasted nuts, soft almond flour, and a whisper of vanilla create an irresistible texture that’s perfect with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange or simply craving something cozy and sweet, these tea cakes come together effortlessly. You’ll love that they’re naturally gluten-free, low in carbs, and made with wholesome ingredients that still feel indulgent. And the best part? They store beautifully, making them a dream to prep ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes Recipe
These cookies are everything you want in a classic tea cake but without the sugar crash. They’re tender, rich, and just the right level of sweet. You can enjoy them even if you’re following a keto lifestyle, and they’re perfect for sharing with guests who might be cutting back on carbs or gluten.
Because they use almond flour, they’re high in healthy fats and protein, keeping you full and satisfied. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make with pantry staples and take less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
What Kind of Sweetener Should I Use?
For that signature dusted finish, you’ll want to use a powdered keto-friendly sweetener. Erythritol or a monk fruit blend works beautifully here. Make sure it’s finely ground so it mimics the classic powdered sugar look and feel. If you can only find granular sweetener, you can pulse it in a blender to get that snowy texture.
Ingredients for the Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes
These tea cakes come together with just a handful of ingredients, each adding its own layer of flavor and texture. It’s all about simplicity and letting the richness of the butter and nuts shine through.
- Butter
- Almond flour
- Powdered erythritol (or monk fruit blend)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Each ingredient plays a role: butter brings the melt-in-your-mouth texture, almond flour keeps them low-carb and gives a tender crumb, powdered sweetener makes them perfectly sweet without the sugar, nuts add crunch, vanilla adds warmth, and salt balances the sweetness.

How To Make the Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sweetener
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sweetener until it’s light and fluffy. This helps create that airy texture that makes tea cakes so irresistible.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the almond flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until fully combined, then fold in the chopped nuts. The dough should come together easily and be slightly crumbly but moldable.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into small balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and the tops are set.
Step 4: Cool and Roll in Sweetener
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll them in additional powdered sweetener while still warm. Cool completely, then roll again for that beautiful snowy coating.
How to Serve and Store Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes
These little snowballs are best served with a hot drink, like a spiced chai or an herbal tea. They also make lovely gifts when packaged in a festive tin. This recipe yields about 20 cookies, perfect for sharing or keeping on hand throughout the week.
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or bag for up to a month. Just let them thaw at room temp before serving.
What to Serve With Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes?
Herbal Tea
A calming chamomile or mint tea pairs wonderfully with the light sweetness of these cookies.
Keto Hot Chocolate
Creamy, sugar-free cocoa is a cozy match and perfect for cold evenings.
Spiced Coffee
Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to your morning brew to enhance the warm notes of the tea cakes.
Berries and Cream
A small bowl of fresh berries with whipped cream balances the richness and keeps it all low-carb.
Keto Eggnog
During the holidays, a creamy glass of keto eggnog turns these cookies into a festive experience.
Almond Milk Latte
The subtle nutty flavor of almond milk complements the almond flour and nuts in the tea cakes beautifully.
Yogurt Parfait
A low-carb yogurt layered with nuts and berries creates a contrast in texture that’s fun and satisfying.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
- Classic French Butter Cookies for an old-world European charm.
- Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies when you’re craving gooey decadence.
- Lemon Truffles Recipe if you like bright, zesty desserts.
- Frozen Banana Yogurt Pops to cool things down with a fruity treat.
- Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for a keto twist on a melt-in-your-mouth classic.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 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 use pecans or walnuts? Did you double-dip them in sweetener or keep it light?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other bake smarter.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and low-carb recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Conclusion
These Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes are a sweet reminder that delicious things don’t have to be complicated or carb-heavy. With a handful of ingredients and just a little time, you get a melt-in-your-mouth treat that brings joy to any occasion. Perfect for the holiday season or whenever you want something special, they’re a keto dessert staple worth keeping in your rotation.

Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
Description
These Buttery Keto Russian Tea Cakes are a low-carb twist on the classic holiday favorite. Made with almond flour, pecans, and a powdered erythritol coating, they’re the perfect keto cookie for Christmas, dessert platters, or tea time.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups almond flour
1 cup powdered erythritol, plus extra for rolling
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and 1 cup powdered erythritol until light and fluffy.
3. Add almond flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
4. Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts. Dough will be soft but moldable.
5. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until bottoms are golden and tops are set.
7. Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll in additional powdered erythritol while warm.
8. Cool completely and roll again for a snowy finish.
9. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Let cookies cool slightly before first coating so they don’t crumble.
For a finer texture, pulse your sweetener in a blender before using.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
