FILED UNDER: Desserts Slavic

Chocolate Tea Cookies (Russian Pyraniki)

An easy-to-make and delectable, traditional Russian cookie infused with cocoa and wrapped in icing!
Ratings
5/5

Prep

30 min

Cook

10 min

Servings

38

Originating from Russia, these chocolate tea cookies, also known as Russian pyraniki, are a delightful treat to savor! With their rich cocoa-infused flavor, they are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The best party? They are very easy to make!

These tea cookies trace back to traditional Russian cuisine and cultural practices. These delightful treats have been enjoyed for generations, often accompanying tea-drinking rituals. These cookies were initially baked in traditional Russian ovens, which were often shared within communities. Families would gather around these ovens, making the process of baking pyraniki a communal event, filled with warmth and camaraderie. Throughout the years, these cookies have evolved, incorporated different flavors and techniques. From the addition of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to the introduction of chocolate, these cookies diversified and adapted to changing tastes. 

The popularity of these cookies spread beyond Russia’s borders, becoming a beloved treat in various countries with Russian influence or communities including Moldova, Belarus, and Ukraine. 

Storing these delectable treats is easy. Place them in an airtight container, separating the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness whenever the craving strikes. 

With their rich chocolate flavor and straightforward preparation, these Russian pyraniki tea cookies are a delightful addition to an tea time or dessert spread. Share them with friends and family, or indulge in them alone – either way, they are sure to be a hit!

Let me know in the comments below if you tried the recipe and if you have any variations you’d like to share!

Chocolate Tea Cookies (Russian Pyraniki)

RECIPE

Chocolate Tea Cookies (Russian Pyraniki)

Ingredients

For the Cookies:
  • 200 mL of milk or non-dairy milk
  • 1 and 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of caramel extract)
  • 1/4 cup of grapeseed oil (or any other vegetable oil)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup of cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon of baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
For the Glaze:
  • 1 egg white
  • 3/4 cup of powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of lemon juice

Directions

For the Cookies:
  1. In a saucepan, add the milk (200 mL) over medium heat
  2. After a few minutes when vapors start to rise from the pan, remove from the heat
  3. In a large bowl, add all-purpose flour (3/4 cup), sugar (1 cup), and add the warm milk (200 mL)
  4. Mix together until evenly incorporated and then set the bowl aside so that it cool to room temperature for 20 minutes
  5. After 20 minutes have passed preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  6. Now that the bowl has cooled, add in vanilla extract (2 tsps.), grapeseed oil (1/4 cup), egg yolk (1), cocoa powder (1/2 cup), baking powder (1 tbp.), baking soda (1/4 tsp.), salt (1/4 tsp.), apple cider vinegar (1 tbp.), and flour (1 & 1/2 cups)
  7. Mix together with a whisk and then use a spoon once the dough becomes thickened
  8. Continue mixing until the dough no longer sticks to the spoon
  9. Sprinkle some flour on the surface of the dough, then add flour to a working surface to roll out the dough
  10. Take half of the dough out, leaving the other half in the bowl and place it on the working surface
  11. Use a rolling pin to spread the entire dough until it is about 1/3 of an inch in thickness
  12. Then use a small cup (I used 2-inch in diameter) to cut out circular pieces of dough
  13. Place these circular pieces of dough onto a large baking pan lined with parchment paper
  14. Then place this batch in the oven to bake for just 10 minutes
  15. After 10 minutes, remove the baking pan from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes
  16. After 5 minutes have passed, transfer the cookies to a drying rack
  17. Continue to form and bake the rest of the cookies batches with the same process above (make sure you save the original baking pans for later)
  18. While the cookies cool to room temperature, in a small bowl add an egg white (1), powdered sugar (3/4 cup), and fresh-squeezed lemon juice (2 tsps.)
  19. Then mix this together to form the icing for the cookies
  20. Dip each cookie top-side down into the mixture and using your hands or a brush to spread it all around the cookie
  21. Place each iced cookie on their original baking pans to go back into the oven so that the icing can dry (the oven should no longer be heated, but will still be warm from being recently used)
  22. After 20 minutes, remove the cookies from the oven and place on a serving dish
NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)

Chocolate Tea Cookies (Russian Pyraniki):

Calories: 60 | Total Fat: 2 g | Cholest: 5 mg | Total Carb: 10 g | Protein: 1 g

Click here for full nutrition label

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

 
 

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Hi, I'm Ophelia! Step into my kitchen where I take you on a delightful journey through the flavors of Eastern Europe. Experience my recipes with simplicity from step-by-step instructions and videos.

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