Mexican Wedding Cookies

Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as polvorones, are delightful little treats that bring warmth and joy to any gathering. These rich, buttery cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a snowy appearance that makes them perfect for celebrations. Whether you serve them at a wedding or simply enjoy them during the holidays, these cookies are sure to bring smiles.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Mexican Wedding Cookies is not only easy, but it also allows you to share a piece of culture with your family and friends. They have a delicious nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. Plus, these cookies are a wonderful project to do with kids or friends, making the baking experience enjoyable and memorable.

How to Make Mexican Wedding Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter (softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt, mixing just until combined.
Stir in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts.
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them smooth between your hands.
Place the cookie balls on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are set but not browned.
Remove from the oven and let them cool on the tray for a minute or two.
While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar and place them on a cooling rack.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Store your delicious cookies in an airtight container. Enjoy!

How to Serve Mexican Wedding Cookies

Mexican Wedding Cookies are best served fresh but can also be enjoyed later. They’re lovely to serve at parties, family gatherings, or simply as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. You can arrange them on a beautiful plate or serve them in a jar for a charming presentation.

How to Store Mexican Wedding Cookies

To keep your Mexican Wedding Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in an airtight bag, allowing them to last for a couple of months. Make sure to roll them in powdered sugar again after thawing for the best taste!

Tips to Make Mexican Wedding Cookies

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
If you want a stronger nut flavor, lightly toast the chopped pecans or walnuts before adding them to the dough.
Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies, making sure they are all the same size for uniform baking.

Variation

For a fun twist, you can replace the nuts with chocolate chips or add a hint of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can also use almonds instead of pecans or walnuts for a different flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor and texture may change slightly. Butter gives the cookies a richer taste.

2. Why are my cookies not rolling smoothly in powdered sugar?
If the cookies are still warm, they may absorb the powdered sugar. Ensure they cool slightly before rolling them to get the best coating.

3. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum to help with the texture!