Mexican Wedding Cookies
Highlighted under: Homemade Dessert Recipes
Delight in these delicate and buttery Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as Polvorones, that melt in your mouth with a hint of sweetness and nutty flavor.
Mexican Wedding Cookies are a beloved treat often served during celebrations and festive occasions. Their delicate texture and rich flavor make them a staple in many households.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a nutty flavor
- Simple ingredients that create a rich, buttery taste
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift
The History of Mexican Wedding Cookies
Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as Polvorones, have a rich history that dates back to the colonial era in Mexico. These delightful treats were originally made to celebrate weddings and special occasions, symbolizing love and joy. The name 'Polvorones' comes from the Spanish word 'polvo,' meaning dust, which perfectly describes their powdery texture.
Traditionally made with lard, these cookies have evolved over time, with many recipes now calling for butter. The addition of nuts, typically walnuts or pecans, adds depth to the flavor, creating a perfect balance between sweetness and nuttiness. Today, they are enjoyed not just at weddings but also during holidays and family gatherings, making them a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine.
Perfecting Your Cookie Technique
To achieve the perfect texture for your Mexican Wedding Cookies, it’s important to cream the butter and powdered sugar thoroughly. This step incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a light and delicate cookie that melts in your mouth. Don't rush this process; take your time to ensure the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
When shaping the dough into balls, aim for a consistent size—about 1 inch in diameter. This helps ensure even baking. If you find the dough a bit sticky, you can refrigerate it for a short time before rolling. This will make it easier to handle and will result in perfectly shaped cookies.
Serving and Storing Tips
Mexican Wedding Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later enjoyment. Once completely cooled and dusted with powdered sugar, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, though they may lose some of their crispness over time.
For a festive presentation, consider packaging these cookies in decorative tins or boxes, making them an ideal gift for friends and family. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Dusting
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Make sure to use finely chopped nuts for the best texture.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Dough
In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, chopped nuts, and salt.
Form the Cookies
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined. Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Dust with Powdered Sugar
While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!
Variations to Try
While traditional Mexican Wedding Cookies are made with walnuts or pecans, feel free to experiment with other nuts to suit your taste. Almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios can add a unique twist to the classic recipe. Additionally, consider incorporating spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.
For a chocolate lover's version, you might try adding cocoa powder to the dough or dipping half of the cooled cookies in melted chocolate. These variations not only enhance the flavor but also make for an eye-catching presentation.
Nutritional Information
Mexican Wedding Cookies are a delightful indulgence, but it's good to be mindful of their nutritional content. Each cookie contains a combination of butter, sugar, and nuts, providing a satisfying treat. While they are higher in calories due to the rich ingredients, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The inclusion of nuts adds healthy fats and protein, making these cookies not only delicious but also somewhat nutritious. Just be sure to keep portion sizes in mind, especially if you're serving them at gatherings where it's easy to overindulge.
Pairing Suggestions
These buttery cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For a classic combination, serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the cookies complement the warm, comforting notes of a good brew.
If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, try pairing them with a dessert wine or a sweet dessert liqueur. The sweetness of the cookies combined with a chilled glass of dessert wine creates a delightful end to any meal.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, you can use pecans, almonds, or any nut of your choice.
→ How should I store the cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze Mexican Wedding Cookies?
Absolutely! They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
→ What can I substitute for butter?
You can use margarine or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Delight in these delicate and buttery Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as Polvorones, that melt in your mouth with a hint of sweetness and nutty flavor.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Homemade Dessert Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Dusting
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, chopped nuts, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined. Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 2g