Mexican wedding cookies, also known as snowballs or Russian tea cakes, are a delicate and delicious holiday tradition. This recipe guides you through creating these melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a rich, buttery pecan flavor, perfect for any festive occasion.
Mexican wedding cookies
These cookies are a cherished holiday favorite due to their nutty flavor and delicate texture. This Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe yields approximately 40 cookies, but they’re so irresistible they might disappear quickly!
A Delicious History with Global Roots
The origin of Mexican wedding cookies remains a mystery, despite their various names. Some believe their high nut-to-flour ratio suggests origins in the Middle East or Eastern Europe. They might have arrived in Mexico via Spanish migrants in the 16th century. Today, variations of these cookies are enjoyed worldwide.
Mexican wedding cookies recipe ingredients
Key Ingredients for Perfect Mexican Wedding Cookies
This Mexican wedding cookies recipe features classic ingredients with a few additions for enhanced flavor:
- Toasted Pecans: Toasting enhances the rich, nutty flavor that’s essential to these cookies.
- Butter: Use softened butter for moisture and richness.
- All-Purpose Flour: This binds the dough together.
- Powdered Sugar: Used in the dough and for the final dusting.
- Vanilla and Cinnamon: These warm spices add depth to the buttery flavor.
- Almond Extract: While not traditional, almond extract complements the pecans beautifully.
- Sea Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors.
Toasted pecans in a food processor
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mexican Wedding Cookies
Prepare the Pecans: Toast pecans in a skillet until fragrant, then pulse in a food processor until coarsely ground.
Finely chopped pecans in a food processor
Make the Dough: Cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Add extracts, then gradually incorporate flour and cinnamon. Finally, mix in the pecans.
cookie dough in a stand mixer
Shape the Cookies: Use a tablespoon to scoop dough and roll into balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. If the dough is sticky, chill for 30 minutes.
Hands rolling cookie dough into balls
Bake and Dust: Bake until golden brown. Let cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar.
Hands dusting Mexican wedding cookies with powdered sugar
Enjoy your homemade Mexican wedding cookies! They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year.
