Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as Polvorones or Snowball Cookies, are delightful, buttery shortbread cookies that are generously coated in powdered sugar. These cookies are a beloved treat, perfect for any occasion, from festive holiday gatherings to elegant celebrations. With a delicate, crumbly texture and a nutty pecan flavor, they are simply irresistible. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating these traditional Mexican delights in your own kitchen.
What are Mexican Wedding Cookies? A Taste of Tradition
These charming cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they are a taste of Mexican tradition. Often served at weddings and quinceañeras in Mexico, they symbolize good fortune and are a gesture of gratitude towards guests. Their round shape and snowy white coating have also earned them the whimsical name “Snowball Cookies,” especially during the holiday season. No matter what you call them, Mexican Wedding Cookies, or Polvorones as they are known in Spanish, are a timeless classic that deserves a spot in every baker’s repertoire. Their enduring popularity stems from their simple elegance and incredibly satisfying melt-in-your-mouth texture.
A plate of Mexican wedding cookies, with one cookie on top having a bite taken out to show the texture.
Why This Mexican Wedding Cookie Recipe is a Must-Try
This recipe focuses on simplicity and flavor, using just a handful of ingredients to create maximum deliciousness. The key to the perfect Mexican Wedding Cookie lies in the quality of ingredients and the technique. We prioritize using unsalted butter for a rich, buttery flavor and finely ground powdered sugar to achieve that signature delicate texture. The addition of pecans brings a delightful nutty crunch that complements the sweetness of the cookie. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, ensuring success every time you bake a batch.
Simple Ingredients for Exquisite Cookies
You only need a few basic ingredients to create these melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted Butter: The heart of these cookies, providing richness and that signature shortbread tenderness. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level precisely.
- Powdered Sugar: Used both in the dough and for coating, powdered sugar contributes to the cookies’ delicate texture and sweet finish. Its fine consistency is crucial for the classic “snowball” coating.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth. For a twist, you can substitute or combine with almond extract to enhance the nutty notes.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies. For an even more delicate crumb, cake flour can be used as a substitute.
- Finely Chopped Pecans: Adds a wonderful nutty flavor and a pleasant textural contrast. Pecan pieces are ideal for this recipe.
Ingredients for mexican wedding cookies laid out on a countertop.
Step-by-Step Mexican Wedding Cookie Recipe
Follow these simple steps to bake your own batch of perfect Mexican Wedding Cookies:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and salt on medium speed. Mix until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a light and tender cookie.
- Add Vanilla: Beat in the vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
- Incorporate Flour: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the all-purpose flour, beating until just well combined. Mix until no streaks of flour remain, but avoid overmixing which can lead to tougher cookies.
- Fold in Pecans: Beat in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop the cookie dough by tablespoonfuls and gently roll them into balls between your palms. Aim for uniform size for even baking. Place the cookie dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are set and the bottoms are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbrowning.
- First Sugar Coating: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. Then, gently roll the warm cookies in the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar, ensuring they are fully coated. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely for about 30 minutes.
- Second Sugar Coating: Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again. This double coating is what gives Mexican Wedding Cookies their signature snowy appearance and extra sweetness.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the wire rack. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
A two-image grid showing cookie dough being rolled into balls and then being coated in powdered sugar.
Expert Tips for Baking the Best Mexican Wedding Cookies
- Measure Flour Accurately: Adding too much flour is a common mistake when making shortbread cookies, leading to dry and dense results. For best accuracy, use a kitchen scale to measure your flour. If using measuring cups, fluff the flour in its container, lightly spoon it into the measuring cup, and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, which packs the flour.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookie sizes that bake evenly, a cookie scoop is highly recommended. This ensures consistent baking and professional-looking cookies.
- Soften Butter Quickly: If you need to soften butter quickly, cut it into small cubes to increase its surface area and speed up the softening process.
- Sift Powdered Sugar: If your powdered sugar is lumpy, sift it after measuring to ensure a smooth and even coating on your cookies.
- Double Powdered Sugar Coating is Key: Don’t skip the double coating! The first layer melts slightly into the warm cookies, creating a delightful sugary crust. The second layer provides the classic, fluffy, snowy coating that is characteristic of Mexican Wedding Cookies.
- Finely Chop Pecans: Ensure the pecans are finely chopped so they distribute evenly in the dough and make it easier to roll the cookies.
- Toast Pecans for Enhanced Flavor (Optional): Toasting the pecans before adding them to the dough intensifies their nutty flavor. Allow them to cool completely before incorporating them into the recipe.
- Baking Sheet Spacing: These cookies don’t spread much during baking, so you can place them relatively close together on the baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
A small plate with a pile of Mexican wedding cookies, showcasing their snowy powdered sugar coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mexican Wedding Cookies the same as Russian Tea Cakes?
While similar in appearance and texture, Mexican Wedding Cookies and Russian Tea Cakes are not exactly the same. The primary difference lies in the nuts used. This Mexican Wedding Cookie Recipe traditionally uses pecans, while Russian Tea Cakes typically feature walnuts.
Where did Mexican Wedding Cookies get their name?
Originating from Mexico, these cookies have become a traditional part of celebrations, particularly weddings, for generations. They are served as a symbol of celebration and gratitude to wedding guests, hence the name “Mexican Wedding Cookies.”
How long do Mexican Wedding Cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Mexican Wedding Cookies will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. This good shelf life makes them ideal for holiday baking and gifting. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies (without the powdered sugar coating) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them completely, warm them slightly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes, and then coat them in powdered sugar as directed in the recipe.
Enjoy Your Homemade Mexican Wedding Cookies
This Mexican Wedding Cookie recipe is your gateway to creating a batch of exquisitely tender, nutty, and sweet cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a delightful treat to share with loved ones or want to experience a taste of Mexican baking tradition, these Polvorones are sure to impress. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the magic of homemade Mexican Wedding Cookies!
