Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as Polvorones or Russian Tea Cakes, are delightful treats often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations. These buttery, nutty cookies are well-loved not just for their melt-in-your-mouth texture but also for their sweet and tender flavor. Coated in powdered sugar, they embody a festive spirit perfect for weddings, holidays, and family gatherings.
Why We Love This Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe
You’ll adore this recipe for Mexican Wedding Cookies because it embraces simplicity while delivering an incredible taste and texture. With just a handful of ingredients, you can craft a batch that will please friends and family alike. The combination of rich butter, toasted pecans, and a hint of vanilla creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that evokes nostalgia and warmth. Plus, the process of making these cookies is straightforward, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Imagine the joy of biting into one of these cookies, letting its crumbly goodness take you on a delightful journey of taste.
Ingredients About Mexican Wedding Cookies
To whip up a batch of these delicious Mexican Wedding Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
These ingredients come together beautifully, creating a harmonious mixture that results in cookies you can’t resist. Make sure you have everything on hand before you start so that the baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
How to Make Mexican Wedding Cookies Directions
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Mexican Wedding Cookies:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This crucial first step ensures that the cookies bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or a spatula, cream them together until the mixture appears light and fluffy. This might take a few minutes, but the fluffiness is key to achieving the perfect texture.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Once your butter and sugar mixture is airy, stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure it is fully incorporated, as this will enhance the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt into the bowl. Be cautious here—mix until everything is just combined to prevent overworking the dough, which can lead to a denser cookie.
- Shape the Dough: Grab a tablespoon or cookie scoop, and shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place these balls on a lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. The cookies will spread a little, so this spacing is important.
- Bake the Cookies: Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the bottoms; they should turn lightly golden but should not become too dark.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. While they’re still warm but not hot, roll them gently in powdered sugar. This provides that classic sweet finish.
- Cool Completely: Finally, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This stage is crucial as it allows the cookies to firm up and sets the coating of powdered sugar.
How to Serve Mexican Wedding Cookies
Serving your Mexican Wedding Cookies can be as delightful as baking them! Here are a few ideas to enhance your presentation:
- Platter Display: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter, dusted with extra powdered sugar for a lovely presentation. This makes for a stunning centerpiece whether for a party or just a family gathering.
- Pair with Beverages: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. You can even create a mini cookie platter with different treats for guests to enjoy alongside their beverage of choice.
- Include in Gift Baskets: Consider placing your cookies in a decorative tin or box to give as gifts. This homemade touch will surely warm the hearts of friends and family members.
Expert Tips: Mexican Wedding Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Mexican Wedding Cookies, consider these expert tips:
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is truly softened at room temperature. This will create a fluffy texture when creamed with sugar.
- Chop Pecans Finely: Ensure your pecans are finely chopped to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the dough. Toasting the pecans slightly before adding them can also enhance their flavor.
- Space Cookies Appropriately: Remember the importance of spacing your cookies on the baking sheet. This prevents them from merging and ensures they bake evenly.
- Experiment with Coating: While powdered sugar is traditional, you might want to roll the cooled cookies in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
How to Store Mexican Wedding Cookies
Storing your Mexican Wedding Cookies is easy and straightforward:
- Room Temperature Storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week this way, remaining fresh and delightful.
- Refrigeration: If you anticipate that they won’t be eaten within a week, you can keep them refrigerated. Simply place them in a sealed container to prevent them from absorbing odors.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Ensure they are well-wrapped or placed in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature and perhaps re-coat them in powdered sugar.
Variation of Mexican Wedding Cookies
Feel free to explore different variations of Mexican Wedding Cookies to keep things interesting:
- Nut Variations: While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with chopped walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a unique twist in flavor.
- Infused Flavors: Consider adding a hint of citrus zest, like lemon or orange, to the dough for a refreshing flavor variation. This can elevate the sweetness and give a vibrant touch.
- Diverse Coatings: After rolling in powdered sugar, try adding a drizzle of melted chocolate for a rich contrast. Or, mix in some toasted coconut into the powdered sugar for a tropical feel.
FAQ
What are Mexican Wedding Cookies?
Mexican Wedding Cookies are small, buttery cookies made with flour, nuts, and sugar, often rolled in powdered sugar. They are also known for their tender texture and nutty flavor.
How do you get the perfect texture for Mexican Wedding Cookies?
To achieve the perfect texture, use softened butter for creaming with sugar, and avoid overmixing once you add the flour and nuts. This helps keep the cookies light and crumbly.
What can I serve Mexican Wedding Cookies with?
These cookies are delightful with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. You can also serve them at celebrations or gift them in decorative tins.
How long will Mexican Wedding Cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they can last up to a week. For longer storage options, consider refrigerating or freezing them.
Can I make Mexican Wedding Cookies without nuts?
Yes! You can omit the nuts or replace them with seeds or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the measurements accordingly.
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar Plus extra for coating
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract For flavor enhancement
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Structure of the cookies
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans Finely chopped for distribution
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances flavors
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet, ensuring 2 inches of space between each.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes, then gently roll the cookies in powdered sugar.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
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