Classic Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe: A Buttery, Nutty Delight
Mexican Wedding Cookies are much-cherished delicacies which makes their position special for every cookie lover. Another name for these treats is Russian tea cake; snowball cookies; or butterball cookies which are traditional Mexican Wedding Cakes characterized by their crumbly, buttery texture that has been dusted with powdered sugar. This is best for events, parties, occasions, and holidays because of its nutty and sweet taste that is very delightful for everyone, especially for those who love cookies alike.
Preparing Mexican Wedding Cookies at home can be quite easy and the end product is always delicious as there are very few components to use. The ingredients of these cookies or the basic ingredients are; butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, flour, and last but not the least, finely chopped nuts such as pecan nuts, walnuts, etc. The nuts provide a nice crumb to Mexican Wedding Cookies and the butter makes them rather buttery and moist. This dough is trivial to make, and as soon as some minutes in the oven, these cookies are rolled in powdered sugar hence their name snowball cookies.
The Origins and Popularity of Mexican Wedding Cookies
As for where Mexican Wedding Cookies came from, that is shrouded a little in a mystery the same way that a wedding veil might be but the recipes similar to this one have been around for hundreds of years in numerous cultures. It is believed that they began from the European baking cultures and were modified in the Mexican as well as Latin American cooking practices. At present, Mexican Wedding Cookies are a familiar sweet course in Mexican cuisine and are traditionally consumed on wedding receptions, quinceañeras, and some occasions.
These cookies have become fashionable in the United States and the rest of the world as they are prepared for festive occasions such as Christmas, and Thanksgiving and occasions like weddings. Given their forgiving nature and the basic recipes with which they are made, they have become favorites with bakers everywhere: young and old, professional and amateur: this is because, besides being easy to make, they also remind us of childhood.
Why Mexican Wedding Cookies Are So Special
This is why some Mexican Wedding Cookies are so treasured – they are soft and buttery on the outside and crunchy on the inside. The cookie dough has a delicate texture, thanks to the cake and butter, but the chopped nuts give a different kind of texture contrasting to the cookies. Arriving from powdered sugar, you still won’t find the sweetness in the cookies overpowering or overwhelming. Mexican Wedding Cookies have a sandy texture, which falls apart when you place the biscuit in your mouth, and the biscuit gives a hint of almond to a great extent. Such a perfect combination of buttery flavor, nut taste, and slight sweetness makes these cookies perfect.
And it is also tender and can be made with almost any type of nut, for those who have a preference. Most of the cakes include pecans and walnuts but some have almonds or hazelnuts, which have their own distinctive tastes. It means that you can easily adjust your Mexican Wedding Cookies to coat them in that matter to your preference.
Tips for Perfect Mexican Wedding Cookies
Especially when it comes to the perfect Mexican Wedding Cookies texture, one must always chill the dough before baking it. This process aids in getting the cookies the right round shape when baking as they maintain that round shape right from baking. This way you may coat the cookies with powdered sugar once and that would stick to all the surfaces of the cookies. Then after the snowman cookies are completely cool another layer of powdered sugar is applied to give it a more snowy appearance.
Mexican Wedding Cookies are indeed best eaten fresh but they freeze nicely and are good for gift giving or for holiday baked goods that would not spoil easily. If stored in an airtight container these will remain tasty for several days.
Why You Should Try Mexican Wedding Cookies Today
No matter the occasion, if you need a cookie to indulge in, or are just in the mood for something sweet and comforting; these Mexican Wedding Cookies will work perfectly. Owing to their ability to be prepared easily, and enjoyed for their great taste and good texture, they are a cookie not to be resisted. Best enjoyed with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, Mexican Wedding Cookies is a delightful recipe that should be on every cook’s list!
Try More Recipe:- Easy Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe – Chewy & Delicious
Mexican Wedding Cookies are tender, butter shortbread cookies that have a nut surface with a crumbly, tender mouthfeel. When rolled in powdered sugar, they are great for Christmas dinner because they’re covered in snow immediately. Also called Russian tea cakes or snowball cookies, these cookies are easy to make with just the ingredients below. Soft and crumbly owing to the marzipan, with a slightly sweet, nutty taste, you just cannot resist having these!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling the cookies)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (for extra nutty flavor)
- Finely chopped almonds (can be used in place of pecans or walnuts)
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and creamy. This step takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Add the vanilla extract (and almond extract if using) and mix until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Chill the Dough:
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Cookies:
Once the dough has chilled, use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll each portion into a small ball, about 1 inch in diameter.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one.
- Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale to retain their soft, tender texture.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar:
While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in powdered sugar to coat. Set them aside to cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar again for a thicker coating.
- Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Mexican Wedding Cookies at room temperature with a second dusting of powdered sugar if desired. They’re ready to enjoy as a snack or dessert!
Servings 35
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 95kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7g11%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 15mg5%
- Sodium 1mg1%
- Potassium 28mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 9g3%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Protein 1g2%
- Calcium 8 mg
- Iron 0.1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Storage: Store Mexican Wedding Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Serving Suggestions: These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, weddings, or any celebration. They pair well with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.