Mexican Wedding Cookies (Polvorones) Recipe

Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as Polvorones, are buttery, crumbly cookies coated in powdered sugar. They are often served at weddings, holidays, and special occasions in Mexico and other Latin American countries. These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and are made with ground nuts, usually pecans or almonds. Here’s a simple recipe for these delicious cookies:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling the cookies)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely ground pecans (or almonds or walnuts)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
• Mix in the vanilla extract.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the flour, ground nuts, and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined. The dough will be slightly crumbly, but it should hold together when pressed.

4. Shape the Cookies:

• Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
• You can slightly flatten them if you prefer, but traditionally they remain in ball form.

5. Bake the Cookies:

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the bottom.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Coat in Powdered Sugar:

• Once the cookies are cooled but still slightly warm, roll them generously in powdered sugar. Let them cool completely and roll them again in powdered sugar for a thicker coating.

Tips:

• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Make Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
• Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version, simply omit the ground nuts and slightly reduce the flour.

Summary:

Mexican Wedding Cookies (Polvorones) are classic, festive treats with a rich, buttery flavor and delicate crumbly texture. The double coating of powdered sugar gives them a sweet, snowy appearance, perfect for holidays or special celebrations. These cookies are easy to make, with a simple yet delicious recipe!