Mexican Wedding Cookies: A Delightful Recipe and Guide
Mexican wedding cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes, snowball cookies, or polvorones, are delicate, crumbly, and utterly irresistible treats. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a staple at celebrations around the world, and their simple yet elegant flavor makes them a perfect addition to any occasion. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed recipe, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations to create the perfect batch of Mexican wedding cookies. Let’s embark on this culinary journey!
What are Mexican Wedding Cookies?
Mexican wedding cookies are small, round cookies made with butter, flour, nuts (usually pecans or walnuts), and powdered sugar. Their distinctive texture comes from a high butter-to-flour ratio and the incorporation of finely ground nuts. After baking, the cookies are generously coated in powdered sugar, creating a snow-like appearance. While the name suggests a Mexican origin, similar cookies are found in various cultures under different names, each with slight variations in ingredients and preparation.
The History of Mexican Wedding Cookies
The exact origins of Mexican wedding cookies are shrouded in a bit of mystery, with claims of origin spanning across Europe and the Middle East. Similar cookies, often called Russian tea cakes or snowball cookies, have been part of European baking traditions for centuries. Some believe that Spanish conquistadors introduced the cookie to Mexico, where it was adapted and became a part of wedding celebrations and other special occasions. Regardless of their true origin, these cookies have become a beloved treat worldwide, celebrated for their delicate flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Simple Ingredients:** This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.
* **Easy to Make:** While they look elegant, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers.
* **Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture:** The high butter content and finely ground nuts create a crumbly, delicate texture that is simply divine.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with different nuts, flavor extracts, or even a touch of citrus zest.
* **Perfect for Gifting:** These cookies make a beautiful and thoughtful gift for friends, family, or neighbors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened:** Use high-quality butter for the best flavor. Make sure it’s softened but not melted.
* **1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating:** Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, is essential for its fine texture and sweet coating.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Adds a warm, classic flavor. You can also use almond extract or other flavorings.
* **2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour:** Provides the structure for the cookies. Measure accurately by spooning the flour into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
* **1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts:** Adds flavor, texture, and richness. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon salt:** Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Mixing bowls:** For creaming the butter and sugar, and for combining the dry ingredients.
* **Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer):** Makes creaming the butter and sugar much easier and faster.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Baking sheets:** To bake the cookies on. Line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
* **Parchment paper or silicone baking mats:** Prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets.
* **Cookie scoop (optional):** Helps create uniformly sized cookies.
* **Sifter or fine-mesh sieve:** For coating the cookies with powdered sugar.
* **Wire rack:** For cooling the cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
**Step 1: Prepare the Nuts (Optional)**
If desired, toast the pecans or walnuts to enhance their flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let cool slightly before finely chopping.
**Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar**
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
**Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract**
Beat in the vanilla extract until well combined.
**Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
**Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients**
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
**Step 6: Stir in Nuts**
Stir in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
**Step 7: Chill the Dough (Important!)**
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and makes them easier to handle.
**Step 8: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
**Step 9: Shape the Cookies**
Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. You can use a cookie scoop for uniform size. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
**Step 10: Bake the Cookies**
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies should still be pale in the center.
**Step 11: Cool the Cookies**
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Step 12: Coat with Powdered Sugar (First Coating)**
While the cookies are still slightly warm, but not hot, gently roll them in powdered sugar until completely coated. The warmth helps the sugar adhere to the cookies.
**Step 13: Cool Completely**
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the wire rack.
**Step 14: Coat with Powdered Sugar (Second Coating)**
Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar again for a generous second coating. This gives them their signature snowy appearance.
**Step 15: Serve and Enjoy!**
Serve the Mexican wedding cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips for Perfect Mexican Wedding Cookies
* **Use softened, but not melted, butter:** Softened butter is key to creating a light and fluffy texture. If the butter is too melted, the cookies will spread too much.
* **Don’t overmix the dough:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
* **Chill the dough:** Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading and making them easier to handle. Don’t skip this step!
* **Bake until just lightly golden:** Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies. The cookies should still be pale in the center.
* **Coat with powdered sugar while slightly warm:** This helps the sugar adhere to the cookies. However, avoid coating them when they are too hot, as the sugar will melt.
* **Double coat with powdered sugar:** The second coating of powdered sugar is essential for the signature snowy appearance.
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** Using the best quality butter and nuts will significantly improve the flavor of your cookies.
* **Toast the nuts:** Toasting the nuts before adding them to the dough enhances their flavor and adds a depth of complexity to the cookies.
Variations and Additions
* **Almond Extract:** Substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a distinct nutty flavor.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of one lemon, orange, or lime to the dough for a bright, refreshing twist.
* **Spices:** Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a hint of chocolatey goodness.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for a subtle coffee flavor.
* **Different Nuts:** Experiment with different nuts, such as macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios.
* **Dipped Bottoms:** After the second coat of powdered sugar, dip the bottom of the cookies in melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
Troubleshooting
* **Cookies are spreading too much:** Make sure you are using softened, but not melted, butter. Also, ensure that you have chilled the dough for the recommended time.
* **Cookies are dry and crumbly:** Avoid overbaking the cookies. Bake until the edges are just lightly golden. Also, make sure you are not using too much flour.
* **Powdered sugar is melting:** Make sure the cookies are not too hot when you coat them with powdered sugar. The sugar should adhere to the cookies without melting.
* **Cookies are tough:** Avoid overmixing the dough. Mix until just combined.
Serving Suggestions
* **Enjoy with coffee or tea:** Mexican wedding cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a warm beverage.
* **Serve as part of a dessert platter:** These cookies add a touch of elegance to any dessert spread.
* **Gift them to friends and family:** Package them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful and delicious gift.
* **Serve at weddings or special events:** These cookies are a classic choice for celebrations.
* **Pair with ice cream:** Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store Mexican wedding cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will stay fresh longer if stored properly.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 2 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. You can also freeze the baked cookies, but the powdered sugar coating may absorb moisture and become less visible. To refresh frozen baked cookies, simply roll them in powdered sugar again after thawing.
Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe Card
**Yields:** About 36 cookies
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Chill time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 12-15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Nuts (Optional):** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast nuts for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant. Let cool and finely chop.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Add Vanilla:** Beat in vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
5. **Add Dry Ingredients to Wet:** Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. **Stir in Nuts:** Stir in chopped nuts.
7. **Chill Dough:** Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
8. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
9. **Shape Cookies:** Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets.
10. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
11. **Cool:** Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
12. **First Powdered Sugar Coating:** While slightly warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar.
13. **Cool Completely:** Let cookies cool completely.
14. **Second Powdered Sugar Coating:** Roll cookies in powdered sugar again.
15. **Serve:** Serve and enjoy!
Conclusion
Mexican wedding cookies are a delightful and versatile treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their delicate texture, sweet flavor, and elegant appearance, they are sure to impress. This detailed guide has provided you with everything you need to create the perfect batch of these beloved cookies. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy the process of creating these delicious and memorable treats. Happy baking!