Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as “polvorones” or “snowball cookies,” are a melt-in-your-mouth treat made with buttery dough, finely chopped nuts, and a dusting of powdered sugar. These cookies have a tender, crumbly texture and a rich, nutty flavor that makes them perfect for holidays, weddings, and celebrations.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120 g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed in the dough.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool for about 5 minutes.
- While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar, then place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar a second time for a snowy finish.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 5 g
- Protein: 2 g
History and Cultural Significance
Mexican Wedding Cookies have a rich history that stretches beyond Mexico, with variations found in many cultures around the world. Known as “polvorones” in Spanish-speaking countries, “Russian Tea Cakes” in Eastern Europe, and “Snowball Cookies” in the United States, their origins are often linked to European baking traditions brought to the Americas during the colonial period. Over time, they became a staple in Mexican celebrations, particularly weddings, Christmas, and quinceañeras. The tradition of serving these cookies during special occasions is rooted in their symbolism of sweetness and prosperity for the guests and the couple being celebrated.
Texture and Flavor Profile
These cookies are beloved for their unique texture, which is both crumbly and tender. The finely ground nuts give them a subtle crunch, while the generous coating of powdered sugar provides a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth sensation. Unlike overly sweet desserts, Mexican Wedding Cookies have a delicate balance between nutty richness and gentle sweetness, making them a sophisticated treat. Their flavor deepens after a day or two, as the butter and nuts mingle, creating a more harmonious taste.
Nut Options and Flavor Variations
Although pecans are the most traditional choice for Mexican Wedding Cookies, they can easily be made with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. Toasting the nuts before adding them enhances their flavor, bringing a deeper nuttiness to the cookies. For a creative twist, some bakers add a hint of citrus zest, cinnamon, or even cardamom to the dough. The powdered sugar coating can also be flavored with a touch of cocoa powder or cinnamon for a unique variation.
Serving Suggestions
Mexican Wedding Cookies are often enjoyed alongside hot beverages such as coffee, tea, or Mexican hot chocolate. Their small, bite-sized shape makes them perfect for serving on dessert platters at holiday gatherings or wedding receptions. They pair beautifully with fruit-based desserts or can be presented as part of a cookie assortment. When served at weddings, they are sometimes arranged in tiered trays or packaged in decorative bags for guests to take home as a sweet memento.
Pairing with Drinks
Because of their mild sweetness and buttery texture, Mexican Wedding Cookies complement a wide range of beverages. For a traditional Mexican pairing, serve them with café de olla, a spiced coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo. They also work well with herbal teas like chamomile or hibiscus, which contrast the richness of the cookies. During winter festivities, a warm mug of spiced cider or mulled wine adds a comforting and seasonal touch to the experience.
Storage and Shelf Life
One of the best qualities of Mexican Wedding Cookies is their excellent shelf life when stored properly. Once cooled and dusted, they can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks without losing their flavor or texture. If you live in a humid climate, adding a piece of parchment paper between layers can help prevent the powdered sugar from clumping. They also freeze well; simply place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months, thawing them at room temperature before serving.
Make-Ahead and Gifting Ideas
Mexican Wedding Cookies are an excellent make-ahead dessert, ideal for holiday baking or special events. The dough can be rolled into balls and frozen before baking, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever needed. For gifting, they can be packaged in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons or placed in decorative tins. Adding a handwritten note with the cookie’s name and a warm message makes them even more personal and appreciated.
Dietary Modifications
These cookies can be adapted to suit various dietary needs without sacrificing their signature taste. For gluten-free versions, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend. To make them dairy-free, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. While traditional recipes include nuts, nut-free adaptations can use finely shredded coconut or sunflower seeds for a similar texture. Sugar-conscious bakers may also use a sugar substitute for the powdered sugar coating.
Occasions and Festivities
While Mexican Wedding Cookies are most famously associated with weddings, their versatility makes them a welcome addition to any celebration. They are often prepared during Christmas, Día de los Muertos, Easter, and other festive gatherings. In many families, baking these cookies is a tradition passed down through generations, turning the process into a cherished activity that brings loved ones together. Their simple elegance and universal appeal make them a dessert that transcends cultural boundaries.
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving the perfect Mexican Wedding Cookie requires attention to a few key details. First, ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the right dough consistency. Chilling the dough before rolling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. Finely chopping or grinding the nuts ensures an even distribution in the dough, preventing uneven texture. Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm ensures the coating adheres well, while a second dusting after cooling gives them their signature snowball appearance.
Conclusion
Mexican Wedding Cookies are a timeless dessert that combines simplicity with elegance, making them a favorite in both traditional and modern celebrations. Their buttery, nutty flavor, delicate texture, and beautiful powdered sugar coating create a dessert that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether enjoyed at a wedding, shared during the holidays, or given as a heartfelt gift, these cookies carry with them a sense of warmth, tradition, and celebration.