Description

Welcome, dessert lovers! If you’re a fan of melt-in-your-mouth treats with a snowy, delicate touch, then you’re in for a delightful surprise with Mexican Wedding Cookies. Also known as Snowball Cookies or Polvorones, these buttery confections are a must-try for any cookie enthusiast. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a wedding, or just a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for elegant sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans or almonds (substitute walnuts if preferred)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Substitutions:

For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour.
Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Stir in the vanilla extract for added aroma.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour, salt, and finely chopped nuts to the butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 15 minutes before shaping.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your palms. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 1 inch apart.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; these cookies should retain their pale appearance.

Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheets. While still warm, roll each cookie in a generous amount of powdered sugar. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. For the ultimate snowy finish, roll them in powdered sugar again once cooled.

Notes

1: Toast the nuts before chopping to deepen their flavor.
2: Use a food processor for evenly chopped nuts to ensure consistent texture.
3: Don’t skip the second powdered sugar coating for the signature “snowball” effect.