Mexican Cookies Recipe (Mexican Wedding) - The Foodie Affair (2024)

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These Mexican Wedding Cookies are rich, buttery, and melt in your mouth. The dough is shaped into small balls before baking and then rolled in powdered sugar after baking for a sweet finish. This Mexican wedding cookie recipe is traditionally served at weddings and holidays but they make a delicious anytime treat!

Mexican Cookies Recipe (Mexican Wedding) - The Foodie Affair (1)

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • You only need basic pantry staples so you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money to make this traditional cookie.
  • They are one of the easiest cookies that you will ever bake. So, even beginning bakers can make them.
  • The shortbread cookie is full of rich nutty flavor that melts in your mouth.
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Why are Mexican cookies called that?

Back in the “olden” days, baked goods were served as wedding favors at Latin wedding celebrations (history of wedding cakes in Mexico), which is where the name came from.

Each cookie would be wrapped in tulle with a ribbon and given to guests as a thank-you for attending the event. What a simple and tasty way to remember the festive ceremony!

Ingredients Needed

  • all-purpose flour
  • butter
  • confectioners sugar
  • vanilla extract
  • nuts (walnuts or pecans)

How to Make Mexican Wedding Cookies

These delicious Mexican cookies come together in just a few simple steps. Just follow these step-by-step directions and you will have rich and buttery shortbread-style cookies in no time at all.

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare your cookie sheet

Preheat oven to 300°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients and add the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar at medium speed until creamy. Scrape the sides of the bowl a couple of times to ensure the butter and sugar are fully mixed. Add vanilla and flour.

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Step 3: Add Nuts

Stir in chopped nuts.

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Step 3: Shape and bake the cookies

With a small cookie scoop, shape the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 20 minutes.

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Step 4: Cool and dust with powdered sugar

Let cool for about five minutes. When you can handle it with your fingers, roll each cookie in powdered sugar.

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Substitutions and Additions

  • Want to change up the flavor of these snowball cookies? Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a little almond flavor.
  • You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon if you want a little spice in your cookies.
  • For a slightly different twist, you can add some cinnamon to your powdered sugar, and then roll the baked cookies in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container or Ziploc bag at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep these cookies dry so that the powdered sugar doesn’t come off the cookies.

What to Serve With

These traditional Mexican wedding cookies are delicious on their own. But, you can also pair them with a mug of this Irish Cream Hot Chocolate, or your favorite cup of coffee. You can also serve them on a cookie platter during the holiday

Substitutions and Additions

  • Want to change up the flavor of these snowball cookies? Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a little almond flavor.
  • You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon if you want a little spice in your cookies.
  • For a slightly different twist, you can add some cinnamon to your powdered sugar, and then roll the baked cookies in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container or Ziploc bag at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep these cookies dry so that the powdered sugar doesn’t come off the cookies.

Freezing

Wrap uncooked dough in saran wrap and store in an airtight freezer-safe container. OR scoop the cookies into balls place on a baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes. Then place in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers.

I don’t recommend freezing these cookies once they have been rolled in the confectioners’ sugar.

What to Serve With

These traditional Mexican wedding cookies are delicious on their own. But, you can also pair them with a mug of this Irish Cream Hot Chocolate, or your favorite cup of coffee. You can also serve them on a cookie platter during the holiday

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make Mexican cookies without nuts?

Yes, these cookies can be made nut-free. There is no need to alter the recipe. Just know that the texture will change a bit, but they are still delicious!

What is the difference between Mexican wedding cookies and Russian tea cakes?

These cookies go by different names, but they are all essentially the same. They are usually referred to as polvorones in Mexico and sometimes snowballs, Danish wedding cookies, or Russian teacakes in other countries. They are small, round cookies made of ground nuts mixed with butter and sugar, often coated with powdered sugar or cinnamon.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze Mexican wedding cookies for up to 6 months. Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before freezing and wrap them tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, allow the frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Why do they call them Mexican Wedding cookies?

The origin of the name is unknown, but one popular theory is that they were served during Mexican weddings as a symbol of love and unity between families. This has given them the nickname “Mexican Wedding Cookies” in English-speaking countries.

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Christmas Cookie Recipes

You can never bake enough of these cookies. These cookies always seem to disappear first, so I suggest baking a variety of cookies during the Christmas season!

You might enjoy these:

  • Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies– classic chocolate chip cookie withcrushed peppermint candy canes.
  • Butter Brickle Cookies– Rich toffee over saltine crackers and topped with chocolate and nuts. Break up like a bark.
  • Ricotta Cheese Holiday Cookies – soft cookies with a cake-like texture with light icing and sprinkles.
  • Christmas Tree Meringue Cookies– Meringue cookies are decorated like a Christmas tree.
  • Pecan Pie Crust Cookies – a delicious mix of pecans folded in pie crust dough.

For a low-carb cookie option be sure to check out these Peppermint Keto Christmas Cookies and these Keto Almond Butter Cookies with chocolate chips.

Mexican Cookies Recipe (Mexican Wedding) - The Foodie Affair (14)

Mexican Cookies Recipe (Mexican Wedding)

This recipe for Mexican wedding cookies yields buttery melt in your mouth holiday cookies that is shared though out the world. Many ethnicities share this same version.

4.77 from 56 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Mexican cookie recipe, Mexican wedding cookies, Snowball Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 1/2 dozen

Calories: 160kcal

Author: Sandra Shaffer

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl

  • Hand mixer

  • Mixing spoon

  • baking sheet

  • Cookie scoop

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter unsalted and softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup nuts walnuts or pecans, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups additional powder sugar for coating cookies sifted

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven to 300°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

  • In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar at medium speed until creamy. Add vanilla and flour. Stir in nuts.

  • With a small cookie scoop, place round cookies on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 20 minutes.

  • Let cool for about five minutes. When you can handle with your fingers, roll each cookie in powdered sugar.

Video

Notes

Roll cookies while they are still warm helps the sugar to stick to the cookies.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 34mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g

Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.

Mexican Cookies Recipe (Mexican Wedding) - The Foodie Affair (2024)

FAQs

What is the story behind Mexican wedding cookies? ›

History of Mexican Wedding Cookies

As Spanish colonizers brought these recipes to Mexico, they seamlessly integrated into the local culinary landscape. The cookie's association with weddings stems from its sweet symbolism of happiness, unity, and the joyful occasions surrounding matrimony.

Why did my Mexican wedding cookies flatten? ›

Mexican wedding cookies can flatten for two reasons: if they are overmixed, or if they are baked without chilling. They should be mixed just until the dough comes together in a ball. I recommend chilling the dough for at least one hour so that the butter gets very cold and the cookies don't spread in the oven.

What do Mexican wedding cookies taste like? ›

These Mexican wedding cookies are tender, delicate, and full of rich, buttery pecan flavor. Dusted in powdered sugar, they're a perfect holiday treat. Mexican wedding cookies are one of my favorite holiday treats. They have a rich, nutty flavor and a texture so delicate that they practically melt in your mouth.

What happened to Danish wedding cookies? ›

However, these beloved treats are no longer available on the shelves. Keebler, one of the largest cookie manufacturers in the U.S., has been known for its diverse range of products. Yet, their decision to discontinue Danish Wedding Cookies has left many consumers like me disappointed and longing for their unique taste.

How many calories are in Mexican wedding cookies? ›

1 oz of mexican wedding cookies (Too Good Gourmet) contains 130 Calories.

What is the history of Mexican sugar cookies? ›

Mexican Wedding Cookies Origin

As trade routes began to broaden, these sweet confections made their way from the Middle East to all parts of Europe. Historians believe that the recipe migrated to Mexico by way of European nuns or Spanish conquistadors in the Americas in the 16th century.

What is the difference between Italian and Mexican wedding cookies? ›

Italian wedding cookies typically contain almonds or hazelnuts and are flavored with almond extract, vanilla extracts and spices like cinnamon or anise. Mexican wedding cookies, on the other hand, use a combination of ground nuts such as pecans and walnuts, as well as butter, sugar and sometimes chocolate chips.

What is an interesting fact about Mexican weddings? ›

Called the “el muertito,” Mexican weddings are unique in the fact that they have a special event where all of the male guests throw the groom into the air. During this time, the groom's shoes are removed and guests stuff gifts into his pockets.

Why are my Mexican wedding cookies so crumbly? ›

The soft, melt-away texture of Mexican wedding cookies is thanks to a rich, buttery dough and lots of crushed nuts. These cookies don't have any egg to bind them, so they're crumbly instead of chewy. This makes them more like shortbread than, say, sugar cookies.

How do you make cookies puffy not flat? ›

Adjust leavening agents: Baking powder and baking soda are responsible for the rise and structure of cookies. If your cookies are too flat, try slightly increasing these leavening agents. Conversely, if your cookies are overly puffy and then collapse into flatness, it could be due to using too much leavening agent.

What ingredient makes cookies flatten? ›

Using too much butter in your dough can lead to flat and greasy cookies. As previously noted, baking is a science, and it is essential to closely follow recipe measurements to ensure the best results.

Why do they call them Mexican wedding cookies? ›

Food historians have noted that during the Cold War, Russian tea cakes started disappearing from American cookbooks, and wedding cookies began to appear. It could be a coincidence, but no one knows for sure," Parra explains. Most assume the cookie's name is due to its occasional appearance at some Mexican weddings.

What is a traditional Mexican wedding dinner? ›

Traditional Mexican wedding menus includes things like tacos, tamales, pork carnitas, chiles rellenos (stuffed poblano peppers), enchiladas mole, and more. Variety is the key here: multiple types of meat, sauces, and salsas can all be options.

What is a Spanish wedding cake? ›

Most traditional Spanish wedding cakes don't take the traditional tiered English wedding cake; instead they are more like a flan tart cake one that is usually filled with fruits, nuts and sometimes even custard…yummy!

Are Danish butter cookies the same as shortbread cookies? ›

Are Danish butter cookies the same as shortbread cookies? Both shortbread cookies and Danish butter cookies are very similar in texture, taste and ingredients used. Like Danish butter cookies, shortbread cookies use a good amount of butter, but normally do not use a leavener, like egg or baking powder.

Does Keebler make wedding cookies? ›

But more often than not, I'd go for the pink, crinkly bag of Keebler Danish Wedding Cookies. They were my favorite (after Keebler discontinued the Magic Middles) and I think Dad was always happy when that pink bag made it's way into the cart.

How long do homemade cookies last for? ›

Information. Bakery or homemade cookies can be stored at room temperature two to three weeks or two months in the refrigerator. Cookies retain their quality when stored in the freezer for eight to 12 months. Moist bars, such as cheesecake and lemon bars, can be refrigerated for seven days.

How many calories are in Mexican shortbread cookies? ›

Mexican Shortbread Cookies 4 servings per container. Serving size 5 cookies (30g) Calories: 150, Total Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 120g, Total Carbohydrate: 1…

What are the nutrition facts of alfajores cookies? ›

Alfajores
  • Calories 109.
  • Total Fat 2.6g 3%
  • Saturated Fat 1.4g 7%
  • Trans Fat 0.1g.
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g.
  • Monounsaturated Fat 0.8g.
  • Cholesterol 34mg 11%
  • Sodium 28mg 1%

What is New Mexico's state cookie? ›

The New Mexico Legislature adopted the biscochito (bizcochito) as the official state cookie in 1989. This act made New Mexico the first state to have an official state cookie. The biscochito is a small anise-flavored cookie, which was brought to New Mexico by the early Spaniards.

Why are they called cowboy cookies? ›

The story that describes them in originating in the Old West claims that they were eaten by cowboys as a high energy snack that could be easily carried. The dessert is also associated with the state of Wyoming. Cowboy cookie dough with chocolate chips and pretzels ready to be mixed in.

What is Mexican sugar called? ›

Piloncillo is a raw form of pure cane sugar that is commonly used in Mexican cooking and is sometimes referred to as Mexican brown sugar. This type of sugar has not been processed, leaving it with a golden brown color and a deliciously rich flavor similar to molasses, although it does not have any molasses in it.

What is the story behind Toll House cookies? ›

It all started back in 1939. Ruth Wakefield, who ran the successful Toll House restaurant in Whitman, Massachusetts, was mixing a batch of cookies when she decided to add broken pieces of Nestlé Semi-Sweet chocolate into the recipe expecting the chocolate to melt.

What is the history of Mexican pig cookies? ›

I was very curious to know the history of these pig-shaped cookies and did a little research…these were supposedly introduced in the 16th century in the state of Veracruz after the Spaniards conquered and colonized México.

What is the history of Mexican polvorones? ›

Spanish polvorones originated in the 16th century in Andalucía, where an abundance of oak acorns from the region's forests made possible the proliferation of pig farms, and brought fame for the quality of their pork products; that in turn, promoted the use of lard in their local cuisine, and specifically, in baked ...

What is the history of the snowball cookie? ›

The origin for pecan snowball cookies is unknown. Beloved in many parts of the world, these cookies may have traveled to the U.S. by way of immigrants from Eastern Europe or Mexico. Since the 20th century, they've become part of traditional American offerings for weddings and holidays, including Christmas and Easter.

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