Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

If you are on the lookout for a cookie that feels like a warm, buttery hug wrapped in snowy sweetness, then this Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These beautifully round, nut-studded delights melt in your mouth with a tender crumb, while the generous dusting of powdered sugar gives them that magical wintery finish. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you crave a little buttery indulgence, these cookies are as simple to make as they are impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and ensures your Mexican Wedding Cookies come out just right. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of richness, texture, and sweet flavor that makes this cookie so special.

• Unsalted butter: Using softened but still slightly firm butter helps the dough come together beautifully and adds that luscious, creamy texture.
• Powdered sugar: Divided usage creates both sweetness inside the dough and the signature snowy coating outside.
• Salt: Just a pinch to bring out the buttery flavor and balance the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor that complements the nuts perfectly.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough providing structure while keeping cookies tender.
• Pecans: Chopped finely to give every bite a delightful crunch and nutty richness.

How to Make Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze too.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Salt

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, half of the powdered sugar, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates the rich, buttery base that gives the cookies their tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

Mix in the vanilla extract, which brings that unbeatable aroma and flavor that defines these cookies, making every bite feel like a cozy, comforting treat.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually blend in the all-purpose flour. The dough might look dry and sandy at first, but keep mixing — it will come together into a soft, moldable consistency that’s perfect for shaping.

Step 5: Mix in the Pecans

Stir in the chopped pecans until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. These nuts add a delicious crunch and a toasty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the buttery dough and sweet sugar coating.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out the dough using a tablespoon measure to ensure even-sized cookies. Roll each portion into a neat ball and place on your prepared baking sheets. Keep any remaining dough chilled until you’re ready to bake for best results.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 13 to 14 minutes until they’re just set but not browned. This helps maintain their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and keeps them from becoming dry.

Step 8: Cool and Sugar-Coat

Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet until they’re warm enough to handle. Then, roll each cookie in the remaining powdered sugar, which will initially melt into a sticky layer. Once cooled completely on a wire rack, roll them in powdered sugar again for that perfectly snowy finish that makes this Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe truly irresistible.

How to Serve Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While the classic powdered sugar coating is a must, you can jazz things up by adding a few extra garnishes. Sprinkle a little cinnamon into the powdered sugar for a warm twist, or press whole pecans gently on top before baking for an elegant look and crunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate. Their buttery and nutty flavors complement the richness of these drinks, making them perfect companions for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange the cookies on a tiered serving tray surrounded by fresh cranberries or sprigs of rosemary. You can also gift them in a pretty tin or mason jar lined with parchment paper for a heartfelt homemade treat that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Mexican Wedding Cookies keep exceptionally well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks. The powdered sugar coating seals in freshness and helps retain their tender texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months, so you can enjoy them anytime cravings strike.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply bring them to room temperature. If you’d like the powdered sugar to look fresh, roll them once again through powdered sugar after thawing for that perfect snowy finish.

FAQs

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make excellent alternatives and will give the cookies a slightly different, yet equally delicious, nutty flavor.

Why are my Mexican Wedding Cookies crumbly?

If your cookies are too crumbly, it might be because the butter was too cold or the dough wasn’t mixed enough to come together. Make sure your butter is softened properly and mix until the dough is cohesive but not overly handled.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking, but expect slight texture differences. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

How important is the temperature of the butter?

The butter should be softened but still firm; too soft or melted butter can cause the dough to be too sticky and difficult to shape, while too hard butter won’t cream properly and may affect texture.

What is the best way to roll the cookies in powdered sugar?

Rolling them while they are warm ensures the first layer of powdery sugar sticks nicely and melts slightly, which creates a wonderful base. After they cool completely, rolling them again in powdered sugar gives that beautiful, snowy look and perfect sweetness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the classic Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe. From the buttery dough dotted with crunchy pecans to the enchanting snow-like powdered sugar coating, every bite feels like a little celebration. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a cozy treat, these cookies promise to become a fast favorite in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy every tender, sweet bite as much as I do!

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