Get ready to transport your taste buds to a world of delicate, buttery bliss with these irresistible Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as Polvorones! These heavenly treats are more than just a cookie – they're a cultural experience that melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more. Imagine a delicate, nutty shortbread that literally crumbles with pure powdered sugar goodness, creating a moment of pure culinary magic that will have your guests begging for the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning preparation.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter until smooth and light, using an electric mixer or stand mixer.
- Gradually add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to the butter, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes fluffy and well incorporated.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly to distribute the flavor evenly.
- Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the finely chopped nuts using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and make handling easier.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll into small 1-inch balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain pale.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- While still warm, carefully roll each cookie in powdered sugar, coating them completely.
- Transfer the sugar-coated cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
- Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time for a more generous coating.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Make sure your butter is truly at room temperature for the smoothest, most creamy mixture possible.
- Nut Selection Matters: Use finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for the best texture and flavor. Toast them lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty profile.
- Chilling is Crucial: Don't skip the refrigeration step – this helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle and shape.
- Powdered Sugar Technique: For the most elegant look, use a fine mesh sifter when coating the cookies. Roll them while they're still warm for the first sugar coating, then again when completely cool for that perfect snow-white finish.
- Storage Tip: These cookies actually improve in flavor after a day, so don't be afraid to make them in advance. Just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Precision Baking: Watch your cookies closely in the oven. They should be just barely golden at the edges – overcooking will make them dry and tough.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
