If you have a soft spot for melt-in-your-mouth treats that feel like a warm hug, then this Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These delicate, buttery cookies dusted with powdered sugar are more than just a classic holiday favorite—they are a timeless treasure that brings joy and comfort to any table. With their tender crumb, subtle vanilla aroma, and crunchy pecan bits, they’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring one bite at a time while curled up with a good book.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients list is. Each one plays an important role in creating that perfect balance of texture and flavor, so it’s worth choosing quality staples for the best results.
- Unsalted butter: Using slightly softened but still firm butter helps achieve the ideal creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar: Divided into two parts, this sweetener offers a tender crumb and is essential for the classic cookie coating.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance and balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely warm aroma that makes these cookies irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of these cookies, contributing to their tender structure.
- Pecans: Chopped finely for that delightful nutty crunch in every bite.
How to Make Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Before you dive into the mixing, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. This simple prep step sets the stage for perfect, hassle-free baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Salt
Using an electric stand mixer with a paddle attachment, blend the butter, half of the powdered sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy. This step is key for building the right texture — you want your butter to be soft enough to mix but not melted, providing just the right body to hold everything together.
Step 3: Add the Vanilla Extract
Pour in the vanilla extract and mix briefly until it’s fully incorporated. That burst of vanilla gives these cookies their signature warmth and subtle depth, making them truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Blend in the Flour
At first, the mixture will look dry and sandy, but don’t worry! Keep mixing—it will come together into a soft dough. This is where patience pays off, as the flour transforms the butter base into the perfect cookie dough consistency.
Step 5: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans so that each cookie will have a touch of nuttiness. This adds wonderful texture and a hint of savory contrast that balances out the sweetness beautifully.
Step 6: Shape the Dough into Balls
Scoop the dough using a tablespoon measure and roll each portion into a smooth ball. Place these evenly on your prepared baking sheets, giving each cookie enough space to bake without sticking. If you have extra dough, keep it chilled until you’re ready to bake.
Step 7: Bake Until Almost Set
Pop the trays into the oven and bake for about 13 to 14 minutes. The cookies will be nearly set but still tender inside, which is exactly what you want for that delicate texture.
Step 8: Cool Before Handling
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet until they’re firm enough to handle, around 5 to 8 minutes. This prevents them from breaking apart during the next step and gives them a little time to rest.
Step 9: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Pour the remaining powdered sugar into a small bowl and roll each warm cookie through it. At first, the sugar will melt slightly and create a sticky, thin coating—this is how you get that authentic “snowy” look and sweet exterior.
Step 10: Cool and Double Roll in Sugar
Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before rolling them in powdered sugar a second time. This final layer ensures a beautiful, even dusting that adds to each cookie’s charm and sweetness. Store your finished cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delightful!
How to Serve Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are perfect on their own, a light dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving adds a festive touch. For special occasions, sprinkle finely chopped pecans or a hint of cocoa powder on top to elevate their visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair your Mexican Wedding Cookies with a warm beverage like rich hot chocolate, spiced chai, or a smooth cup of coffee. These combos accentuate the cookies’ buttery richness and make for a cozy, satisfying treat any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
These cookies are wonderfully versatile for presentation. Arrange them in decorative tins or stack them in clear glass jars tied with ribbons for a charming homemade gift. You can also sandwich them with a dollop of jam or chocolate ganache to create an elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Mexican Wedding Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, making them ideal for preparing in advance for gatherings or as a sweet everyday treat.
Freezing
If you want to stash these beauties for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. When wrapped properly, they’ll maintain their texture and flavor for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen cookies at their best, simply let them come to room temperature naturally. Avoid microwaving, as this can melt the powdered sugar coating. Instead, a gentle warming in the oven for a few minutes can refresh their crumbly, tender texture beautifully.
FAQs
What makes Mexican Wedding Cookies different from other shortbread cookies?
The defining feature is the generous coating of powdered sugar and the inclusion of finely chopped pecans, giving them a unique sweet, nutty flavor and signature crumbly texture that sets them apart.
Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully as alternatives, adding their own distinctive taste while maintaining the classic cookie texture.
Is it important to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in your cookies precisely, ensuring they aren’t overly salty and the sweetness is balanced perfectly.
Why do I need to roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar?
The first roll when the cookies are warm creates a sticky base layer, while the second roll after cooling provides an even, powdery finish that looks beautiful and enhances sweetness.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
With a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can adapt this recipe to suit gluten-free diets without sacrificing the tender crumb and delicious flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that feel like pure love in every bite, you’ve got to try this Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe. From the cozy aroma as they bake to the delicate sweetness of each bite, these cookies will quickly become a beloved staple for holidays and everyday indulgences alike. Enjoy baking, sharing, and savoring every moment of this delicious tradition!
Print
Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 35 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mexican Wedding Cookies are buttery, tender, and nutty treats rolled generously in powdered sugar. Perfectly crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft inside, these traditional cookies are an irresistible holiday favorite and make a delightful snack any time of year.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened slightly but still firm, diced into 5 pieces
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups (249g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (110g) pecans, chopped into small bits
For Rolling
- 1 1/4 cups (150g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to allow for even baking.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Salt: Using an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and salt until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with its signature warm flavor.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually blend in the all-purpose flour. Initially, the mixture will appear dry and sandy, but continue mixing until it forms a cohesive dough.
- Mix in Pecans: Fold the chopped pecans into the dough evenly, ensuring nuts are well distributed.
- Shape Dough into Balls: Scoop the dough one tablespoon at a time and roll into uniform balls. Place these on the prepared baking sheets. Keep remaining dough chilled if not baking immediately to maintain firmness.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 13 to 14 minutes, or until they are set but not browned.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 8 minutes until they are cool enough to handle but still warm.
- First Sugar Coating: Pour the remaining 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar into a small bowl and roll each warm cookie in the sugar to lightly coat them. The sugar may appear to melt and stick to the cookie at this stage.
- Final Cooling and Second Sugar Coat: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a perfect, snowy finish. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best results, keep the dough chilled if you can’t bake all the cookies at once to prevent spreading.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Ensure butter is slightly softened but still firm to help achieve the ideal cookie texture.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Double rolling in powdered sugar gives these cookies their characteristic sweet, delicate coating.
