Buttery Pecan Snowballs The Ultimate Mexican Wedding Cookie

Buttery Mexican Wedding Cookies

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Preparation time:55 Mins

Cooking time:12 Mins

Servings:36 cookies

Ingredients:

• ') Sugar, plus extra for coating

Instructions:

• Toast the pecans on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool completely, then finely chop them.
• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
• Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until just combined.
• Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until the flour is just incorporated. Stop mixing immediately once the dry streaks disappear; do not overmix.
• Gently fold in the finely chopped, cooled pecans by hand.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, flatten it slightly into a disc, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Scoop or roll the chilled dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter (approximately 1 tablespoon each), and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared sheets.
• Bake for 10 12 minutes. The cookies should remain pale and just set, not brown significantly.
• Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie thoroughly in the reserved powdered sugar until completely coated.
• Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Once fully cooled, give each cookie a second, heavy dusting of powdered sugar.
• Store the finished Mexican Wedding Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	130 Cal
Fat	8.5g
Fiber	0.5g

Recipe Info

Category	Dessert
Cuisine	Mexican

Unwrapping the Magic: Why These Buttery Pecan Snowballs Triumph

There is a special place in the culinary world reserved for cookies that manage to be both incredibly rich and wonderfully delicate. Enter the Mexican Wedding Cookies recipe .

These aren't just desserts; they are edible memories, small, snow dusted spheres that promise a buttery explosion followed by a satisfying, melt-in-your mouth crumble. Often called Polvorones recipe or sometimes even Russian Tea Cookies recipe due to their shared ancestry, these particular Galletas Mexicanas shine brightest when coated in their signature blanket of powdered sugar.

They stand out because of their texture a complex marriage of fine flour, rich butter, and toasted nuts making them a universal favourite for celebrations.

The Essential Charm of Authentic Mexican Wedding Cookies

When crafting something this traditional, understanding its roots and nuances is key to success. These Buttery Nutty Cookies aren't complex in terms of ingredients, but they rely heavily on technique to achieve that signature ethereal crumb.

A Taste of Tradition: More Than Just a Christmas Cookie

The Mexican Wedding Cookies origin is steeped in celebration, frequently appearing at nuptials across Mexico, hence the name. While they have become a beloved staple during the winter holidays worldwide, their core identity remains tied to joy and gathering.

They offer a perfect counterpoint to heavier holiday fare, providing a light, airy sweetness that cleanses the palate.

Understanding the Melt-In-Your Mouth Texture Secret

The incredible texture of these cookies the quality that separates a good cookie from a truly great one comes from the absence of eggs and the high fat content. The dough relies on the creaming of butter and powdered sugar to incorporate air, followed by minimal mixing once the flour is introduced.

This prevents gluten formation, resulting in a crumb that literally dissolves upon contact with warmth.

What Makes This Recipe Superior to Others?

Many recipes fall flat, resulting in cookies that spread too much or dry out too quickly. This particular Wedding Cookies Recipe focuses heavily on ingredient ratios and temperature control, particularly regarding the nuts and the chilling time.

By lightly toasting the pecans, we intensify their flavour profile significantly, ensuring the nuttiness sings through the buttery base, making these Easy Mexican Wedding Cookies a definitive keeper.

Gathering Your Culinary Treasure: Components for Perfect Polvorones

To achieve the authentic, delicate quality of these Buttery Nutty Cookies , the ingredients must be treated with respect. We are aiming for density without heaviness.

The Cornerstone Ingredients Checklist

For the dough, you will require 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, which must be accurately measured by spooning it gently into the cup and leveling it off, as packing it down adds too much dry matter.

We rely on 1 full cup (two sticks) of unsalted butter, softened perfectly to room temperature firm enough to hold shape but soft enough to cream easily. You’ll also need ½ cup of powdered sugar for the base dough, 1 cup of finely chopped pecans, 1 teaspoon of good quality vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt to balance the richness.

Noticeably absent are eggs; this is crucial for achieving the signature crumb structure of true Polvorones recipe .

Nut Integrity: Selecting and Toasting Your Pecans

The quality of your nuts directly impacts the final taste. For this recipe, pecans are the traditional choice, though walnuts can be substituted. Before incorporating them, you must lightly toast them.

Spread one cup of nuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are fragrant. Allow them to cool completely warm nuts melt the butter in the dough and then chop them very finely.

This toasting step releases oils and intensifies that essential nutty flavour.

Precision Measurement: Avoiding a Crumbly Disaster

Because these cookies are so delicate, precision is non-negotiable. If you use too much flour or too little butter, the dough will be too dry, leading to cookies that crack and fall apart when handled. Conversely, too much butter or insufficient chilling will cause them to spread into thin, oily discs during baking.

Stick closely to the measurements, especially when it comes to that initial ½ cup of powdered sugar mixed into the dough itself.

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The Step-by-Step Journey to Cookie Perfection

The actual construction process is straightforward, provided you respect the nature of the dough. We begin by activating the butter's potential.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and the ½ cup of powdered sugar until the mixture becomes noticeably light and fluffy. This process, which should take about three to five minutes with a mixer, is where you are building the airy structure.

Once lightened, mix in the vanilla extract and salt until barely incorporated. Next, gradually add the flour, mixing only on the lowest speed, and stop the moment the last streaks of flour disappear. Overmixing at this stage is the fastest route to toughness.

Finally, gently fold in your cooled, toasted pecans by hand, ensuring they are evenly distributed without deflating the air you just whipped in.

Baking Dynamics: Achieving That Golden Hue

The baking of Mexican Wedding Cookies requires a slightly counter intuitive approach: we bake them gently.

Creaming Technique: The Foundation of Fluffiness

As mentioned, the initial creaming is foundational. It introduces necessary air bubbles that expand in the oven, contributing to the cookie's overall lightness before the structure is set by the heat. Don't rush this step; aim for a pale, almost white, fluffy mound of butter and sugar.

The Chilling Protocol: Why Rest Matters Before Baking

Once the dough is mixed, it needs a mandatory rest. Wrap the dough disc tightly and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This crucial chilling time solidifies the high volume of butter.

When the solid fat hits the oven's heat, it melts slowly, allowing the cookie to set gradually rather than spreading instantly. This helps maintain that perfect spherical shape. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper before you roll your dough into 1 inch balls.

The Dual Dusting Method for Ultimate Powdered Sugar Coating

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. The key indicator is visual: they should look pale and just set; you do not want them to brown. Remove them from the oven and let them rest on the hot pan for about five minutes.

While still warm but not piping hot gently roll each cookie through a shallow dish of reserved powdered sugar, coating it completely. Allow these cookies to cool fully on a wire rack. Once completely cool, give every cookie a second, heavy rolling in fresh powdered sugar.

This dual dusting traps the first layer and provides that signature, snowy, thick outer crust characteristic of excellent Mexican Wedding Cookies .

Mastering Storage and Keeping Your Mexican Wedding Cookies Fresh

These delicate treats benefit greatly from proper storage to maintain their texture.

Shelf Life Secrets for Maximum Enjoyment

Because these Buttery Nutty Cookies contain no leavening agents or eggs, they keep exceptionally well. Store them in a single layer (or with parchment paper between layers) in a completely airtight container at cool room temperature. They can easily remain delicious for up to two weeks.

Avoid the refrigerator, as the dry cold air can sometimes leach moisture, leading to a slightly drier texture over time.

Troubleshooting Common Cookie Construction Issues

If your cookies are cracking excessively during rolling or baking, the dough is likely too dry. This is usually remedied by adding a scant teaspoon of cold water or milk to the remaining dough and mixing it minimally until it holds together better.

If they are spreading too much, the dough was not chilled long enough, or the oven temperature was too low.

Nut-Free Substitutions and Flavor Enhancements

For guests avoiding nuts, a simple swap works well for this version of Gluten Free Mexican Wedding Cookies base (using GF flour), or standard flour. Substitute the 1 cup of pecans with 1 cup of finely ground toasted sesame seeds for an intriguing, earthy alternative, or even use finely ground oats mixed with ground sunflower seeds for texture.

To elevate the flavour beyond vanilla, try adding ¼ teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla for a deeper complexity.

Nutritional Snapshot of These Delicate Treats

While undeniably rich due to the butter content, these cookies are served in small portions, making them a perfect, controlled indulgence. Estimates suggest around 120 to 140 calories per cookie, primarily derived from the fat and carbohydrates in the butter, flour, and sugar coating.

They offer minimal protein but deliver maximum celebratory satisfaction.

Creative Twists: Elevating Your Standard Recipe

While the classic version shines, a little creativity goes a long way. Consider adding finely grated orange zest to the dough for a subtle citrus note that brightens the richness. Alternatively, dust the second coating of sugar with a fine dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder for a beautiful, marbled effect that complements the Polvorones recipe perfectly.