18 Pecan Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 13, 2024
Pecan Mexican wedding cookies, also known as Polvorones, are a traditional dessert that originated in Spain and has become a popular treat for celebrations in Mexico and the United States. These delicate cookies are made with simple ingredients and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave you craving for more. In this article, we will share a tried and tested pecan Mexican wedding cookies recipe that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So grab your apron and let's get baking!
Main Ingredients: Pecans, Sugar, Flour, Ground Cinnamon, Kosher Salt
If you're looking to add a little Mexican flair to your next baking adventure, why not try making some galletitas de nuez? These delicious cookies are a twist on the classic Mexican wedding cookies, also known as polvorones. The addition of chopped nuts, typically pecans or walnuts, gives these cookies a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
Mexican wedding cookies, also known as Mexican wedding cakes or Russian tea cakes, are a traditional dessert that originated in medieval Europe. These delicate cookies are made with butter, flour, and powdered sugar, and are often served at weddings and other special occasions. In Mexico, these cookies are called polvorones, which comes from the Spanish word for dust, as they are coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar.
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How To Make Spiced Mexican Wedding Cookies
Main Ingredients: Pecan Halves, All Purpose Flour, Ground Cinnamon, Fine
If you want to add a little extra flavor to your Mexican wedding cookies, why not try making them with some added spices? Traditional Mexican spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves can add a warm and comforting flavor to these already delicious cookies. You can also experiment with adding a touch of chili powder for a spicy kick, or some cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
These cookies are more than just a tasty treat, they also have a special meaning in Mexican culture. In Mexico, the cookies are often served at weddings as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the newlyweds. They are also a popular holiday dessert, especially during Christmas and New Year's celebrations. So, not only are you making a delicious dessert, but you're also honoring a beautiful tradition.
While there are many variations of Mexican wedding cookies, the traditional recipe calls for simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The dough is made with butter, flour, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and is then rolled into small balls and baked until lightly golden. Once cooled, the cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them their signature snowball appearance.
In addition to the traditional ingredients, many Mexican families have their own unique twist on the recipe. Some use ground almonds or almond extract to give the cookies a different flavor, while others add a splash of tequila for a fun adult twist. No matter how you make them, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Coconut-Lime Mexican Wedding Cookies
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Confectioners Sugar, Pecans
If you're a fan of coconut and citrus flavors, then you'll love this variation on the classic Mexican wedding cookie. By adding some shredded coconut and lime zest to the dough, you can create a tropical twist on this already delicious cookie. You can even add a little lime juice to the powdered sugar coating for an extra burst of flavor.
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Pecan Sandies (Mexican Wedding Cookies)
Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, White Sugar, Water, Vanilla Extract, All
Another popular variation on Mexican wedding cookies is to use pecans instead of walnuts or almonds. Pecans have a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in the cookie dough. You can also roll the cookies in finely chopped pecans before baking for an extra crunch.
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Sugar Free Mexican Wedding Cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Splenda, Vanilla Extract, Ap Flour, Pecans
For those looking for a healthier option, you can easily make sugar-free Mexican wedding cookies by using a sugar substitute such as stevia or erythritol. You can also use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. These cookies may have a slightly different texture, but they are just as delicious and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
The History of Pecan Mexican Wedding Cookies
Origins in Spain
The history of Mexican wedding cookies can be traced back to the Spanish polvorón, a shortbread-like cookie made with flour, sugar, and almonds. When the Spanish colonized Mexico in the 16th century, they brought this recipe with them, and it soon became a staple in Mexican households.
Incorporating Pecans
As pecan trees were abundant in Mexico, the traditional polvorón recipe evolved to include this local nut, giving birth to the pecan Mexican wedding cookie. The addition of pecans not only added a delicious flavor but also made the cookie more affordable for everyday households.
A Symbol of Love and Celebration
In Mexico, these cookies are often served at weddings, hence the name "Mexican wedding cookies." The round shape and white powdered sugar coating are said to symbolize the purity and sweetness of marriage. These cookies are also a popular treat during Christmas and other special occasions.
Making the Perfect Pecan Mexican Wedding Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup of powdered sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup of ground pecans
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, ground pecans, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, until a dough forms.
Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm.
Once cooled, dust the cookies with more powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Pecan Mexican Wedding Cookies
Make sure to use unsalted butter to avoid the cookies from becoming too salty.
Ground the pecans finely for a smooth and even texture in the cookies.
Do not overmix the dough as it can result in a tough cookie.
Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm, so the sugar sticks to the cookies better.
Pecan Mexican wedding cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that will be a hit at any celebration. With its rich history and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are a must-try for any dessert lover. So next time you are looking for a sweet and simple recipe, give this pecan Mexican wedding cookies recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
