Mexican Wedding Cookies: Sweet and Traditional Recipe

Indulge in the delightful world of Sweet Mexican Wedding Treats, where buttery goodness meets a dusting of confectioners’ sugar for a treat that melts in your mouth. Known by various names across the globe, these cookies hold a special place in my heart as a cherished part of my family’s traditions. My grandma’s recipe for Sugar Butter Balls has been passed down through generations, bringing joy and sweetness to every festive occasion.

The magic truly unfolds when these warm cookies are lovingly rolled in powdered sugar, creating a layer that dissolves with each heavenly bite. Whether you call them Russian Tea Cakes, Polvorones, or Sweet Mexican Wedding Treats, these cookies symbolize purity and happiness, making them a perfect addition to weddings and celebrations. The white sugar coating signifies new beginnings, making them a fitting treat for holiday gatherings as we reflect on the past year and embrace new beginnings with open arms.

As I continue the legacy of baking these delectable treats, I am reminded of the warmth and love shared with each batch. From my grandma’s tender handiwork to creating my own unique spin on the recipe, these cookies are a testament to the joy of sharing traditions with loved ones. Join me in savoring the simple pleasures of homemade treats that not only bring delight to the taste buds but also create lasting memories of togetherness and love.

Table of Contents

Quick Benefits

Melts in your mouth: These treats have a rich buttery feel with a sweet powdered sugar outer layer that creates a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Symbol of celebration: Known across cultures as symbols of purity and happiness, these cookies make a perfect addition to weddings and festive gatherings.
Easy to make and share: These cookies are great for gifting as they travel well, stay fresh for several days, and are a warm, personal touch for holiday parties and cookie swaps.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Wedding Cookies: Sweet and Traditional Recipe Recipe

Rich and Buttery Flavor: The combination of softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla results in a rich and buttery taste that melts in your mouth.
Powdered Sugar Coating: The sweet powdered sugar outer layer adds a delightful sweetness and a unique texture to the cookies.
Versatile Recipe: These cookies are known by various names worldwide, such as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Polvorones, showing their universal appeal.
Symbol of Purity and Happiness: Often served at weddings and parties, these cookies symbolize purity and happiness, making them perfect for festive occasions.
Generational Tradition: Passing down the recipe from generation to generation adds a sentimental touch to the baking experience and creates lasting memories.
Adaptable Recipe: The recipe can be customized with additions like cinnamon, almond flavor, or lemon zest to suit individual preferences, allowing for creativity in the kitchen.
Great for Gifting: Packaged in pretty tins, these cookies make lovely holiday gifts that show care and thoughtfulness, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Travel-Friendly: These cookies travel well without crumbling, making them ideal for mailing to loved ones or bringing to holiday gatherings.
Kid-Friendly: With simple steps, this recipe is perfect for making with kids, creating a fun and memorable baking experience for the whole family.

Ingredients for Mexican Wedding Cookies: Sweet and Traditional Recipe

Cookies

1 teaspoon pure vanilla
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ cup confectioners’ sugar, with extra for coating
2¼ cups regular flour
1 cup softened butter
¾ cup nuts (pecans or walnuts) chopped finely

Pro Tips for Mexican Wedding Cookies: Sweet and Traditional Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To achieve the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture, ensure the butter is softened but not melted. Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly to create a light and fluffy mixture, which is key to the cookie’s delicate texture.

Pro Tip 2: When rolling the hot cookies in powdered sugar, make sure to coat each one individually by hand. This step is crucial in creating a uniform and beautiful sugary exterior that truly enhances the overall taste and appearance of the cookies.

Pro Tip 3: Experiment with different flavor variations to personalize the recipe to your liking. Consider adding a touch of cinnamon, almond extract, lemon zest, or anise seed for subtle but delightful flavor enhancements. Customizing the recipe will make it uniquely yours and keep the tradition alive for future generations.

How to Make Mexican Wedding Cookies: Sweet and Traditional Recipe

Step 1: Heat

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Mix Batter

Cream together butter, sugar, and vanilla. Gradually mix in flour and salt, then gently fold in chopped nuts.

Step 3: Shape

Shape the mixture into small 1-inch balls by rolling with your hands.

Step 4: Cook

Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes until firm but not golden.

Step 5: Sugar Now

Allow cookies to cool slightly on tray before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.

Step 6: Sugar Later

Once the cookies have completely cooled, roll them again in confectioners’ sugar.

Storage Tips

Once you have made a batch of Sweet Mexican Wedding Treats, it is important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and texture. After the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. To prevent the cookies from sticking together or losing their powdered sugar coating, you can separate the layers with parchment paper.

These cookies have a relatively long shelf life and can stay fresh for several days when stored properly. If you need to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the cookies in airtight containers or freezer bags. Make sure to thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving to preserve their delicate texture and flavor. Whether you are preparing them for a holiday party, mailing them to loved ones, or simply enjoying them at home, following these storage guidelines will help you keep your Sweet Mexican Wedding Treats delicious for an extended period.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a nut-free version of these Sweet Mexican Wedding Treats, you can substitute the pecans or walnuts with finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts. This swap will still provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor without the use of pecans or walnuts. Additionally, if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can experiment with gluten-free flour as a replacement for the regular flour in this recipe. Make sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking to achieve a similar consistency and taste in the final cookies.

To add a unique twist to these traditional Mexican Wedding Cookies, consider incorporating different flavors in the recipe. You can experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the cookie dough for a warm and aromatic touch. Alternatively, you can zest some lemon or orange to the dough for a citrusy flavor profile. These variations can introduce exciting new flavors to the cookies while still maintaining the classic buttery and sugary essence that makes them irresistible. Experimenting with different flavor additions can help you customize the cookies to suit your taste preferences and create a personalized version of this beloved holiday treat.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider presenting these Sweet Mexican Wedding Treats on a festive dessert platter adorned with edible flowers and a sprinkle of edible gold dust. The delicate white sugar coating will contrast beautifully with the colorful and elegant decorations, adding a touch of sophistication to your holiday spread.

Another idea is to serve these delightful cookies in individual mini glass domes or decorative paper cupcake liners. This presentation not only showcases their round shape and snowy appearance but also adds a touch of whimsy and charm to your dessert table. Guests will love the personalized touch and the opportunity to pick up their own little treat.

FAQs for Mexican Wedding Cookies: Sweet and Traditional Recipe

Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

It is recommended to use butter in this recipe for the best flavor and texture. Margarine may alter the taste and consistency of the cookies.

Can I substitute the nuts with something else for allergies?

If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use nuts, you can try substituting them with an equal amount of shredded coconut or oats for a similar texture.

How should I store these Mexican Wedding Cookies to keep them fresh?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also layer them between sheets of wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain their powdered sugar coating.

Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough by shaping it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly and roll in powdered sugar before baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.

Conclusion

Congratulations on making these delightful Sweet Mexican Wedding Treats! Whether you call them Sugar Butter Balls, Polvorones, or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these treats are sure to become a beloved part of your family’s traditions just like they have for mine. The process of rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar, creating a sweet layer that melts in your mouth, is truly magical.

The symbolism behind these cookies as a representation of purity and happiness makes them perfect for weddings, parties, or any festive occasion. Sharing these treats with loved ones is not just about the delicious taste, but about passing down a cherished tradition that brings joy and togetherness.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and continue the legacy of making these Sweet Mexican Wedding Treats. The simple steps and heartwarming result make them a perfect treat to enjoy or gift during the holiday season or any time of the year. Here’s to creating sweet memories and spreading happiness with every bite of these delightful cookies!

Mexican Wedding Cookies: Sweet and Traditional Recipe

Melt-in-your-mouth Mexican Wedding Cookies coated in powdered sugar, a cherished family recipe perfect for festive gatherings and holiday gifts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time12 Minutes

Total Time27 Minutes

CuisineTex-Mex

Skill LevelEasy

Servings36 Servings (36 sweet treats)

Ingredients

Cookies

1 teaspoon pure vanilla
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ cup confectioners’ sugar, with extra for coating
2¼ cups regular flour
1 cup softened butter
¾ cup nuts (pecans or walnuts) chopped finely

Instructions

Heat: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Mix Batter: Cream together butter, sugar, and vanilla. Gradually mix in flour and salt, then gently fold in chopped nuts.
Shape: Shape the mixture into small 1-inch balls by rolling with your hands.
Cook: Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes until firm but not golden.
Sugar Now: Allow cookies to cool slightly on tray before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Sugar Later: Once the cookies have completely cooled, roll them again in confectioners’ sugar.