Mexican wedding cookies are a celebration in every bite—buttery, nutty, and delicately dusted in powdered sugar. Known by many names, including polvorones, Russian tea cakes, and snowball cookies, these delightful treats have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them a favorite for weddings, holidays, and special occasions.
What sets these cookies apart is their simplicity and elegance. With a handful of basic ingredients—butter, sugar, flour, and finely chopped nuts—Mexican wedding cookies create an indulgent treat without any fuss. Despite their easy preparation, they deliver rich flavor and irresistible texture, making them a staple in many homes.
Whether you’re baking a batch for a holiday gathering, gifting them to loved ones, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are timeless, versatile, and always a hit.
The History Behind Mexican Wedding Cookies
Despite their name, Mexican wedding cookies aren’t exclusive to Mexico. These cookies have been enjoyed across cultures for centuries. They share similarities with Spanish polvorones, Russian tea cakes, and Middle Eastern butter-nut cookies, all of which use a rich, crumbly dough infused with ground nuts.
In Mexico, these cookies became a staple at weddings and festive celebrations, earning them their distinctive name. Traditionally, they were served alongside coffee or hot chocolate, symbolizing joy, prosperity, and togetherness.
Over time, their popularity spread beyond Mexico, and they became a beloved holiday cookie in the United States, often appearing on Christmas and wedding dessert tables. Today, their simplicity, versatility, and nostalgic charm make them a go-to treat for bakers around the world.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped almonds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup powdered sugar (or more as needed)
Directions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Flavor Enhancers
- Mix in vanilla extract and water.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Gradually mix in flour, almonds, and salt until just combined.
- Chill the Dough
- Refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours to enhance flavor and prevent spreading.
- Preheat Oven & Shape Cookies
- Set oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets.
- Bake Until Lightly Golden
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until bottoms are golden and tops remain pale.
- Cool & Coat in Powdered Sugar
- Let cool on wire racks before rolling in powdered sugar.
- Roll a second time for extra coverage.
- Store & Enjoy
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Makes 24 Cookies)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 2g
Why You’ll Love Mexican Wedding Cookies
1. Buttery, Nutty, and Irresistible
The magic of these cookies lies in their delicate, buttery texture that crumbles upon the first bite, releasing a nutty sweetness that lingers. Unlike traditional sugar cookies, Mexican wedding cookies have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that makes them utterly addictive.
2. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
You don’t need complicated ingredients to create something decadent. With just butter, sugar, flour, and nuts, these cookies deliver complex flavors with minimal effort. Their beauty lies in the quality of the ingredients, allowing their richness and depth to shine.
3. Perfect for Special Occasions
These cookies aren’t just for weddings—they’re a popular addition to:
- Holiday cookie platters
- Tea parties and afternoon gatherings
- Festive celebrations like Christmas, Día de los Muertos, and birthdays
- Homemade gifts for family and friends
Their snowy powdered sugar coating makes them look elegant and festive, making them a favorite for any celebration.
4. Easy to Make, Easier to Enjoy
Unlike many cookies that require precise rolling or intricate decorations, Mexican wedding cookies are wonderfully simple. The dough comes together quickly, and shaping them into bite-sized balls takes minimal effort. Even beginner bakers can create perfectly delicate, bakery-worthy cookies in no time.
Secrets to Making the Best Mexican Wedding Cookies
1. Choose High-Quality Butter
Since butter is the star of the show, using high-quality, unsalted butter will enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies. Let it soften at room temperature before mixing for a smooth, creamy consistency.
2. Use the Right Nuts
Traditional recipes often call for almonds, pecans, or walnuts, but you can experiment with:
- Hazelnuts for a richer, deeper flavor
- Pistachios for a pop of color
- Macadamia nuts for a delicate sweetness
Finely chop or grind the nuts so they blend seamlessly into the dough, giving the cookies their signature crumbly texture.
3. Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough
Refrigerating the dough before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and intensifies the flavors. A short chilling time—at least 1 hour—ensures the cookies hold their shape and develop their classic delicate crumb.
4. Coat Twice in Powdered Sugar
The first dusting of powdered sugar sticks best when the cookies are warm, forming a slightly sticky coating. Once they cool completely, roll them a second time for a thick, snowy finish that melts on your tongue.
5. Bake Until Just Golden
Mexican wedding cookies should be light in color, with only a slight golden hue on the bottom. Overbaking can make them dry and crumbly, so keep an eye on them and remove them when they’re firm but still tender.
Creative Variations on Mexican Wedding Cookies
1. Chocolate-Dipped Snowballs
For an extra indulgence, dip the cooled cookies in melted dark or white chocolate and let them harden before serving.
2. Spiced Holiday Cookies
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a festive holiday twist.
3. Citrus Infused Cookies
A touch of orange zest or lemon zest adds a bright, refreshing note to balance the richness of the butter and nuts.
4. Vegan or Gluten-Free Version
- Substitute butter with plant-based butter for a vegan alternative.
- Use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour to make them gluten-free.
5. Stuffed Mexican Wedding Cookies
Press a small chocolate chunk, caramel, or nut into the center of each dough ball before baking for a hidden surprise inside.
How to Serve Mexican Wedding Cookies
1. With Coffee or Tea
These cookies are perfect with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Their crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture pairs beautifully with warm beverages.
2. As Part of a Holiday Cookie Platter
Arrange Mexican wedding cookies alongside gingerbread cookies, shortbread, and chocolate crinkle cookies for a festive dessert spread.
3. As a Thoughtful Homemade Gift
Package the cookies in a decorative tin or cellophane bag, tie them with a ribbon, and gift them to friends, teachers, or coworkers during the holidays.
4. Crumbled Over Ice Cream
For a decadent dessert, crumble a few cookies over vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are my cookies dry or crumbly?
This can happen if you overmix the dough or use too much flour. Mix just until combined, and be sure to measure the flour correctly.
2. Can I make Mexican wedding cookies without nuts?
Yes! While the nuts add flavor, you can substitute shredded coconut or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
3. How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, they last up to a week at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer.
4. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them before baking. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion: A Cookie Worth Celebrating
Mexican wedding cookies are simple yet decadent, delicate yet satisfying, making them a must-have for any occasion. Their buttery texture, nutty crunch, and snowy powdered sugar coating make them a timeless favorite across cultures.
Whether you follow the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, these cookies are guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to every gathering. So, preheat your oven, dust off the powdered sugar, and enjoy the tradition of Mexican wedding cookies—one sweet, delicate bite at a time.
Print
Best Homemade Mexican Wedding Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes–3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a timeless favorite for celebrations and holidays. Coated in powdered sugar, Mexican wedding cookies are as delightful to eat as they are to make. Perfect with coffee, tea, or as a sweet gift, they’re a treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped almonds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup powdered sugar, or more as needed
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in the vanilla extract and water, ensuring they are fully incorporated. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour, finely chopped almonds, and salt to the wet mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined to form a soft dough. - Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours. - Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). - Shape the Cookies:
Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the balls 2 inches apart on unlined cookie sheets. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden while the tops remain pale. - Cool the Cookies:
Transfer the cookies to wire racks and let them cool completely for 20 to 30 minutes. - Coat in Powdered Sugar:
Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll the cooled cookies in the sugar until fully coated. For a thicker coating, roll them a second time before serving. - Store and Enjoy:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
- Nut Variations: Swap almonds for pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts to customize the flavor.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: For a smoother coating, sift the powdered sugar before rolling the cookies.
- Freezing Dough: Shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Holiday Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the powdered sugar for a festive flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1–3 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
