Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as Polvorones, Snowball Cookies, or Russian Tea Cakes, are a classic treat enjoyed at weddings, holidays, and special occasions. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made with butter, powdered sugar, nuts, and flour, creating a crumbly and delicate texture with a rich, nutty flavor.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making authentic Mexican Wedding Cookies, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to variations and storage tips.
A Brief History of Mexican Wedding Cookies
Despite their name, Mexican Wedding Cookies did not originate in Mexico. They are believed to have European roots, dating back to the Middle Ages when Middle Eastern and Spanish cuisines influenced baking traditions. Similar cookies, often made with nuts and butter, can be found in Russia, Austria, and Greece.
Mexican Wedding Cookies became popular in the United States in the 1950s, appearing at weddings, Christmas celebrations, and festive gatherings. They are often served with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk, making them a perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients for Mexican Wedding Cookies
These cookies require simple ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts, almonds)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Mexican Wedding Cookies
These cookies are easy to make and require only a few steps.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a light and tender texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, salt, and finely chopped nuts, stirring until well combined. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the bottom. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies can become too dry.
Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to create a sweet, snowy coating. Let them cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar again for an extra snowball effect.
Tips for the Best Mexican Wedding Cookies
To achieve the perfect Mexican Wedding Cookies, follow these tips:
- Use Room Temperature Butter – Softened butter ensures a creamy texture and even mixing.
- Finely Chop the Nuts – The finer the nuts, the better they blend into the dough, creating a smooth, buttery bite.
- Double Roll in Powdered Sugar – The first coating absorbs some of the butter, while the second coating gives them a beautiful white finish.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overmixing can make the cookies dense instead of tender.
- Let the Cookies Cool Slightly Before Rolling in Sugar – If they are too hot, the sugar may melt; if too cool, the sugar won’t stick well.
Mexican Wedding Cookie Variations
Mexican Wedding Cookies are delicious as they are, but you can customize them with different flavors and ingredients.
1. Chocolate Chip Mexican Wedding Cookies
- Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolatey twist.
2. Cinnamon-Spiced Mexican Wedding Cookies
- Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, aromatic touch.
3. Coconut Mexican Wedding Cookies
- Replace ½ cup of flour with shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
4. Lemon or Orange Zest
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to add a bright, citrusy note.
5. Nut-Free Mexican Wedding Cookies
- Replace the nuts with finely ground oats or leave them out entirely for an allergy-friendly version.
How to Store and Freeze Mexican Wedding Cookies
These cookies are great for making ahead and storing for later.
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing:
- Place the baked cookies (without powdered sugar coating) in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature, then roll in powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Mexican Wedding Cookies
Mexican Wedding Cookies pair well with various beverages and desserts:
- With Coffee or Hot Chocolate – The buttery texture complements rich, warm drinks.
- As a Holiday Treat – Serve them alongside gingerbread cookies, shortbread, or biscotti.
- At Weddings or Special Events – Display them on a dessert table in elegant packaging.
- Gift-Giving – Package them in festive tins or boxes for a homemade edible gift.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
2. Can I substitute the nuts?
Absolutely! Use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor.
3. Why are my cookies too dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour can make the cookies dry. Measure ingredients carefully and check for doneness at 12 minutes.
4. Why did my cookies spread too much?
If the dough is too warm, the cookies may spread. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent this.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Cookie for Any Occasion
Mexican Wedding Cookies are simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious. Their buttery, nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a favorite for holidays, weddings, and family gatherings. Whether you enjoy them as a sweet snack, a holiday tradition, or a thoughtful gift, this classic cookie will always be a crowd-pleaser.
Now that you have the perfect recipe, it’s time to bake a batch of these delightful cookies and enjoy their irresistible charm!
Nutritional Information for Mexican Wedding Cookies
While these cookies are a delicious indulgence, it’s always helpful to know their nutritional content, especially if you’re mindful of your diet.
Estimated Nutritional Breakdown (Per Cookie)
(Based on a standard recipe, yielding approximately 24 cookies)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 2g
Are Mexican Wedding Cookies Healthy?
Mexican Wedding Cookies are high in butter and sugar, making them a rich and calorie-dense treat. However, they contain nuts, which provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider using whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, or reducing the butter slightly.
Fun Facts About Mexican Wedding Cookies
- Different Names Around the World – In addition to being called Polvorones in Mexico, these cookies are also known as Russian Tea Cakes, Butterballs, and Snowball Cookies in different countries.
- Perfect for Weddings and Holidays – These cookies symbolize happiness and prosperity, making them a popular choice at weddings, Christmas, and celebrations.
- No Eggs in the Recipe – Unlike many cookie recipes, Mexican Wedding Cookies do not contain eggs, which contributes to their delicate, crumbly texture.
- First Mentioned in the U.S. in the 1950s – The name “Mexican Wedding Cookies” first appeared in American cookbooks around the 1950s, but the recipe itself has much older origins.
Creative Ways to Serve Mexican Wedding Cookies
Mexican Wedding Cookies are versatile and can be served in various ways:
1. Wedding Dessert Table
- Arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant touch.
- Wrap them in individual favor bags as a take-home treat for guests.
2. Holiday Gift Boxes
- Package these cookies in festive tins or glass jars with a ribbon.
- Pair them with other homemade treats like biscotti, fudge, or shortbread.
3. Cookie Sandwiches
- Spread a thin layer of Nutella, caramel, or jam between two cookies to create a sandwich-style treat.
4. Ice Cream Topping
- Crumble the cookies over vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a crunchy, buttery topping.
5. Dipped in Chocolate
- Dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for a decadent variation.
Pairing Mexican Wedding Cookies with Drinks
Since these cookies are buttery and slightly sweet, they pair well with a variety of drinks:
- Coffee: A strong espresso or cappuccino enhances the nutty flavors.
- Hot Chocolate: A rich, creamy hot cocoa complements the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Tea: Pair with black tea, chai, or green tea for a balanced taste.
- Milk: The classic pairing! The creamy texture of milk is perfect for these delicate cookies.
- Dessert Wine: A glass of sweet dessert wine like Port or Moscato makes an elegant combination.
Mexican Wedding Cookies for Special Diets
If you have dietary restrictions, you can still enjoy a version of these cookies with simple modifications.
1. Gluten-Free Mexican Wedding Cookies
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use almond flour for a naturally gluten-free, nutty variation.
2. Vegan Mexican Wedding Cookies
- Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Use a plant-based milk (such as almond milk) if needed for adjusting consistency.
3. Low-Sugar Mexican Wedding Cookies
- Replace powdered sugar with a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol.
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and increase the nuts for a lower-carb option.
4. Keto-Friendly Mexican Wedding Cookies
- Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Substitute powdered erythritol for the powdered sugar.
- Use grass-fed butter or coconut oil for healthy fats.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your cookies don’t turn out as expected, here are some common problems and how to fix them:
1. Cookies are too dry or crumbly
- This could be due to overbaking or too much flour.
- Try reducing baking time and measuring flour correctly by using the spoon-and-level method.
2. Cookies spread too much
- The butter may have been too soft when mixing.
- Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
3. Powdered sugar isn’t sticking well
- If the cookies are too hot, the sugar may melt.
- If too cold, the sugar won’t adhere properly—roll them while still slightly warm.
4. Cookies are too hard
- Overmixing the dough can make cookies tough.
- Avoid overworking the dough and mix only until ingredients are combined.
The Tradition of Mexican Wedding Cookies
These cookies are not just a dessert—they carry a rich tradition and have been enjoyed in celebrations for generations. In Mexico, they are often served at weddings, baptisms, and quinceañeras, symbolizing sweetness and joy in life’s special moments.
In many Latin American cultures, it’s customary for brides and grooms to share these cookies as a symbol of love and unity. The tradition continues today, making them a cherished recipe in many households.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love These Cookies
Mexican Wedding Cookies are buttery, nutty, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re baking them for a wedding, holiday, or simply to enjoy with your favorite drink, they are always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You Should Try This Recipe:
✔️ Simple ingredients – Made with pantry staples.
✔️ Easy to make – Just mix, roll, and bake!
✔️ Perfect for all occasions – Weddings, Christmas, or everyday treats.
✔️ Customizable – Try different nuts, flavors, or coatings.
✔️ Make-ahead friendly – Store or freeze them for later.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to start baking! Grab your butter, nuts, and powdered sugar, and create a batch of these delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Are you ready to bake some delicious Mexican Wedding Cookies? Let me know if you’d like a printable recipe card or any additional tips! 😊🍪
