Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

Mexican wedding cookies are a beloved classic that has been a part of celebrations for generations. Known for their delicate, crumbly texture and rich, buttery flavor, these cookies are often served during weddings, holidays, and special occasions. Made with just a few simple ingredients, including butter, powdered sugar, nuts, and vanilla, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are rolled in powdered sugar to create their signature snowy appearance. With each bite, the cookies crumble and dissolve on your tongue, offering a burst of nutty flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Although they are called Mexican wedding cookies in many parts of the world, they are known by various names depending on the region. You might have heard of them as Russian Tea Cakes, Snowballs, or Butterball Cookies. Despite the different names, the basic recipe remains the same—a cookie that is both simple and delicious, perfect for any celebration.

One secret to elevating the flavor of these cookies is toasting the nuts before adding them to the dough. Toasting the pecans or other nuts brings out their rich, aromatic oils, resulting in a more flavorful cookie. If you’re interested in learning more about the different nuts you can use and their impact on baking, check out the best nuts for baking. Toasting pecans, walnuts, or almonds will enhance the depth of flavor in your cookies, giving them a more complex and satisfying taste.

Though Mexican wedding cookies are a staple in Mexican culture, their origins trace back to several regions worldwide. Similar cookies exist in many different countries, including Spain, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. In Russia, they are known as Russian Tea Cakes, while in the U.S., especially during Christmas, they are called Snowball Cookies. Regardless of the name, the essential characteristics of these cookies remain the same: buttery, crumbly, and rolled in powdered sugar for that classic finish.

If you’ve ever wondered how these cookies maintain their perfectly crumbly texture without becoming too dry, one key is the use of room temperature butter. Using butter at the right temperature helps the dough come together smoothly, creating the ideal consistency. Additionally, when making crumbly dough-based cookies like these, you may want to brush up on techniques like blind baking, as explained in this helpful guide on how to blind bake a pie crust.

Key Ingredients for Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

Creating perfect Mexican wedding cookies doesn’t require any exotic ingredients. All you need are pantry staples and high-quality butter. Each ingredient contributes to the signature flavor and texture of these cookies.

1. Pecans

Pecans are the traditional nut used in Mexican wedding cookies. Toasting them lightly before incorporating them into the dough amplifies their nutty flavor. You’ll need about 1 cup of finely chopped, toasted pecans. If you prefer, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts.

2. Butter

Butter is what gives these cookies their signature rich and crumbly texture. It’s crucial to use unsalted butter at room temperature, as it ensures a smooth, creamy dough. The butter must be soft enough to mix easily with the sugar but not too warm to melt the dough.

3. Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar (also called confectioners’ sugar) is used in two stages of this recipe. First, it is incorporated into the dough, where it adds a delicate sweetness. After the cookies are baked, they are rolled in powdered sugar twice—once while they’re warm and once after they’ve cooled—to give them their snowy, festive look.

4. Vanilla Extract

A small amount of vanilla extract adds a lovely depth of flavor. It complements the nuttiness of the pecans and the richness of the butter, providing a delicate warmth to the cookies.

5. All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour is the foundation of the dough, providing structure without overwhelming the lightness of the other ingredients. Be sure to measure the flour accurately and mix it in slowly to avoid overworking the dough.

6. Kosher Salt

Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the richness of the butter and nuts. A pinch of kosher salt brings out the flavors in the dough and gives the cookies a more well-rounded taste.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

Making Mexican wedding cookies is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of perfectly crumbly, sweet, and nutty cookies in no time.

1st Step: Toasting the Pecans

Start by toasting 1 cup of pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them occasionally, allowing the nuts to develop a golden brown color and a nutty aroma. Toasting usually takes about 5 minutes. Once toasted, remove the pecans from the heat and let them cool completely before processing them in a food processor to a fine chop.

2nd Step: Mixing the Dough

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter (at room temperature) with ¾ cup of powdered sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and beat for another 30 seconds to incorporate.
Slowly add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, mixing on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies dense.
Finally, add the toasted and finely chopped pecans, stirring them into the dough until evenly distributed.

3rd Step: Chilling the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap, flatten it into a disc, and wrap it tightly. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or until it is firm. Chilling the dough helps it hold its shape during baking and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

4th Step: Shaping the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls (about the size of a walnut) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie.

5th Step: Baking the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 17-19 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them, as you want the cookies to stay soft and crumbly. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.

6th Step: Rolling in Powdered Sugar

While the cookies are still warm, roll them in a generous amount of powdered sugar. After they’ve cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar once more. This double coating ensures that the cookies have a thick, snowy layer of sugar, giving them their signature look.

Variations of Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

Though the traditional Mexican wedding cookies recipe is timeless, you can customize it in several ways to suit your personal taste. Here are some popular variations:

1. Walnut or Almond Cookies

If you’re not a fan of pecans or just want to switch things up, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts in place of pecans. The process remains the same: toast the nuts for enhanced flavor, then chop them finely and fold them into the dough.

2. Spiced Mexican Wedding Cookies

Add a seasonal touch to your cookies by incorporating spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves into the dough. A ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg will provide a warm, cozy flavor, making these cookies perfect for the holiday season.

3. Chocolate Mexican Wedding Cookies

For a chocolate twist, add mini chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle the baked cookies with melted chocolate. This variation pairs the nuttiness of the pecans with the rich flavor of chocolate, making for an indulgent treat.

4. Gluten-Free Mexican Wedding Cookies

To make these cookies gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Almond flour will maintain a similar texture, while coconut flour may result in a denser cookie. Either way, these gluten-free versions still offer the signature crumbly texture and delicious flavor.

Tips for Perfect Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

To ensure your Mexican wedding cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use Room Temperature Butter

Room temperature butter is essential for achieving a smooth, cohesive dough. Cold butter won’t mix well with the powdered sugar, leading to a less consistent dough, while overly softened butter can cause the cookies to spread too much during baking.

2. Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough is a critical step in this recipe. Not only does it help the dough firm up, but it also prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Skipping this step could result in flat, misshapen cookies instead of the neat, round balls that are characteristic of Mexican wedding cookies.

3. Be Gentle When Mixing

Overmixing the dough after adding the flour can cause the cookies to become tough. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined, and avoid overworking it.

4. Double Rolling in Powdered Sugar

To get that signature snowy look, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once when they are warm and again after they’ve cooled completely. The first roll allows the sugar to adhere to the cookies, while the second roll gives them a thick, snowy coating.

Serving Suggestions for Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

Mexican wedding cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various drinks and desserts. Here are a few serving suggestions to make the most of these delicious cookies:

Serve with Coffee or Tea: The buttery, nutty flavor of Mexican wedding cookies pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon treat or serving them at a holiday party, these cookies are a perfect complement to a warm beverage.
Pair with Mexican Hot Chocolate: For a more indulgent experience, serve these cookies alongside Mexican hot chocolate. The rich, slightly spicy flavor of the chocolate enhances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a perfect dessert pairing.
Add to a Holiday Cookie Tray: These cookies are a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie tray. Their snowy appearance and festive flavor make them a crowd-pleaser during Christmas, weddings, or any special occasion. They also make great homemade gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or tins.

Storing and Freezing Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

Mexican wedding cookies store well, making them an excellent choice for baking in advance. Here’s how to store and freeze them to keep them fresh for longer:

Storing

After the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week. If you plan to make them ahead of time for a special occasion, bake them a day or two in advance, and they’ll still taste great.

Freezing Dough

You can also freeze the dough if you’d like to prepare it in advance. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator and proceed with the recipe.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Once the cookies have cooled, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating the layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature and roll them in powdered sugar again if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Mexican Wedding Cookies the same as Russian Tea Cakes?

Yes, Mexican wedding cookies and Russian Tea Cakes are essentially the same cookie recipe. Both are made with butter, powdered sugar, and finely chopped nuts, and both are rolled in powdered sugar after baking. The main difference is the name, which varies depending on the region or culture.

Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Each nut will bring a unique flavor to the cookies, and you can experiment to find your favorite combination.

How do I fix crumbly dough?

If your dough is too crumbly and doesn’t hold together when shaping the cookies, try bringing the butter closer to room temperature before mixing. Additionally, you can add a teaspoon of cold water to help the dough come together if it feels too dry.

How long do Mexican Wedding Cookies last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Mexican wedding cookies will stay fresh for up to a week. If you’d like to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature and roll them in powdered sugar again for a fresh finish.

Conclusion

Mexican wedding cookies are a timeless classic that offers a perfect combination of buttery richness and nutty flavor, all wrapped in a delicate, crumbly texture. Whether you’re making them for a wedding, holiday, or simply as an everyday treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a batch of cookies that will melt in your mouth and delight your taste buds.

This versatile recipe allows for plenty of customization, whether you want to experiment with different nuts, add a touch of spice, or even introduce a hint of chocolate. The result is a cookie that can be as traditional or as inventive as you like, while still retaining the essence of what makes Mexican wedding cookies so special.

So, why not give these delightful cookies a try? With their crumbly texture and sweet powdered sugar coating, they’re perfect for any occasion. Bake a batch today and enjoy the rich, nutty flavor of homemade Mexican wedding cookies!

A Global Cookie with Many Names