Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe Ideal for Sweet Celebrations

Crumbly and delicate mexican wedding cookies sparkle like culinary jewels on family gathering tables.

These tender morsels carry whispers of sweet nostalgia from generations past.

Powdered sugar drifts softly across each buttery bite, creating magical moments of pure delight.

Rich almond and vanilla notes dance through the delicate pastry, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Crafted with simplicity and love, these traditional treats connect us to cherished cultural memories.

Warm kitchens and shared laughter seem to emerge from every nibble.

Bake a batch and watch how quickly these little miracles disappear from the plate.

Ingredients Used in Traditional Mexican Wedding Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A classic base that provides structure and texture for the cookie, pick unbleached flour for best results.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the sweet flavors in the cookie, use fine table salt for even distribution.
Fat and Sweeteners:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender crumb and helps bind the cookie, choose high-quality butter at room temperature.
  • Powdered Sugar: Gives a delicate sweetness and contributes to the signature soft texture, use fresh and sifted sugar.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, deep flavor complexity, pure vanilla provides the best taste.
Nuts and Additional Coating:
  • Pecans, Walnuts: Provides crunch and nutty depth to the cookie, toast nuts lightly for enhanced flavor.
  • Additional Powdered Sugar: Creates the classic snowy white coating, use fresh sugar for best appearance.

Make Mexican Wedding Cookies with These Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Environment

Warm the oven to 350°F. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Mix Heavenly Dough

In a large bowl, whip softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy and airy.

Add vanilla extract and blend thoroughly.

Gently incorporate ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Salt

Mix until dough forms smoothly.

Fold in:
  • Chopped pecans
  • Chopped walnuts

Distribute ingredients evenly throughout mixture.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Rounds

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions.

Roll into perfect small spheres.

Position cookie balls on prepared sheets.

Space each ball approximately 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide sheets into preheated oven.

Bake 12-15 minutes until bottoms turn light golden.

Maintain soft texture by avoiding excessive baking.

Step 5: Create Magical Sugar Coating

Rest cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes.

While cookies remain warm, roll them generously in powdered sugar.

Allow complete cooling.

Repeat sugar coating for spectacular snowy finish.

Tips for Perfect Texture in Mexican Wedding Cookies

  • Prevent Crumbly Cookies: Use room temperature butter for a smoother, more cohesive dough that holds together perfectly.
  • Nail the Perfect Texture: Don't overmix the dough; mix just until ingredients combine to keep cookies tender and delicate.
  • Master the Sugar Coating: Roll cookies in powdered sugar while they're still warm for the first layer, then again when completely cool for a thick, elegant finish.
  • Choose Nuts Wisely: Toast pecans or walnuts briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cookies.
  • Ensure Even Baking: Use a light-colored baking sheet and parchment paper to prevent over-browning and achieve uniform golden bottoms.

Reheating and Storing Mexican Wedding Cookies Made Simple

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for extended freshness up to 7 days.
  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Warm cookies gently in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft texture. Sprinkle with fresh powdered sugar after reheating for extra sweetness.
  • If cookies become slightly stale, place a slice of bread in the container overnight to help restore moisture and softness.

Serve Mexican Wedding Cookies with Tea or Coffee

  • Rich, dark espresso cuts through the cookie's buttery sweetness, creating a balanced flavor harmony that highlights the nutty pecan undertones.
  • Delicate, light Moscato wine complements the powdery cookies, its subtle fruity notes dancing alongside the delicate texture of these traditional treats.
  • Warm, spicy cinnamon tea enhances the cookie's nutty profile, adding depth and warmth to each delightful bite of the powdered confection.
  • Thick, velvety Mexican hot chocolate with its hint of chili perfectly balances the cookie's sweet, crumbly texture, creating an authentic cultural pairing.

Mexican Wedding Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

  • Whip up these delightful cookies in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and minimal preparation steps. Perfect for busy home bakers who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Experience the ultimate soft, buttery texture that crumbles gently with each bite. These delicate cookies offer a rich pecan flavor that transforms ordinary moments into sweet memories.
  • Shine at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations with these elegant, powdery white cookies. Their classic appearance and universal appeal make them a guaranteed hit for guests of all ages.
  • Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires basic mixing techniques and minimal professional baking experience. Beginners can confidently create bakery-worthy treats without complicated steps or specialized equipment.

Explore Different Flavors for Mexican Wedding Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. These alternative flours maintain the cookie's delicate texture while providing a nutty undertone.
  • Vegan Classic: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use chopped almonds or cashews instead of pecans, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
  • Chocolate Lover's Version: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough before shaping. Mix dark or milk chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent variation that complements the traditional nutty flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce powdered sugar and use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Incorporate ground chia seeds for added nutrition and binding properties.
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Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet Mexican wedding cookies melt in your mouth with buttery, nutty perfection. Powdered sugar-dusted delights from traditional Mexican kitchens will transport you to festive celebrations with one delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120 g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Sweetening Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar, plus extra for coating

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and arranging parchment-lined baking sheets for optimal cookie performance.
  2. Create a luxurious butter base by thoroughly blending softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture becomes airy and light, incorporating vanilla for aromatic depth.
  3. Gradually introduce flour and salt into the creamy mixture, gently folding until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  4. Integrate chopped pecans or walnuts throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution for consistent nutty texture in each cookie.
  5. Delicately craft small spherical portions of dough, using precise tablespoon measurements to maintain uniform size and shape.
  6. Strategically position dough balls on prepared baking sheets, allowing sufficient spacing to prevent merging during baking.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, watching carefully for a subtle golden hue on the cookie bottoms; a sign of perfect doneness without compromising tenderness.
  8. Remove cookies and allow a brief five-minute cooling period directly on the baking sheet to stabilize their structure.
  9. While cookies retain residual warmth, generously coat them in powdered sugar, creating an initial delicate layer of sweetness.
  10. After complete cooling, perform a second powdered sugar coating to achieve a classic Mexican wedding cookie’s signature snowy exterior.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality butter at room temperature for the creamiest, smoothest cookie texture.
  • Chop nuts finely to ensure even distribution and prevent large chunks disrupting the delicate cookie structure.
  • Toast nuts beforehand to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and add a deeper complexity to the cookies.
  • Experiment with different nut varieties like almonds or pistachios for unique flavor variations and personal twists on the classic recipe.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 162
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 20 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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