Polvorones
Mexican Wedding Cookies
These traditional Mexican wedding cookies, also known as polvorones, are incredibly tender, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth delights. They are characterized by their delicate texture and are generously coated in powdered sugar, making them a perfect sweet treat for celebrations.
🧂 Ingredients
- 225 g Unsalted Butter(Softened to room temperature)
- 100 g Powdered Sugar (Confectioners' Sugar)(Plus more for coating)
- 240 g All-Purpose Flour
- 100 g Pecans(Finely chopped and lightly toasted for enhanced flavor)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 0.25 tsp Salt(Optional, to balance sweetness)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 100g of powdered sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla extract and salt (if using) until well combined.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Stir in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the cookies are set but not browned. They should still be pale. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
While the cookies are still warm (but not hot), gently roll them in a bowl of extra powdered sugar until well coated. For a thicker coating, let them cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar a second time.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For best results, ensure the butter is truly softened but not melted.
- ✓Toasting the pecans beforehand significantly enhances their flavor.
- ✓The cookies are meant to be crumbly; do not overmix the dough.
- ✓Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm helps the sugar adhere better.
- ✓Allow cookies to cool completely before storing in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming soggy.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute walnuts for pecans.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a spiced version.
- Add a pinch of orange zest to the dough for a citrus note.