Description
Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as Polvorones, are sweet, buttery shortbread cookies loaded with crunchy pecans and generously dusted with powdered sugar. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for festive occasions and everyday indulgence, combining a tender crumb with a delightful nutty flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (227g)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (60g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (210g)
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
For Dusting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, and salt on medium speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla extract just until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until well incorporated. Then fold in the finely chopped pecans.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough by tablespoonfuls and roll into balls between your palms. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are set and the bottoms turn golden brown.
- Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then roll the warm cookies in 1 cup of powdered sugar, shaking off any excess. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
- Final Coat of Sugar: Once cooled, roll the cookies again in the powdered sugar for a thick, snowy coating. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
- These cookies offer a rich buttery flavor and crumbly texture reminiscent of classic shortbread, elevated by the crunch of pecans.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and smooth dough.
- Using parchment paper prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
- Rolling cookies in powdered sugar twice provides the signature snowy finish and enhances sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 162 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 26 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
