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Mexican Wedding Cookies (Polvorones)

Mexican wedding cookies - featured image

These Mexican wedding cookies, also known as polvorones, are buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth treats coated in powdered sugar. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or a cozy afternoon snack, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dough)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or walnuts)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. Measure out all ingredients. Soften butter by leaving it at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
  2. Finely chop the nuts until they resemble coarse sand. Use a food processor or knife.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  4. Mix in vanilla extract and salt. Beat until combined.
  5. Add flour and chopped nuts. Mix on low speed just until dough forms. Do not over-mix.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill dough for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  8. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie. Roll into smooth balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
  9. Place balls 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 13-15 minutes, until edges are just starting to turn golden.
  10. Let cookies rest on the sheet for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. While still slightly warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar.
  12. Once fully cooled, roll cookies again in fresh powdered sugar for a snowy look.
  13. Serve on a platter or store in an airtight container.

Notes

Chill the dough for best texture and shape. Double roll in powdered sugar for a classic snowy finish. For gluten-free, use a GF flour blend. Nuts can be substituted with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for nut-free cookies. Cookies keep well for up to a week in an airtight container, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican wedding cookies, polvorones, holiday cookies, snowball cookies, butter cookies, nut cookies, Christmas cookies, easy cookies, vegetarian dessert