Description
These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Buttery Mexican Wedding Cookies are delicate, buttery shortbread cookies loaded with finely chopped nuts and coated in powdered sugar. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a tender, sweet treat with a subtle vanilla and nutty flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Finely Chopped Nuts (Pecans, Walnuts, or Almonds)
Optional
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step helps to aerate the dough for a tender cookie.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until it is fully incorporated, adding a fragrant, sweet aroma to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture into the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Nuts: Gently fold in the finely chopped nuts evenly throughout the dough, adding texture and nutty flavor.
- Form Cookies: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden but the tops remain pale. This ensures a tender crumb without browning the delicate tops.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they can firm up slightly before handling.
- Roll in Sugar: While warm, gently roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat fully. After they cool completely on a wire rack, roll again in powdered sugar for a finished, classic snowy appearance.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to ensure it creams properly with sugar.
- Chop nuts finely for a consistent texture in the cookies.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle cinnamon mixed with powdered sugar when rolling the cookies.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Try different nuts to vary flavor and texture, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Mexican Wedding Cookies, Buttery Cookies, Nutty Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Powdered Sugar Cookies, Shortbread Cookies
