Polvorones Cookies
Polvorones Cookies Recipe: Traditional Mexican Wedding Cookies
Polvorones, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, are a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. These buttery, nut-filled cookies have a crumbly texture and are coated in sweet powdered sugar. One of the key features of this recipe is that it requires NO EGGS! These cookies are perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. Be sure to bake extra, as they tend to disappear quickly!
Recipe Summary
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Prep Time: 20 mins
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Cook Time: 15 mins
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Total Time: 1 hr 55 mins (including chilling)
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Servings: 36 cookies
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup white sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 teaspoons water
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup finely chopped almonds
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup powdered sugar (or more as needed)
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a medium bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and water.
- Gradually add the flour, almonds, and salt, beating on low speed until the dough is just combined.
- Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on unlined cookie sheets.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool for 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 3: Coat with Powdered Sugar
- Once the cookies are cool, roll them in powdered sugar to coat.
- Transfer the coated cookies to an airtight container and store at room temperature.
Step 4: Enjoy
Serve with your favorite hot beverage, such as the Mexican classic Café de Olla, for a perfect pairing!
Tips and Variations
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Nut Substitutions: If you don't have almonds, you can substitute with pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a slightly different flavor profile.
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Vegan Option: Swap the butter for plant-based butter to make a vegan version.
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Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract for a warm, aromatic twist.
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Double Coating: For an extra-sweet finish, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once while warm and again after they cool completely.
Storage Tips
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
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Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Pair your Polvorones with a batch of our Gingersnap Cookies for a festive cookie platter with contrasting flavors.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different nuts in Polvorones?
A: Yes! You can substitute almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts, depending on your preference.
Q: How can I make these cookies vegan?
A: You can replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative for a vegan version of these cookies.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 3 hours before shaping and baking the cookies.