Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as Polvorones or Snowball Cookies, are delicate, buttery shortbread-like cookies that are rolled in powdered sugar to give them their signature snowy appearance. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are a beloved part of holiday celebrations, weddings, and special occasions throughout Mexico and many other cultures.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Add nuts: Stir in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts until evenly distributed.
6. Shape the cookies: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
8. Cool and roll in sugar: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a snowball effect.
9. Serve or store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Total Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Sodium: 25 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5 g
• Sugars: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g

Historical Background of Mexican Wedding Cookies

Mexican Wedding Cookies trace their origins back to European shortbread-style confections, particularly Russian tea cakes and Spanish polvorones. When these recipes were introduced to the Americas through colonial trade and migration, they were adapted using local ingredients and traditions, eventually becoming a staple in Mexican celebrations. These cookies became particularly associated with weddings and festive events due to their delicate, elegant appearance and rich, celebratory flavor. Today, they are not only found at weddings but also during Christmas and other special gatherings, making them a time-honored treat with deep cultural significance.

The Role of Butter and Texture

Butter is the cornerstone of Mexican Wedding Cookies, playing a key role in their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Unlike cookies that rely on eggs for structure, these are eggless and get their richness entirely from butter, which binds the flour and nuts while creating a crumbly, soft dough. The creaming of butter with powdered sugar also helps incorporate air, giving the cookies a lighter finish. Using high-quality unsalted butter ensures a pure, clean flavor, making the simplicity of the cookie shine through without the need for excessive ingredients.

Why Powdered Sugar is Essential

Powdered sugar is used both inside and outside the cookie, contributing to both taste and texture. Inside the dough, it acts as a gentle sweetener that dissolves easily, helping to maintain the cookie’s tender crumb. Outside, it coats the cookies in a soft, snow-like layer that enhances visual appeal and adds a sweet, melt-away finish. Rolling the cookies in sugar twice—once while warm and once when cooled—ensures maximum coverage and adherence. This double coating is what gives Mexican Wedding Cookies their iconic snowy appearance, perfect for winter-themed occasions or elegant dessert platters.

Choosing the Right Nuts

Pecans and walnuts are the most common choices for Mexican Wedding Cookies, each offering a slightly different flavor and texture. Pecans bring a buttery richness that complements the soft cookie base, while walnuts add a slightly more robust and earthy note. The nuts should be finely chopped to distribute evenly throughout the dough, adding subtle crunch and nutty bursts in every bite. Toasting the nuts before adding them enhances their flavor, giving the cookies a deeper, more complex profile. For those with allergies, alternatives like ground sunflower seeds or almond flour may be used as substitutes.

Creative Flavor Variations

While the classic Mexican Wedding Cookie recipe is simple and elegant, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Adding a touch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough can introduce a warm, spiced note. Incorporating citrus zest—such as lemon, orange, or lime—adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery base. Some bakers also mix in mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a chocolaty twist. For a more exotic variation, rosewater or almond extract can be used in place of vanilla, resulting in a more aromatic, Middle Eastern-inspired version of the cookie.

Perfect Pairings with Beverages

Mexican Wedding Cookies pair beautifully with a variety of drinks, making them a versatile addition to dessert spreads. Their crumbly texture and subtle sweetness are ideal alongside coffee, especially medium or dark roast brews. They also complement hot chocolate, particularly Mexican hot chocolate with hints of cinnamon and spice. For tea lovers, black tea or spiced chai offer a balanced pairing. During holiday parties, these cookies serve as a perfect bite-sized dessert with sweet wines or dessert liqueurs such as amaretto or Bailey’s, enhancing the experience with every nibble.

Presentation and Serving Tips

When it comes to serving Mexican Wedding Cookies, presentation plays a key role in highlighting their festive charm. Because of their delicate, white coating, they look especially beautiful arranged on a platter with contrasting elements like fresh berries or edible flowers. For weddings or holiday tables, consider serving them in decorative cupcake liners or gift boxes tied with ribbons. These cookies also make wonderful edible gifts—just package them in airtight tins with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Serving them with a dusting of fresh powdered sugar right before presenting keeps them looking fresh and pristine.

Storage and Shelf Life

Mexican Wedding Cookies are known for their excellent shelf stability, making them ideal for preparing ahead of time. Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they can last for up to a week without losing flavor or texture. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a container or freezer bag once solid. Before serving, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature and re-roll them in powdered sugar to restore their snowy appearance and soft coating.

Making Them Allergy-Friendly or Vegan

To accommodate dietary restrictions, Mexican Wedding Cookies can easily be adapted to be allergy-friendly or vegan. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with high-quality plant-based margarine or vegan butter. The flavor may vary slightly depending on the brand, but the crumbly texture can still be achieved. To make them nut-free, use finely ground seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or omit nuts entirely for a smoother cookie. Gluten-free versions can be made by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, although the texture may be a bit more delicate and require extra care during baking.

Tips for Baking Success

To ensure perfect Mexican Wedding Cookies, it’s important to pay attention to a few key details during baking. First, make sure the butter is softened but not melted—too soft and the dough may become greasy. Don’t overwork the dough, as it can toughen the final texture. Be sure to chill the dough if it becomes too soft to handle. When baking, avoid overbaking; the cookies should remain pale with only lightly golden bottoms. Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while still warm ensures the sugar sticks, while the second rolling after cooling creates the classic snowball look.

Conclusion

Mexican Wedding Cookies are timeless treats that combine buttery richness, delicate texture, and nostalgic flavor into one irresistible bite. Their versatility, elegant presentation, and adaptability for various dietary needs make them perfect for everything from weddings and holidays to everyday indulgences. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and a little care, these cookies can be transformed into a memorable dessert that brings warmth and joy to any occasion.