These crispy-chewy butter cookies have quite a colorful history. Learn all about the different varieties of Mexican wedding cookies, from the classics to creative new twists.
Mexican wedding cookies, also known as Mexican wedding cakes or polvorones, are a beloved treat served at celebrations in Mexico and Mexican-American communities. Despite the name, they aren’t actually limited to weddings – you’ll see these crumbly baked goods at quinceañeras, baptisms, birthdays, holidays, and any fiesta under the sun!
With recipes varying widely across regions, what exactly makes a cookie qualify as a Mexican wedding cookie? Generally they have:
- A soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture contrasting with a crisp, delicate exterior
- A prominent butter or shortening flavor
- Cinnamon for warmth or vanilla for a subtle background sweetness
- Powdered sugar coating that mimics snowdrifts!
Beyond those guidelines, creativity reigns. Everything from the shaping and ingredients to decoration reflects local tastes and traditions.
Table of Contents
Intrigued about the stories different types of Mexican wedding cookies have to tell? As you’re about to discover, these nostalgic bites connect us to generations past while still having a place at modern celebrations!
Mexican Wedding Cookies are known by
Mexican Wedding Cookies are known by various names around the world, reflecting their widespread popularity and variations in ingredients or preparation methods. Here’s an expansion on some of these alternative names:
- Russian Tea Cakes: Despite the name, these cookies are not exclusive to Russia. They are very similar to Mexican Wedding Cookies, featuring a rich, buttery cookie filled with finely chopped nuts and coated in powdered sugar. The name “tea cakes” suggests they are often served with tea[1][4].
- Mexican Wedding Cakes: This is another name for Mexican Wedding Cookies. The term “cake” is used loosely here, as these are indeed cookies. The name reflects their popularity at weddings and other celebrations in Mexico[2].
- Pecan Cookies: This name highlights the key ingredient – pecans – that gives these cookies their distinctive nutty flavor. The pecans are usually finely chopped or ground and mixed into the dough[3][5].
- Snowball Cookies: This name comes from the appearance of these cookies. After baking, they are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a snowy look. This name is particularly popular in the United States, especially around the Christmas holiday season[3][5].
- Italian Wedding Cookies: These cookies are similar to Mexican Wedding Cookies and are often served at Italian weddings and other celebrations. The Italian version may have slight variations in ingredients or preparation methods[2].
- Polvorones: This is the traditional Spanish name for these cookies. In Spain, polvorones are typically made with almonds and are a popular treat during the Christmas season[2].
- Butterballs: This name reflects the high butter content in the dough, which gives the cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture[3].
Each of these names reflects a slightly different take on the same basic cookie, demonstrating its versatility and widespread appeal.
Are Mexican Wedding Cookies Also Called Holiday cookies/Christmas cookies
Mexican wedding cookies are a popular choice for holiday cookie baking and exchanges. Mexican wedding cookies check many boxes that make them a quintessential Christmas cookie:
- Their snowy, powdered sugar coating gives them a wintery, seasonal look.
- They are often made with nuts like pecans or walnuts, which pair well with holiday flavors like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Their rich, buttery flavor is indulgent and special – perfect for Christmas.
- They are ideal for holiday cookie swaps and platters. Their small size means they can be made in big batches.
- Mexican wedding cookies have global appeal. Similar versions are made for Christmas in Mexico, Italy, Spain, Germany, and more.
- They store well, often improving in flavor over time, making them the perfect cookie to make ahead for holiday parties and gifts.
You could share tips for decorating Mexican wedding cookies to make them even more festive, like drizzling them with colored icing or sprinkling crushed candy cane on top[1]. And they pair perfectly with Mexican hot chocolate or eggnog for dunking[2].
Gluten-free Mexican wedding cookies
Mexican wedding cookies can be made gluten-free while still maintaining their delicious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s how you can expand on the gluten-free options:
- Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-1 gluten-free flour blend. This will allow the cookies to maintain their structure while being safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Gluten-Free Brands: There are brands that sell gluten-free Mexican wedding cookies, such as Siete, which can be found at grocery stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, or Kroger[3].
- Homemade Gluten-Free Mexican Wedding Cookies: There are numerous recipes available online for gluten-free Mexican wedding cookies.
- These recipes typically use a combination of gluten-free all-purpose flour and finely chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to create the cookie dough.
- The cookies are then baked and rolled in powdered sugar, just like traditional Mexican wedding cookies.
- Gluten-Free Powdered Sugar: Most confectioners’ sugar is made using cornstarch, but there are corn-free versions available for those who need to avoid corn as well as gluten. Trader Joe’s has been mentioned as a source for corn-free confectioners’ sugar[1].
- Gluten-Free Baking Tips: Gluten-free dough can be more delicate than regular dough. It’s recommended to handle it gently when rolling into balls and to let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them to prevent crumbling[1][2].
Remember, when baking gluten-free, it’s important to ensure all other ingredients used are also gluten-free, such as the vanilla extract and any baking powders or baking sodas.
A Rainbow of Options: Common Varieties
Mexican bakers have invented Mexican wedding cookies of every hue and flavor. Let your guests sample the rainbow!
Classic Wedding Cookies
Also called traditional, authentic or old-fashioned wedding cookies, these mildly sweet creations stay closest to the recipes first cooked up a century or more ago. Their comforting cinnamon and vanilla flavors never go out of style.
With a tan exterior and pale interior, they look like miniature shortbread. The two-tone color comes from a double dose of powdered sugar – a coating before baking and an even thicker blanket dusted over the warm cookies as they emerge from the oven. Biting into one releases more powdered sugar in a sweet burst of nostalgia!
- Defining features: Subtly spiced, tender crumb, double powdered sugar finish
- Sample recipe: Authentic Mexican Wedding Cookies
Chocolate Dipped
For chocoholics, these types of cookies sealed in a velvety shell of melted chocolate may fulfill fantasies. Milk chocolate, semisweet chocolate, white chocolate – all cloak the crumbly cookies in moreish decadence.
Some bakers drizzle with contrasting chocolate for a color blocked look. Others add chopped nuts, sprinkles or a pinch of spice before the chocolate firms up. For picture-perfect party platters, adorn each cookie with a heart, flower or pearlized candy.
- Defining features: Chocolate coating, festive decorations
- Sample recipe: Chocolate-dipped Mexican Wedding Cookies
Fruit-Filled
Raisins lend chewy bursts of sweetness to some recipes. Spiced prune or apricot jam in the center adds vibrant fuchsia swirls. Figs, cherries, cranberries, lemon or orange zest introduce their own vibrant flavors.
While non-traditional, fruit takes the cookies from one-note to symphonic! The powdered sugar finish still unites these, however untraditional the fillings.
- Defining features: Jam, dried or candied fruits tucked inside
- Sample recipe: Fig-Filled Mexican Wedding Cookies
Shaped Variations
Instead of rolling cookie dough into balls, bakers create designs like crescent moons, knots, braids and pouches. Folding techniques yield perfect little tamales or empanadas. Stamped shapes like flowers, stars and hearts makes these celebration cookies more festive.
Pine trees, bells, wreaths and poinsettias suit Christmas cookie trays. Birds, chicks, rabbits and eggs welcome spring. Patriotic red, white and green cookies with flags or fireworks salute Mexican Independence Day on September 16th!
- Defining features: Molded, cutout, or stamped designs
- Sample recipe: Flower-Shaped Mexican Wedding Cookies
Petite Bites
Maybe your guests can’t handle the usual super-sweet Mexican wedding cookie. Or perhaps you want to incorporate them into a dessert spread. Mini versions deliver concentrated flavor in bite-size form.
Measuring less than an inch across, small Mexican wedding cookies pair nicely with coffee or chocolate. Arrange them on a tiered cookie stand surrounded by other petite indulgences. Just beware – their cuteness makes moderation difficult!
- Defining features: Extra-small size, perfect for serving with beverages or creating dessert displays
- Sample recipe: Mini Mexican Wedding Cookies
Savory and Spicy Types
Those craving something beyond cookie-cutter sweets can spice things up – literally! Jalapeño, cayenne or chipotle chilies bring on the heat. Cheddar cheese and taco seasonings introduce more robust, savory flavors.
Spiked Mexican wedding cookies pair perfectly with icy margaritas or cold beer. Balance fiery notes with cooling ranch dip. Just be sure to label these to prevent any unwelcome surprises!
- Defining features: Heat, spices and savory ingredients like cheese
- Sample recipe: Jalapeño Mexican Wedding Cookies
Key Characteristics Across Classics to Creative Types
Despite endless variations, Mexican wedding cookies generally share these traits:
A Melt-In-Your-Mouth Texture
- High fat content (lots of butter/shortening!) keeps these tender
- Powdery, almost crumbly texture contrasts deliciously with ultra-rich flavor
Subtle Sweetness
- Not as sugary as American butter cookies or shortbread
- Complementary spices like cinnamon prevent cloying sweetness
- final powdered sugar coating provides sweet crunch
Toasted, Nutty Undertones
- Most recipes call for toasted nuts like pecans, walnuts or almonds
- Their slight bitterness balances all that buttery richness
Show-Stopping Presentation
- Mounded on platters, they look like snow-covered mountains!
- Individual shapes create visual interest
- Decorations elevate them from cookie to edible art!
Pros and Cons of Mexican Wedding Cookies
Like all fabulous foods, Mexican wedding cookies have both delightful benefits and a few downsides depending on your perspective. Consider the pros and cons so you can enjoy them to the fullest!
Advantages and Benefits
- Easy to Make:- With short ingredient lists and minimal hands-on effort, even novice bakers can recreate family recipes or invent their own.
- Endlessly Adaptable:- Do you prefer dark chocolate, spice cookies or seasonal shapes? The cookie base takes on any flavor or form.
- Shelf-Stable:- Their low moisture content allows properly stored Mexican wedding cookies to keep for over a week without getting stale.
- Crowd-Pleasing Taste:- Rare is the guest who doesn’t delight in these familiar flavors taken up a notch with nuts, spices and chocolate. They’re a reliable hit!
- Nostalgic Associations:- One bite whisks most people back to celebrating special moments with loved ones.
Downsides and Drawbacks
- Time-Consuming to Roll and Finish:- From shaping dough to two rounds of dredging in powdered sugar, preparing Mexican wedding cookies takes effort. Bake when you can give them proper focus without rushing!
- Crumbly Nature:- Part of their charm, certainly, but also a practical downside. Crumbs gather in plastic bags, make a mess on dishes…and lead to quick disappearance if you blink!
- Oily Texture:- All that butter and shortening does a number on your hands as you shape the dough. Grease stains could also ruin clothes or tablecloths.
- Easy to Overeat:- With a flavor profile engineered to keep you reaching for “just one more,” portion control requires restraint. Don’t make them your entire meal!
Different Varieties (Almond, Pecan, etc.)
Mexican wedding cookies can be made with a variety of nuts to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some common variations:
- Almond Mexican Wedding Cookies: Almonds provide a sweet and slightly fruity flavor. They can be used whole, slivered, or ground into almond meal for the cookie dough[1].
- Pecan Mexican Wedding Cookies: Pecans are traditional and offer a rich, buttery taste with a slightly crunchy texture[2].
- Walnut Mexican Wedding Cookies: Walnuts can be used for a more earthy flavor profile[3].
- Hazelnut Mexican Wedding Cookies: Hazelnuts give the cookies a distinct, aromatic flavor[4].
- Pistachio Mexican Wedding Cookies: Pistachios can add a unique, slightly sweet flavor and a pop of color[5].
Shaping and Rolling Cookie Dough Balls
To shape Mexican wedding cookies, follow these steps:
- Measure the dough using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop to ensure uniform size[3].
- Roll the dough gently between your palms to form smooth balls[1].
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced apart to allow for slight spreading[2].
Freezing Cookie Dough
Freezing cookie dough is a convenient way to have fresh cookies on hand:
- Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet[1].
- Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container[2].
- When ready to bake, you can bake the cookies from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time[3].
Storing Finished Cookies
To store Mexican wedding cookies:
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing[1].
- Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking[2].
- Store at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage[3].
Decorating/Presentation Tips
For a festive presentation:
- Roll cookies in powdered sugar while still warm, then again once cooled for a thick coating[1].
- Arrange cookies on a platter with holiday decorations like holly or candy canes[2].
- Serve in decorative holiday boxes or tins if giving as gifts[3].
Serving Suggestions – Dunking in Coffee/Tea
Mexican wedding cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages:
- Serve alongside coffee or tea for guests to dunk the cookies[1].
- The rich, buttery flavor of the cookies complements the bitterness of coffee and the subtlety of tea[2].
Substitutions for Ingredients Like Nuts, Butter, etc.
For those with allergies or dietary preferences, consider these substitutions:
- Nuts: Use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version[3].
- Butter: Substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option[4].
- Flour: Use gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free cookie[5].
By incorporating these variations and tips, you can cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, making your Mexican wedding cookies a hit for any occasion.
Applying Your New Mexican Wedding Cookie Know-How
I don’t know about you, but learning about all these varieties has me eager to start baking! Here are a few ideas for putting your newfound knowledge to delicious use:
Find Inspiration in Family Recipes
Ask relatives and close family friends if they have any beloved Mexican wedding cookie recipes. The one your great-grandmother always made could become your new favorite!
Experiment with New Shapes and Fillings
Take a basic cinnamon-vanilla dough and try filling it with fruit jam or Mix up shapes like crescent moons, pine trees, birds – whatever suits your seasonal celebrations or whimsy.
Make Mini versions for Dessert Spreads
Serve bite-size Mexican wedding cookies surrounding miniature pies, cakes, tarts and other petite sweets so guests can sample several goodies.
Bring Them to Your Next Potluck
They travel well and appeal to almost all palates – perfect potluck fare! Just be sure to bring enough to share…
Prep a Platter as a Housewarming Gift
New homeowners will appreciate the sentiment of celebrating their transition with these classically celebratory cookies.
Recapping Key Mexican Wedding Cookie Knowledge
As we’ve discovered here, Mexican wedding cookies encapsulate so much more than their modest, crumbly appearance lets on.
Centuries of family traditions shaped the recipes we enjoy today. Their stories link us to those who came before while leaving room for each baker to improvise with flavors, shapes and customs that feel meaningful.
More than a food, these soft, melt-away cookies sweetly tie past, present and future. That’s what makes Mexican wedding cookies so incredibly special. Here’s to many more generations commemorating life’s joys with trays of these treasured treats!
Now I’m eager to hear from you in comments: do you have a favorite type of Mexican wedding cookie? What variety would you most like to try baking soon? Let’s swap stories and celebrate the love of food that connects us!
