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Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure that your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly.
2. Cream the Butter and Powdered Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer (or stand mixer) to cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and light in texture. This should take about 2-3 minutes. If you’re using vanilla extract, add it at this stage.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough. The mixture will be crumbly and slightly dry, but that’s perfect for the texture of these cookies.
4. Add the Nuts:
Fold in the finely chopped walnuts (or your preferred nut) until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The nuts provide a nice crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the buttery base of the cookies.
5. Form the Cookies:
Roll small portions of dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. You should get about 20-24 cookies depending on the size of the dough balls.
6. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The cookies should still be soft to the touch, but firm up as they cool.
7. Cool and Coat in Powdered Sugar:
Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm (but not hot), gently roll them in the remaining powdered sugar until they are generously coated. Be careful not to burn yourself, as they’ll be fragile while they’re warm.
After coating, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. If you like, you can give them a second dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for that classic snowball appearance.
Tips for the Best Mexican Wedding Cookies:
- Use softened butter: Be sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps to create a smooth dough and ensures the cookies have the right texture.
- Chill the dough (optional): If the dough is too soft or difficult to work with, you can chill it for 20-30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Use finely chopped nuts: Make sure the nuts are chopped finely so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough and don’t overwhelm the texture of the cookies. A food processor works well for this.
- Don’t overbake: These cookies should remain pale, not golden brown. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies, so it’s important to watch them closely.
- Make them your own: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or add a touch of cinnamon to the dough for an added flavor twist. You can also mix in a little bit of citrus zest (lemon or orange) for a refreshing flavor contrast.
Variations of Mexican Wedding Cookies:
- Chocolate Chip Wedding Cookies: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious chocolatey twist on the classic recipe. The sweetness of the chocolate complements the buttery cookies perfectly.
- Spiced Wedding Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the dough to give your cookies a warm, spiced flavor. These spiced versions are perfect for fall and winter holidays.
- Coconut Wedding Cookies: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The coconut adds extra texture and sweetness, making these cookies even more irresistible.
- Gluten-Free Version: You can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend if you want to make these cookies gluten-free. Just make sure your powdered sugar is also gluten-free.
Why You Should Make Mexican Wedding Cookies:
Mexican Wedding Cookies are a timeless treat that brings a sense of joy and festivity to any occasion. They’re simple yet elegant, and their rich, buttery flavor is sure to impress your guests. These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or as a sweet gift for loved ones.
The texture is delicate yet satisfying, and with their light dusting of powdered sugar, they have a snowy, festive look that makes them perfect for any celebration—wedding or not! Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to bring a little extra sweetness into your day.
Conclusion:
Mexican Wedding Cookies are one of those classic recipes that never go out of style. With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty crunch, they’re always a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a quiet moment with a sweet treat. Easy to make, customizable, and endlessly delicious, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite for years to come. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bake a batch of these irresistible Mexican Wedding Cookies today!
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