Easy Traditional Mexican Christmas Cookies Recipe

This easy Mexican Christmas Cookies recipe is sure to please. People enjoy receiving this particular cookie as a holiday gift because of its rich almond flavor. The nutty flavor perfectly rolled in powdered sugar gives you a delightful Christmas night vibe.

WHAT ARE MEXICAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES?

Isn’t it true that holiday preparations aren’t complete unless you look up recipes for new dishes to serve? When it comes to cookies, we have the traditional snickerdoodles and gingerbread snaps, but it’s time to branch out this year. Here are the Mexican Christmas Cookies, also known as Mexican wedding cookies.

Despite the name “Mexican wedding cookies,” these cookies are not just for celebrating marriage, but for any special occasion or holiday, such as Christmas. In fact, these holiday treats make an excellent seasonal gift and sometimes come in a variety of flavors.

Today, these cookies serve more than just as a sweet treat, as they contain not only a nutty flavor but also a very rich history and significance. These Latin holiday cookies did not originate in Mexico, but can instead be traced back to medieval Arab baking, where butter, sugar, spices, and nuts were the most common ingredients. Because of the expansion of trade routes, this nutty treat has made its way to the Middle East and, eventually, all of Europe.

The recipe was then spread and brought to Mexico in the 16th century by European nuns or Spanish conquistadors in the Americas. Whether referred to as Christmas Cookies or Wedding Cookies, these sweet treats are typically made with finely chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds, which vary depending on the origins of the recipe.

WHY ARE THESE COOKIES DRY?

Although some people might find these cookies to be dry at some point, these delectable delights are noted for their crumbly, buttery, and nutty texture that absolutely melts in your mouth. Regardless, why do these cookies seem to be dry? 

Because there is no egg to bind these cookies, they will likely be a little dry because they are designed to be crumbly rather than chewy. The dense, buttery dough and a generous amount of crushed nuts give it a delicate, melt-away quality.

Due to the way they are prepared, Mexican Cookies may become dry if you aren’t careful. When cooking, be sure to precisely measure the ingredients, and set a timer so you don’t overbake your treats. Take care to measure flour correctly so you don’t add to much.

WHY DO THESE COOKIES MAKE A GREAT GIFT?

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. You’re busy making gifts, decorating the house, and cooking for Christmas Eve. If you want to avoid the chaos of holiday shopping, think about these holiday cookies as a sweet treat to give to neighbors, friends, and teachers.

Your friends and family will enjoy holiday cookies you baked yourself. It’s a terrific way to demonstrate that you’ve tried to make them feel special.

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS TO MAKE MEXICAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES?

The ingredients you’ll need to make these nutty cookies are as follows:

• Unsalted Butter
• Powdered Sugar
• Vanilla Extract
• Ground Cinnamon
• Salt
• All Purpose Flour
• Walnuts or Pecans
• Powdered Sugar or Confectioners’ Sugar, for rolling the cookies 

Equipment and Tools Needed

This list of equipment and tools will assist you in achieving the best results with this recipe:

• Oven
• Large bowl
• Electric beater
• Spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Cookie sheet
• Air tight container

HOW TO MAKE MEXICAN CHRISTMAS COOKIES (Just 8 Easy Steps – with Photos!)

Now that you’ve gathered all of your ingredients, it’s time to put this delicious recipe together. Here are some simple steps you should take to achieve the best results.

STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN AND SOFTEN THE BUTTER

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silicone liner.

In a large bowl, add the softened butter and beat with an electric beater until light and fluffy.

STEP 2: ADD SUGAR

Add ½ cup of powdered sugar and beat on low for 1 minute, until the sugar is mixed into the butter and is light and fluffy.

STEP 3: ADD SPICES AND FLOUR

Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt, and beat for one minute.

Now add the all-purpose flour and fold it in with a spatula.

STEP 4: ADD WALNUTS

Once all the flour is incorporated, add the finely chopped walnuts and fold them in.

STEP 5: FORM THE COOKIES

Using a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon, form 1-inch balls from the cookie dough, and place them on the prepared cookie sheet. 

STEP 6: BAKE AND COAT

Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.

Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes and then immediately roll them in powdered sugar. The cookies should be warm. Most of the sugar from this coat will get absorbed into the cookies.

STEP 7: LET IT COOL AND COAT AGAIN

Once all the warm cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, let them cool completely.

Now roll each cooled cookie again in powdered sugar. 

STEP 8: SERVE

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week. 

VARIATIONS

These cookies are not only rich in history and flavor, but they are also very versatile; their simplicity makes it easier to incorporate other ingredients that will undoubtedly give them a new flavor.

Here are some ways to transform your traditional holiday cookie balls into something new:

Chocolate

Who doesn’t enjoy chocolate, right? Make your Mexican Wedding Cookies chocolatey by mixing in some unsweetened cocoa powder with the flour. Your children will undoubtedly appreciate this simple change!

With or without nuts

Although these cookies are naturally known for their nutty flavor, you can leave out the nuts, and it won’t make a big difference. Add a few more nuts if those are a family favorite.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

These cookies pair well with the Dark Chocolate Chai Latte; the combination is enough to make you feel like it’s Christmas morning!

TIPS

• To get the perfect cookie shape, scoop the dough with an ice cream scoop or cookie scoop, and then shape it with your hands.
• You can also chill your dough for about 15 minutes to help it hold its shape.
• To help the cookie have a longer shelf life make sure to store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Make sure the butter is softened rather than melted, as melted butter will give the cookie a flatter shape.

MEXICAN CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPE CARD

Now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about these nutty cookie balls, it’s time to print or save the recipe. The recipe card below contains the complete ingredients and instructions for Mexican Christmas Cookie.

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If you liked this delicious recipe, be sure to check these other great recipes out:

• Easy Mickey Mouse Christmas Cookies
• Red Truck Christmas Cookies
• Adorable Grinch Cookies for Christmas