Delectable Mexican Wedding Cookies: Sweet & Simple Bliss

You know how important it is to have a quick yet special treat to make any celebration better. With this Mexican Wedding Cookies recipe, you can whip up a delightful dessert that your family will adore without spending hours in the kitchen or making a big mess. It’s an easy win for any busy parent!

Why This Recipe Works

• Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• Quick mixing and baking process, perfect for busy schedules.
• Minimal clean-up with one bowl and a baking sheet.
• Consistently delicious – never have to worry about them coming out dry.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup additional powdered sugar, for rolling

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

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Instructions

Cream the Butter and Sugar

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step is critical as it builds the base for a soft cookie. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to fully incorporate the sugar thoroughly.

Add Flavourings and Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing well. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt, then gradually add this to the creamed butter mixture until a dough forms. Stir in the finely chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Avoid overmixing to ensure the cookies stay tender, and try to keep those bowls to a minimum—less washing later!

Shape the Cookies

Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into walnut-sized balls. Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for gentle spreading. For even baking, try to make the balls a uniform size. If you’re in a pinch for time, you can refrigerate the dough balls for about 15 minutes this helps them keep their shape while baking.

Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 15 minutes or until the edges are just barely golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking. Once done, let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes—this makes them just firm enough to move to a wire rack without cracking. Careful here, they’ll be fragile!

Coat with Sugar

Once the cookies are slightly cooled but still warm to the touch, roll them in the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar, covering each cookie completely. This is where the magic happens and transforms them into delightful, snow-dusted beauties. The warmth of the cookies helps the sugar stick beautifully, so don’t let them cool completely before doing this step.

Tips and Tricks

• Toasted pecans add an extra depth of flavor; simply toast them in a dry skillet for a couple of minutes before chopping.
• For perfectly uniform cookies, chill the dough after rolling into balls; this prevents excess spreading.
• These cookies keep beautifully for up to a week stored in an airtight container, making them perfect for prepping ahead.

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Recipe Variations

• Swap pecans for almonds or walnuts if that’s what you have on hand.
• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
• For a nut-free option, try using sunflower seeds in place of pecans and enjoy a new flavor profile.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I freeze the dough?
  Absolutely, you can freeze the dough after forming it into balls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
• Can I use salted butter instead?
  Yes, but you might want to reduce the additional salt in the recipe to 1/8 teaspoon to ensure the cookies don’t end up too salty.
• How long can these cookies stay fresh?
  Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will remain fresh for up to one week. However, you can also freeze them after baking and cooling, just thaw to room temperature before serving.

Summary

With minimal ingredients and tools, these Mexican Wedding Cookies offer a quick and delicious way to enjoy a sweet treat. Perfect for busy parents looking for a simple, delightful recipe!