Mexican Wedding Cookies: A Delightfully Easy Recipe
Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Snowballs, are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivering maximum flavor and festive charm. This recipe will guide you through creating batches of these irresistible cookies, ensuring they become a holiday staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is wonderfully simple, requiring just a handful of pantry staples. You likely already have most of these on hand!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Soft butter is crucial for proper creaming and a smooth cookie dough.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that signature tender crumb.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cookies.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: This delivers a warm, nutty aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the buttery sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds delightful crunch and texture. Feel free to experiment with other nuts, too!
- Powdered sugar, for coating: Essential for that classic snowy appearance and extra sweetness.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for perfectly delightful Mexican Wedding Cookies:
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture. A stand mixer works wonders, but a hand mixer will do just fine.
2. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Add Flavor and Nuts:
Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract. Then, gently fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
4. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
6. Coat and Cool:
While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar. This creates that beautiful snowy coating. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Tips for Baking Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly soft but not melted. This is vital for a smooth, creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allowing the cookies to cool completely ensures they set properly and prevents the powdered sugar coating from melting.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They freeze well too!
Variations and Substitutions:
- Nuts: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
- Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent touch.
Enjoy these incredibly easy-to-make, melt-in-your-mouth Mexican Wedding Cookies! They're perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or simply enjoying a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea. They are sure to impress your friends and family.
