Mexican Christmas Cookies

Mexican Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that will fill your home with warmth and joy during the holiday season. With their buttery, nutty flavor and a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are simple yet incredibly tasty. Whether you’re baking alone or with family, this recipe is perfect for creating sweet memories during busy days of celebration.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 150
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 45mg

Why Make Mexican Christmas Cookies

Mexican Christmas Cookies are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season. The combination of ground nuts and vanilla adds a delightful texture and flavor. Moreover, they are incredibly versatile; you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, making them perfect for everyone. Plus, they are healthier than many sugary snacks, providing a satisfying treat without an overload of sweetness.

How to Make Mexican Christmas Cookies Step by Step

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup ground walnuts or pecans
Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ground nuts.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
7. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
8. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. While still warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated.
11. Once completely cooled, roll in powdered sugar again for a festive, snowy appearance.

How to Serve Mexican Christmas Cookies

Serve these festive cookies on a beautiful platter alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate or spiced coffee. They also pair well with a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast to their buttery flavor. For a delightful afternoon treat, enjoy them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Store Mexican Christmas Cookies

To keep your Mexican Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you wish to enjoy them later, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. For reheating, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Expert Tips for Cooking Mexican Christmas Cookies

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
• For a nuttier flavor, toast the ground walnuts or pecans before adding them to the dough.
• Avoid overbaking; cookies should remain pale on top for the best texture.
• Test a single cookie first to ensure that the texture is to your liking before baking the entire batch.
• When rolling in powdered sugar, do it while they’re warm for better adherence.

Delicious Variations of Mexican Christmas Cookies

• Add a dash of cinnamon for a spicy twist on the traditional flavor.
• Incorporate citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, for a fresh burst of brightness.
• Mix in chocolate chips for an indulgent variation that will appeal to chocolate lovers.

With their flavorful combination and easy preparation, Mexican Christmas Cookies are a must-try this holiday season. They offer a delicious escape into tradition while allowing for personalization, making them perfect for anyone looking to spread joy through baking. Don’t wait—try this recipe and indulge in the sweet flavors of the season!