The moment I crack open a jar of walnuts, the rich, earthy aroma fills my kitchen, instantly igniting memories of festive gatherings and celebrations. There’s something so charming about baking Polvorones, the beloved Mexican wedding cookies that seem to sprinkle joy with every bite. What makes these treats even more delightful is the way they effortlessly come together, transforming simple ingredients into little clouds of sweetness.
As I toss together the butter and powdered sugar, and later roll the slightly toasted walnut pieces into the dough, I realize these cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re a celebration of life’s little moments, perfect for parties or cozy afternoons at home. Whether you’re wrapping them as a gift or indulging for yourself, these Polvorones will elevate your treat game and bring vibrant flavors that outshine anything fast-food-related. Plus, who doesn’t love a cookie that feels like a warm hug? Let’s get baking!
Why will you love Polvorones?
Indulgent textures: These cookies melt in your mouth, offering a delightful contrast of tender dough and crunchy walnuts.
Irresistible flavors: The buttery richness paired with the nutty notes creates a unique taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Simple process: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how easily these cookies come together.
Versatile treats: Great for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy afternoons at home, Polvorones are sure to impress.
Time-saving baking: The quick prep and bake time make them a perfect option for those unexpected cravings or last-minute guests.
Crowd-pleasing goodness: The touch of sweetness and nutty charm will win over even the pickiest of eaters!
Polvorones Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Walnuts – Add a rich, nutty flavor to these Polvorones that beautifully complements the sweetness.
• Kosher Salt – Just a pinch enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar – Divided into two portions; this sweetener gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth quality and final dusting.
• Unsalted Butter – Using room temperature butter contributes to a light and fluffy texture in your dough.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla provides a warm, aromatic undertone that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the dough that binds everything together while keeping it soft and tender.
For the Coating
• Powdered Sugar – The final layer adds sweetness and creates a charming, snowy finish on your Polvorones.
How to Make Polvorones
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Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F and grab a rimmed baking sheet. Spread the walnuts in a single layer and toast them until they’re golden brown and fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once toasted, transfer them to a food processor and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
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Process the mixture. Add the cooled walnuts to the food processor along with kosher salt and 3/4 cup of powdered sugar. Pulse until the walnuts are finely ground, about 20 seconds. Now, add the room-temperature unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract, processing until smooth, which will take about another 10 seconds. Finally, add the all-purpose flour and mix until a soft dough forms, around 30 seconds. Scrape the dough into a large bowl and refrigerate it until it’s chilled, about 1 hour.
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Shape the cookies. Preheat your oven to 350°F again and line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out 2 tablespoons of chilled dough and roll it into a 1-inch ball. Place the dough balls 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Keep the remaining dough in the refrigerator while the first batch bakes.
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Bake the cookies. Bake your Polvorones, rotating the sheets front to back halfway through, until the edges are slightly golden brown, which should take about 14 to 16 minutes. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool for about 15 minutes. Repeat this step with the remaining dough.
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Coat in sugar. In a medium bowl, place the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar. Gently roll the cooled cookies in the sugar until they are thoroughly coated, adding that beautiful, sweet finish.
Optional: Serve with a cup of coffee for the perfect afternoon treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cookies) are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the usual processing steps and then refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. To ensure they maintain that melt-in-your-mouth texture, keep them in an airtight container. On baking day, simply scoop and roll the dough into balls, and they will be just as delicious as if you made them fresh. If you want to store baked Polvorones, they will stay fresh for up to 3 days when kept in a cool, dry place, and can be rolled in powdered sugar right before serving for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy the convenience of having these delightful treats ready at your fingertips!
Polvorones Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore these delightful adaptations to make your Polvorones truly your own!
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Nut-Free: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts for a tasty nut-free option. They’ll still add a lovely crunch!
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Flavored Sugar: Swap out plain powdered sugar for flavored varieties like cinnamon or cocoa for an enchanting twist on sweetness.
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Chocolate-Dipped: Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted dark or milk chocolate for a delightful chocolatey indulgence.
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Cocoa Powder: Substitute 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder in the dough for rich, chocolate-infused Polvorones that are irresistibly decadent.
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Sesame Seeds: For a unique flavor, add toasted sesame seeds to the dough in place of some walnuts. This will give a delightful nutty twist!
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Orange Zest: Mix in 1 teaspoon of fresh orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus kick that pairs beautifully with the buttery essence.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for those craving a bit of heat to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
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Dried Fruit: Fold in chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots before shaping the cookies for a sweet and chewy texture that brightens each bite.
Helpful Tricks for Polvorones
- Perfect Toasting: Always toast walnuts until golden brown—it enhances their flavor significantly and prevents a raw taste in your Polvorones.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and enhances texture.
- Measuring Sugar: When dividing powdered sugar, ensure to pack it lightly in your measuring cup, so you avoid adding too much sweetness to the cookie dough.
- Check for Doneness: Watch closely as the edges turn slightly golden; overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
- Coating Technique: For an even sugar coating, gently roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still slightly warm to help the sugar stick better.
- Storage Tips: Keep your Polvorones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Store and Freeze Polvorones
Room Temperature: Keep your Polvorones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to preserve their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies, where they will last for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Polvorones by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply thaw and reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, bringing back the melt-in-your-mouth charm of these delightful cookies.
What to Serve with Polvorones?
These delightful Mexican wedding cookies are perfect for sharing and can be paired with a variety of treats and drinks.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast that cuts through the sweetness of the cookies.
- Coffee or Espresso: The rich, robust flavors of coffee create a cozy pairing, deepening the overall experience with every sip.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess, making for a delightful treat that feels indulgent yet balanced.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over Polvorones brings a luxurious touch that takes them to the next level of decadence.
- Spiced Tea: A cup of chai or spiced tea warms the heart and complements the buttery, nutty notes of the cookies beautifully.
- Lemon Granita: The zesty, icy texture of lemon granita provides a refreshing counterpoint that cleanses the palate after sweet bites.
- Nutty Biscotti: For a double nutty experience, serve crunchy biscotti as a side treat that echoes the flavors of the cookies and invites dipping.
- Milky Smoothies: A creamy smoothie, perhaps with banana and peanut butter, brings a fruity creaminess that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Candied Citrus Peels: The sweet, tangy zest of citrus peels adds a bright contrast, highlighting the buttery richness of the Polvorones perfectly.
Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cookies) Recipe FAQs
What type of walnuts should I use for Polvorones?
Absolutely! I recommend using fresh, unsalted walnuts for the best flavor in your Polvorones. Look for walnuts that are firm and free from dark spots or blemishes, as these are signs of age. If you can find them, buying raw walnuts and toasting them yourself enhances their flavor even more!
How should I store leftover Polvorones?
To keep your Polvorones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like to extend their life, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, but ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent drying.
Can I freeze Polvorones? If so, how?
Absolutely! Freezing your Polvorones is a great way to enjoy them later. First, place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1 hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes for that freshly baked taste.
What should I do if my Polvorones spread too much during baking?
If you find that your cookies spread too much while baking, it could be due to warm dough. Be sure to chill your dough for about 1 hour as specified in the recipe; this helps maintain shape. If they still spread excessively, you might want to check your oven temperature or try adding an extra tablespoon of flour next time to firm up the dough a little.
Are Polvorones safe for children and those with nut allergies?
Very! However, since Polvorones contain walnuts, they are not suitable for those with nut allergies. If you want a nut-free version, you could try replacing the walnuts with crushed oats or sunflower seeds, which will give a slightly different texture but maintain that lovely, crumbly cookie feel. Always ensure to consult with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about food allergies.
Can I use margarine instead of butter in Polvorones?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for unsalted butter, but keep in mind it might slightly change the flavor and texture of your cookies. Aim for a high-quality margarine that closely resembles butter in consistency.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cookies)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and toast walnuts for 8-10 minutes.
- Process cooled walnuts, kosher salt, and 3/4 cup powdered sugar until finely ground.
- Add unsalted butter and vanilla; process until smooth, then mix in all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough for about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven again, scoop out chilled dough, and shape into 1-inch balls on baking sheets.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes until edges are golden; let cool for 15 minutes.
- Roll cooled cookies in remaining powdered sugar until coated.