Make-Ahead Mexican Wedding Cookies: Easy, Delicious, And Stress-Free!

Mexican wedding cookies are a traditional Mexican recipe that is easy to make and perfect for weddings, Christmas, New Year's, or any other occasion. They are rich, buttery, and crumbly cookies made from a mixture of nuts, flour, butter, and powdered sugar that melt in your mouth. The cookies are soft, tender, and packed with a nutty flavor. They are also known by many different names, including snowball cookies, Russian tea cakes, and polvorones.

You can make Mexican wedding cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 7 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to serve them, simply roll them in powdered sugar, and they will be good as new!

Can I make Mexican wedding cookies ahead of time and store them in the freezer?

Mexican wedding cookies are a delightful treat that can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for future use. This is a handy way to ensure you always have some delicious cookies on hand for unexpected guests or to save time during busy periods, such as the holiday season.

The process is simple and will allow you to enjoy these cookies whenever you crave them. Here is a step-by-step guide to making and storing Mexican wedding cookies:

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

First, prepare the cookie dough following your chosen recipe. The dough for Mexican wedding cookies typically includes ingredients such as butter, sugar, vanilla extract, flour, salt, and nuts (usually pecans, but you can also use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts). Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another before combining them.

Step 2: Form the Cookies

Once you have a cohesive dough, it's time to shape the cookies. Use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to scoop out tablespoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. Place these dough balls on a prepared cookie sheet, making sure to space them evenly apart.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your recipe, typically around 325°F to 350°F. Bake the cookies for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are set and lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Step 4: Cool the Cookies

Once the cookies are baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack. It's important that they are entirely cooled before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Place some powdered sugar in a bowl and gently roll each cooled cookie in the sugar to coat it completely. This step gives Mexican wedding cookies their signature "snowball" look. If you want an extra sugary coating, you can roll them a second time after the first coating has settled.

Step 6: Freeze the Cookies

Now, you can store the cookies in an airtight container and place them in the freezer. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. This method works for both baked and unbaked cookies. If you freeze unbaked cookies, make sure to shape them into balls before freezing.

Step 7: Serve the Cookies

When you're ready to serve the cookies, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. If you notice that they have lost some of their "snowball" appeal or the powdered sugar has absorbed into the cookie, simply roll them in a little more powdered sugar before serving.

How long can I store Mexican wedding cookies in the freezer?

Mexican wedding cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. If you want to freeze the cookies, it is recommended that you place them in an airtight container or freezer bag to ensure they stay fresh. When you are ready to serve them, simply thaw them and then roll them in powdered sugar to give them a fresh coat. This will help to create that signature snowball look and a sweet, melty mouthfeel.

If you would like to freeze the cookie dough instead of the baked cookies, you can do so for up to one month. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in a zip-top freezer bag. When you are ready to bake the cookies, thaw the dough in the refrigerator and then bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What is the best way to roll Mexican wedding cookies in powdered sugar?

Rolling Mexican wedding cookies in powdered sugar is the key to achieving their signature signature "snowball" look. Here is a detailed guide on the best way to do it:

• Prepare the Powdered Sugar: Place about a cup of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. You can sift the powdered sugar beforehand to ensure it is lump-free and easy to work with.
• Roll the Warm Cookies: After the cookies have baked and are still warm, gently roll them in the powdered sugar a few at a time. This initial coat of sugar will melt into the cookies, creating a sweet, sticky base for the next layer.
• Cool the Cookies: Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool ensures that the second coat of powdered sugar adheres properly without melting.
• Roll Again: Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them in the powdered sugar once or twice more. This final step gives Mexican wedding cookies their distinctive snowy appearance and a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

By following these steps, you'll achieve the perfect "snowball" effect for your Mexican wedding cookies!

What is the best temperature to bake Mexican wedding cookies?

Mexican wedding cookies are typically baked at a temperature between 325°F and 350°F.

Some recipes suggest a lower temperature of 325°F, which is used by Jo Cooks and Kim's Cravings. Kim's Cravings bakes their cookies for 15 minutes, while Jo Cooks bakes for 18 to 20 minutes.

Other recipes, such as those by Isabel Eats, Love and Lemons, Simply Recipes, and Allrecipes, opt for a slightly higher temperature of 350°F. Isabel Eats and Allrecipes recommend baking for 12 to 15 minutes, while Love and Lemons and Simply Recipes suggest 13 to 16 minutes and 17 to 19 minutes, respectively.

Regardless of the temperature chosen, the key is to bake the cookies until they are just golden, ensuring they retain their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What are some common ingredients in Mexican wedding cookies?

Mexican wedding cookies are typically made with a combination of nuts, flour, butter, and powdered sugar. Here are some common ingredients found in Mexican wedding cookies:

• Nuts: Pecans are a popular choice, but you can also use walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios. The nuts are typically ground or finely chopped and blended with the flour to create a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is commonly used to bind the ingredients together and create a soft, tender cookie.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is often used, and it adds richness and a buttery flavour to the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioner's sugar or icing sugar, it is used in the dough and for rolling the cookies, creating a "snowball" look and a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Extracts: Vanilla extract is commonly used, and some recipes also include almond extract to enhance the nutty flavour.
• Salt: A small amount of salt is added to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavours.

These cookies are known by many different names, including Russian Tea Cakes, Snowball Cookies, and Polvorones. They are a popular holiday treat and are often served at weddings, during Christmas, or other special occasions.

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