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Mexican Wedding Cookies

By Rachel Cooper | April 13, 2026
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Cookies

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Prep20 min
Cook12 min
Total52 min
Serves24
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Crumbly Mexican Wedding Cookies

I still remember the first time I tried Mexican Wedding Cookies - the crumbly texture, the sweetness of the powdered sugar, and the warmth of the spices all combined to create a truly unforgettable experience. As a home cook, I was determined to recreate this magic in my own kitchen, and after months of experimentation, I finally landed on a recipe that I'm excited to share with you today.

These cookies are more than just a sweet treat - they're a symbol of love, family, and tradition. In many Latin American countries, Mexican Wedding Cookies are a staple at weddings, holidays, and other special occasions, where they're often served as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. By making these cookies at home, you'll not only be treating your taste buds to a delicious experience, but also connecting with the rich cultural heritage that surrounds them.

One of the things that sets these cookies apart from other sweet treats is their unique texture. The combination of ground almonds, powdered sugar, and butter creates a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth sensation that's simply irresistible. And with the addition of spices like cinnamon and anise, you'll get a warm, comforting flavor that's perfect for snuggling up with a cup of coffee or tea.

Whether you're looking for a special treat to serve at your next dinner party or just want to indulge in a sweet indulgence, these Mexican Wedding Cookies are sure to hit the spot. So go ahead, give them a try, and experience the magic of this beloved Latin American tradition for yourself.

As you make these cookies, remember that the most important ingredient is love. Take your time, be patient, and don't be afraid to get creative with the recipe. After all, the best Mexican Wedding Cookies are the ones that come from the heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • These cookies are easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
  • They're perfect for special occasions like weddings, holidays, and birthdays.
  • The unique texture and flavor make them a standout from other sweet treats.
  • They're a great way to connect with Latin American culture and tradition.
  • You can customize the recipe with your favorite spices and flavorings.
  • They're perfect for snacking on the go or serving at a party.
  • The recipe makes a large batch, so you can share with friends and family.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Mexican Wedding Cookies is to understand the science behind the ingredients. The ground almonds provide a delicate texture and flavor, while the powdered sugar adds a sweetness that's balanced by the spices. By using room-temperature butter and eggs, you'll create an even emulsion that helps the cookies to hold their shape and retain their texture.

Another important factor is the resting time. By letting the dough rest for at least 30 minutes, you'll allow the flour to hydrate and the butter to firm up, resulting in a cookie that's crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. And don't forget to chill the cookies before baking - this will help them to retain their shape and prevent them from spreading too much in the oven.

Finally, the baking time is crucial. By baking the cookies at a moderate temperature (350°F) for a relatively short period of time (12-15 minutes), you'll create a cookie that's lightly golden and still tender in the center. And don't overbake - this will cause the cookies to dry out and lose their texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Mexican Wedding Cookies, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need a few basic pantry staples, including ground almonds, powdered sugar, and spices, as well as some high-quality butter and eggs. Be sure to choose the freshest ingredients you can find, and take the time to properly measure and prepare each one.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the ground almonds. These provide a delicate texture and flavor that's essential to the cookies. You can find ground almonds at most baking supply stores or online. If you can't find them, you can also make your own by grinding sliced almonds in a food processor until they're finely ground.

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flourAll-purpose flour provides the structure and texture for the cookies. Make sure to use a high-quality flour that's fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
  • 1 cup ground almondsGround almonds add a delicate texture and flavor to the cookies. You can find them at most baking supply stores or online, or make your own by grinding sliced almonds in a food processor.
  • 1 cup powdered sugarPowdered sugar adds sweetness and tenderness to the cookies. Make sure to sift it well before using to remove any lumps.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softenedUnsalted butter provides moisture and flavor to the cookies. Make sure to use room-temperature butter for the best results.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugarGranulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the cookies. You can adjust the amount to your taste.
  • 2 large eggsEggs provide moisture and richness to the cookies. Make sure to use room-temperature eggs for the best results.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extractVanilla extract adds a hint of flavor to the cookies. You can use a high-quality extract or make your own by infusing vanilla beans in a neutral spirit.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamonGround cinnamon adds a warm, spicy flavor to the cookies. You can adjust the amount to your taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground aniseGround anise adds a sweet, licorice-like flavor to the cookies. You can adjust the amount to your taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine saltFine salt enhances the flavors of the cookies and adds a touch of crunch. You can use a flaky sea salt or a high-quality table salt.
  • Powdered sugar, for dustingPowdered sugar adds a sweet, elegant touch to the cookies. You can dust them with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients for Mexican Wedding Cookies

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlWhiskRubber spatulaElectric mixer (optional)Baking sheets lined with parchment paperInstant-read thermometerCookie scoop or spoon

How to Make Mexican Wedding Cookies

  1. 1
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined.
  2. 2
    Add the softened butter to the bowl and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. 3
    Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. 4
    Add the ground cinnamon, ground anise, and fine salt to the bowl and mix until well combined.
  5. 5
    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  6. 6
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. 7
    Scoop the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
  8. 8
    Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
  9. 9
    Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. 10
    Once the cookies are cool, dust them with powdered sugar and serve.
  11. 11
    Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Expert Tips

  • Make sure to use room-temperature ingredients for the best results.
  • Don't overmix the dough, as this can cause the cookies to become tough.
  • Use a high-quality powdered sugar that's fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
  • If you find that your cookies are spreading too much in the oven, try chilling the dough for a longer period of time before baking.
  • To make the cookies more elegant, you can dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
  • You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite spices or flavorings to the dough.
  • To make the cookies more crunchy, you can bake them for a few minutes longer, or until they are lightly golden and firm to the touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using low-quality ingredients that are old or stale.
  • Overmixing the dough, which can cause the cookies to become tough.
  • Not chilling the dough for a long enough period of time, which can cause the cookies to spread too much in the oven.
  • Not using enough powdered sugar, which can cause the cookies to be too dense.
  • Baking the cookies for too long, which can cause them to dry out and lose their texture.
  • Not storing the cookies properly, which can cause them to become stale or soft.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for a mocha flavor.
  • Using different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or pecans, instead of almonds.
  • Adding a pinch of salt to the dough for a salty-sweet flavor.
  • Using different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or turbinado sugar, for a different flavor.
  • Adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
  • Using different types of spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique flavor.
  • Making the cookies into a different shape, such as a log or a ball, for a different presentation.

What to Serve With Mexican Wedding Cookies

These Mexican Wedding Cookies are perfect for serving at special occasions, such as weddings, holidays, and birthdays. They're also great for snacking on the go or serving at a party. You can dust them with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Some ideas for serving the cookies include:

Serving them with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet breakfast or snack.

Pairing them with a glass of cold milk for a classic cookie and milk combination.

Serving them with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Using them as a base for a cookie sandwich, with a layer of frosting or jam in the middle.

Serve with a cup of coffee or teaPair with a glass of cold milkServe with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped creamUse as a base for a cookie sandwichDust with powdered sugar before servingServe at a party or special occasion

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Once the cookies are cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, either individually or in a batch. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

To thaw the cookies, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes to restore their texture and flavor.

Some tips for storing the cookies include:

Using an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming stale.

Storing them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming soft or soggy.

Freezing them as soon as possible after baking to preserve their texture and flavor.

Labeling the container with the date and contents so you can easily keep track of how long they've been stored.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to store Mexican Wedding Cookies?

The best way to store Mexican Wedding Cookies is in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I make Mexican Wedding Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Mexican Wedding Cookies ahead of time. You can bake them and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

What is the best way to freeze Mexican Wedding Cookies?

The best way to freeze Mexican Wedding Cookies is to place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

How do I thaw frozen Mexican Wedding Cookies?

To thaw frozen Mexican Wedding Cookies, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes to restore their texture and flavor.

Can I customize the recipe with different spices or flavorings?

Yes, you can customize the recipe with different spices or flavorings. Some ideas include adding a teaspoon of espresso powder for a mocha flavor, using different types of nuts, or adding a pinch of salt for a salty-sweet flavor.

What is the best way to serve Mexican Wedding Cookies?

The best way to serve Mexican Wedding Cookies is to dust them with powdered sugar before serving. You can also serve them with a cup of coffee or tea, a glass of cold milk, or a scoop of ice cream.

Can I make Mexican Wedding Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can make Mexican Wedding Cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use gluten-free ground almonds for added texture and flavor.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done baking when they are lightly golden and firm to the touch. You can also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cookie - if it comes out clean, the cookies are done.

Can I make Mexican Wedding Cookies in a different shape?

Yes, you can make Mexican Wedding Cookies in a different shape. Some ideas include making them into a log or a ball, or using a cookie cutter to create fun shapes.

The Full Recipe
Recipe Card
Mexican Wedding Cookies

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Learn to make bakery-quality Mexican Wedding Cookies at home with this easy recipe, featuring a crumbly texture and sweet, powdered sugar coating.

Prep20 min
Cook12 min
Total52 min
Serves24
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup ground almonds
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground anise
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined.
  2. Add the softened butter to the bowl and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the ground cinnamon, ground anise, and fine salt to the bowl and mix until well combined.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Scoop the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
  8. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
  9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once the cookies are cool, dust them with powdered sugar and serve.
  11. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

120Calories
2gProtein
20gCarbs
6gFat