Mexican Pecan Shortbread Bites
These delightful Mexican Pecan Shortbread Bites, also known as 'Mexican Wedding Cookies' or 'Polvorones', are melt-in-your-mouth treats that bring a touch of festive spirit to any occasion. The rich buttery flavor is perfectly complemented by the nutty bite of finely chopped pecans and the gentle sweetness of confectioners' sugar. These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be made smaller for bite-sized snacks or left as is for a decadent indulgence. With their crumbly texture and almond-vanilla essence, they're perfect for celebrations, tea parties, or as a sweet addition to holiday gatherings. Enjoy these aromatic treats with a warm cup of tea or coffee, and watch them quickly disappear!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (at room temperature (2 sticks))
confectioners' sugar
2 cups (divided)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
almond extract
1/4 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
finely chopped pecans
1 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare an ungreased baking sheet.
2
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and ½ cup of confectioners' sugar. Add in vanilla and almond extracts and mix on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
3
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the butter mixture, starting with the mixer until about 1 cup of the flour is combined. Switch to a wooden spoon to gently fold in the remaining flour and the finely chopped pecans, mixing until just combined. The dough will be stiff.
4
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Gently flatten each ball to form a coin shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring each cookie is spaced at least 1 inch apart.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
6
Once baked, allow the cookies to rest for about 1 minute on the baking sheet, then roll them in the remaining confectioners' sugar to coat completely while still warm. Let cool on a wire rack. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mexican Pecan Shortbread Bites?
They are crumbly, buttery treats also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Polvorones, featuring finely chopped pecans and a coating of confectioners' sugar.
What other names do these cookies go by?
These cookies are commonly referred to as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Polvorones.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) before baking.
Should I grease the baking sheet?
No, the recipe calls for an ungreased baking sheet.
How much butter is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 cup of butter, which is equivalent to 2 sticks.
What state should the butter be in?
The butter should be at room temperature for proper creaming.
How much confectioners' sugar is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 cups of confectioners' sugar in total, divided between the dough and the coating.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Cream the butter and 1/2 cup of sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
What extracts provide the flavor in these cookies?
The flavor comes from 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract.
Should the flour be prepared in any special way?
Yes, the 2 cups of all-purpose flour should be sifted before being added to the mixture.
When do I add the pecans to the dough?
Fold in the finely chopped pecans at the very end using a wooden spoon after the flour is incorporated.
What is the consistency of the cookie dough?
The resulting dough will be quite stiff.
How do I shape the Mexican Pecan Shortbread Bites?
Roll 1 tablespoon of dough into a ball and then gently flatten it into a coin shape.
How far apart should I place the cookies on the tray?
Ensure each cookie is spaced at least 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown.
Should I let the cookies cool before coating them in sugar?
No, let them rest for only 1 minute and then roll them in sugar while they are still warm.
What is the purpose of rolling the cookies in sugar while warm?
Rolling them while warm allows the confectioners' sugar to adhere better and coat the cookies completely.
How should the cookies be cooled after coating?
After the sugar coating, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container to maintain their texture.
How long do Mexican Pecan Shortbread Bites stay fresh?
They can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
Can I make these cookies smaller?
Yes, they are very versatile and can be made smaller for bite-sized snacks.
What kind of pecans should I use?
Use 1 cup of finely chopped pecans for the best texture.
Are these cookies suitable for holidays?
Yes, they are described as perfect for festive occasions, holiday gatherings, and tea parties.
What drinks pair well with these treats?
They are delicious when served with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Is salt required in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is sifted with the flour to balance the sweetness.
Do I use a mixer for the entire process?
No, start with an electric mixer for the butter and sugar, but switch to a wooden spoon to fold in the last of the flour and pecans.
How much sugar goes into the dough specifically?
Specifically, 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar is creamed into the dough.
What makes the texture 'melt-in-your-mouth'?
The combination of a high butter content, sifted flour, and confectioners' sugar creates that signature crumbly texture.
Are there any tips to prevent the cookies from over-browning?
Keep a close eye on them during the 15-20 minute window and remove them as soon as the edges turn lightly golden.