Toasted Pecan Mexican Wedding Cookies
These decadent Toasted Pecan Mexican Wedding Cookies are a beloved holiday classic, perfect for celebrating with family and friends. The rich, buttery texture pairs beautifully with the fragrant notes of cinnamon and vanilla. By toasting the pecans before adding them to the dough, their natural flavors are enhanced, creating a nutty depth that elevates these cookies from delightful to extraordinary. Ideal for festive gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking tradition.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (sifted)
ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
2 cups
pecans
1/2 cup (toasted and finely chopped)
powdered sugar
1 cup (sifted, for coating)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 30 seconds until creamy.
3
Gradually add the sifted confectioners' sugar and ground cinnamon, beating until well combined and fluffy.
4
Mix in the vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons of water until smooth.
5
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and the finely chopped toasted pecans using a wooden spoon until the dough comes together.
6
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned.
8
Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9
Once cooled, place the remaining powdered sugar in a plastic bag. Add a few cookies at a time and gently shake to coat them in the sugar.
10
For optimal flavor, you can freeze the cookies for up to one month before shaking them with sugar. Thaw before coating.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Toasted Pecan Mexican Wedding Cookies?
They are a buttery, nutty holiday classic flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, then rolled in powdered sugar for a festive look.
Why should I toast the pecans before adding them to the dough?
Toasting enhances the natural flavors of the pecans and creates a nutty depth that improves the overall taste of the cookies.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 165 degrees Celsius.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Do I need to sift the confectioners' sugar?
Yes, sifting the sugar ensures a smooth, fluffy consistency in the dough and an even coating for the finished cookies.
Should the butter be softened or cold?
The recipe requires 1 cup of softened butter to achieve a creamy and aerated texture when beaten.
What is the purpose of ground cinnamon in this recipe?
Ground cinnamon provides fragrant notes that complement the rich, buttery flavor and toasted nuts.
How long should I beat the butter?
Beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 30 seconds until it is creamy.
Why is water added to the cookie dough?
Two teaspoons of water are added to help the dough come together and maintain the correct moisture balance.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How should I mix in the flour and pecans?
Gently fold in the flour and finely chopped toasted pecans using a wooden spoon until the dough forms.
What size should the cookie balls be?
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls for uniform baking and the perfect bite-sized treat.
How far apart should the cookies be placed on the tray?
Space the dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
How long do these cookies take to bake?
Bake the cookies for approximately 20 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when the bottoms are lightly browned.
Should I coat the cookies in sugar while they are hot?
No, you should transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before coating them in sugar.
What is the easiest way to coat the cookies in powdered sugar?
Place the powdered sugar in a plastic bag, add a few cooled cookies at a time, and gently shake to coat.
Can I freeze Mexican Wedding Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to one month before they are coated in sugar.
How do I handle frozen cookies before serving?
Thaw the cookies completely before shaking them with powdered sugar.
Does this recipe contain eggs?
No, this is an egg-free cookie recipe, relying on butter and sugar for its structure and texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: butter, confectioners' sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, pecans, and powdered sugar for coating.
What kind of vanilla should I use?
Standard vanilla extract is used to provide a classic aromatic flavor.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with toasted walnuts for a similar nutty profile.
How should the pecans be prepared?
The pecans should be toasted and then finely chopped before being folded into the dough.
What tags are associated with this cookie?
Tags include holiday baking, dessert, treats, festive, and sugar-coated.
Are these cookies suitable for gifts?
Yes, they are described as a thoughtful homemade gift and a beloved holiday classic.
What equipment do I need for this recipe?
You will need an oven, baking sheet, parchment paper, electric mixer, mixing bowl, wooden spoon, wire rack, and a plastic bag.
Why is it important to use an electric mixer?
An electric mixer helps to properly cream the butter and incorporate the sugar until the mixture is fluffy.
What is the final texture of the cookie?
These cookies have a rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth texture with a crunchy nut finish.
What color should the top of the cookies be?
The tops generally remain pale, while the bottoms should be lightly browned to indicate they are done.