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Transform simple ingredients into delicate, powdery cookies that melt in your mouth with each bite. Known by many names across cultures - from Russian Tea Cakes to Snowballs - these buttery, nutty cookies hold cherished memories for generations of bakers. After learning this recipe from my grandmother and perfecting her technique, these have become our most treasured holiday tradition.
Last Christmas, I taught my daughter to make these just as my grandmother taught me, watching her carefully roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar. Sometimes the most precious recipes are passed down through generations.
Essential Ingredients
- Soft Butter: For tender, rich texture
- Powdered Sugar: Both in dough and coating
- Quality Vanilla: Enhances buttery flavor
- All-Purpose Flour: Measured carefully
- Fresh Pecans or Walnuts: For perfect crunch
- Extra Powdered Sugar: For triple coating
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Initial Dough Creation:
- Begin by creaming softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. This creates the foundation for tender cookies. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
- Nut Integration:
- Gently stir in finely chopped pecans or walnuts. The nuts should be evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
- Perfect Portioning:
- Roll dough into consistent 1-inch balls, making them as smooth as possible. Uniform size ensures even baking. Place on ungreased baking sheets with space between.
- Sugar Coating Process:
- Roll warm cookies gently in powdered sugar, then let cool completely before rolling twice more. This creates that signature powdery coating that makes these cookies special.
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This recipe was passed down from my grandmother, who never failed to make them perfect every time. Sometimes the most valuable cooking lessons come from watching experienced hands at work.
Temperature Control
Success lies in careful temperature management throughout. The butter should be soft but not melted, the oven steady at the proper temperature, and the cookies warm but not hot when first rolled in sugar. Think of it as a delicate dance that creates the perfect texture.
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Storage Strategy
These cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Layer with waxed paper to protect the powdered sugar coating. They also make perfect gifts packed in decorative tins with tissue paper between layers.
Gift Giving Presentation
Present these elegant cookies:
- In holiday tins lined with tissue
- On decorative platters
- In cellophane bags with ribbons
- As part of cookie assortments
- Arranged in beautiful boxes
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Final Thoughts
These Mexican Wedding Cookies represent the perfect marriage of simplicity and elegance. Each powdery bite delivers melt-in-your-mouth texture and memories of holidays past. Whether you're continuing a family tradition or starting your own, this recipe proves that sometimes the simplest cookies create the most lasting memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which nuts work best?
- Both pecans and walnuts work well, just ensure they're finely chopped.
- → Why roll twice in sugar?
- First coating melts slightly on warm cookies, second creates snowy appearance.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
- Yes, freeze before rolling in sugar, add sugar after thawing.
- → Why shouldn't they brown?
- Keeping them pale ensures the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- → How should I store them?
- Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.