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    Home · Recipes · Cookies · Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

    August 15, 2019

    Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

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    Mexican Wedding Cookies are a salty-sweet, buttery cookie speckled with finely chopped nuts that come coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar. Yes, please. They take all of 15 minutes to make, require little effort, and an even smaller list of ingredients. Freezer-friendly and completely gorgeous, they are the perfect holiday dessert for sharing and gift-giving!

    You might also know Mexican Wedding Cookies as Snowdrop Cookies, Tea Cake Cookies, Butterballs, Russian Tea Cakes, Polvorones…and the list goes on. Whichever name you should choose to call them, the heart of the cookie stays the same -- a snow-like blanket of powdered sugar on the outside and total buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie perfection on the inside.

    A side view of a Mexican Wedding Cookie that is missing a bite from it. In front of the cookie are pecan pieces.

    Looking for more Christmas cookies to add to this year's lineup? Try our thick and chewy Snickerdoodles, crunchy Almond Biscotti with great big almond flavor, and perfect, little bite-sized Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies -- all popular classics everyone loves!

    MEXICAN WEDDING COOKIE INGREDIENTS

    Leave the baking soda, baking powder, and eggs behind -- there are no rising agents or binders (i.g. baking soda or eggs) in these cookies. This is the reason behind their addictively delicious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

    Keeping in line with most standard cookie recipes, you will need to have all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and salt on hand. 

    This Mexican Wedding Cookie Recipe calls for pecans, but feel free to sub in almonds or walnuts if preferred. Whichever nut you use, it'll need to be finely chopped before going into your dough.

    If you love pecans as much as we do, be sure to give our easy Praline Pecan recipe a try!

    You'll need two types of sugar for this Mexican Wedding Cookie Recipe: Granulated sugar and powdered sugar. Granulated sugar for the dough and powdered sugar for the outer coating, giving them that festive Christmasy, snowball appearance!

    Last, but not least, be sure you only use unsalted butter for these cookies. If you were to sub in salted butter, your cookies would be overwhelmingly salty.

    HOW TO MAKE MEXICAN WEDDING COOKIES

    1. Prep - Preheat the oven to 325° and have ready a baking sheet lined with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
    2. Whisk Dry Ingredients - To kick off your Mexican Wedding Cookie Recipe, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together flour and sea salt. Set aside until ready to use.
    3. Mix Butter and Sugar - Add the butter and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. If you do not have a stand mixer, use a large mixing bowl and a handheld mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until well-combined. Add the vanilla and mix once more.
    4. Add Dry Ingredients - Turn the mixer down to low, and slowly incorporate the flour mixture, followed by the ground pecans.
    5. Scoop Dough and Bake - Scoop the dough a tablespoon at a time, form it into a round, and place the dough balls on baking sheet about 1 ½" apart. Bake for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to completely cool.
    6. Toss in Sugar - Place the powdered sugar in a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Add about a dozen cookies to the bag at a time, and gently toss to coat. Serve and enjoy.

    Mexican Wedding Cookies sitting around and on top of powdered sugar.

    CAN YOU FREEZE COOKIES?

    All cookies (and cookie dough for that matter) can be frozen. It's just a matter of how. This practice comes in handy during the holidays as cookies are perfect for budget-friendly, heartfelt gift-giving! Here are a few cookies recipes that are ideal for freezing:

    • Ginger Molasses Cookies
    • Chocolate Crinkle Cookies 
    • Cowboy Cookies
    • No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
    • Chocolate Drop Cookies

    Mexican Wedding Cookies, in particular, are extremely easy to freeze and require little-to-no extra effort on your behalf. You can either freeze them before or after you roll them in the powdered sugar. Freeze the cookies either in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag for up to three months, but make sure the Wedding Cookies have cooled completely before sealing.  

    Thawing Mexican Wedding Cookies is even easier. Leave them out on the counter at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. You'll notice that if you froze them after rolling them in sugar, the sugar may no longer be a vibrant white once thawed. If you care to, roll them in powdered sugar once more.

    An overhead shot of Mexican Wedding Cookies sitting on a round cake stand.

    6 MORE HOLIDAY COOKIE RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE

    • Almond Cookies are soft, chewy, and buttery with a double dose of almond flavor and a melt in your mouth texture!
    • Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies feature a soft and chewy, homemade peanut butter cookie dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with chopped peanuts!
    • Easy Sugar Cookies with Icing feature a homemade sugar cookie with the best buttercream frosting ever! They're as tasty as they are beautiful!
    • Strawberry Butter Jam Cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth, buttery cookie filled with strawberry jam and a sprinkle of sparkling sugar on top.
    • S'more Cookies are easy to make and loved by all! Topped with a gooey marshmallow and melty chocolate, they are perfect for parties, gift-giving, and everything in between!
    • Chocolate Coconut Macaroons are gluten-free, chewy cookie paradise. They make for wonderful gifts come the holidays and are a gorgeous centerpiece on any dessert table. 
    4.33 from 86 votes
    Mexican Wedding Cookies with Pecans
    Print
    Mexican Wedding Cookies
    Prep Time
    15 mins
    Cook Time
    15 mins
    Total Time
    30 mins
     

    A recipe for Mexican Wedding Cookies (also know as snowball cookies), a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie rolled in powdered sugar.

    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Mexican Wedding Cookies
    Servings: 16
    Calories: 320 kcal
    Author: Kelly Anthony
    Ingredients
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature (do NOT use salted butter)
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 cup ground pecans
    • 1 ½ cup confectioners (powdered) sugar
    Instructions
    1. Preheat the oven to 325° and have ready a baking sheet lined with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

    2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together flour and sea salt. Set aside until ready to use.

    3. Add the butter and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. If you do not have a stand mixer, use a large mixing bowl and a handheld mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until well-combined. Add the vanilla and mix once more.

    4. Turn the mixer down to low, and slowly incorporate the flour mixture, followed by the ground pecans.

    5. Scoop dough a tablespoon at a time, form it into a round, and place dough balls on baking sheet about 1 ½" apart. Bake for 15 minutes, and transfer to a wire rack to completely cool.

    6. Place the powdered sugar in a gallon-sized zip top bag. Add about a dozen cookies to the bag at a time, and gently toss to coat. Serve and enjoy.

    Recipe Video

    Recipe Notes

    Makes 36-40 cookies.

     

    Do NOT substitute salted butter for this recipe!

    Nutrition Facts
    Mexican Wedding Cookies
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 320 Calories from Fat 144
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 16g25%
    Saturated Fat 7g44%
    Cholesterol 30mg10%
    Sodium 184mg8%
    Potassium 60mg2%
    Carbohydrates 40g13%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 17g19%
    Protein 3g6%
    Vitamin A 360IU7%
    Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
    Calcium 12mg1%
    Iron 1.5mg8%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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    Mexican Wedding Cookies | Snowball Cookies
    Mexican Wedding Cookies
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    Comments

    1. Monica @HappyandBlessedHome.com says

      December 14, 2017 at 10:06 pm

      Thank you for this awesome Christmas Cookie Recipe. Pinned – I’ve included it in a roundup of 20 Amazing Christmas Cookie Recipes at Family Fun Friday. I’d love it if you could PIN and share this awesome cookie round-up featuring your recipe. Together we can spread some Christmas Cheer! Happy Holidays! https://www.happyandblessedhome.com/20-amazing-must-try-christmas-cookie-recipes/

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        December 16, 2017 at 2:17 am

        Sounds great!!! Thanks, Monica 🙂 Thank you!

        Reply
    2. Annika says

      December 18, 2017 at 9:08 pm

      Make sure you used UNSALTED butter or omit the added salt if you only have salted butter. I overlooked that detail and my cookies were much too salty!

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        December 19, 2017 at 4:49 am

        Annika, this is an excellent point! I'll make a special note of that on the blog post. The recipe was designed with unsalted butter and it is definitely a must!! Thanks so much for your comment 🙂

        Reply
    3. Valerie says

      December 23, 2017 at 4:28 am

      Toasted or un-toasted nuts

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        December 26, 2017 at 12:20 am

        Un-toasted 🙂

        Reply
    4. Ale says

      February 03, 2018 at 3:40 am

      Would replacing the ground almonds with pistachios make a big difference??

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        February 03, 2018 at 8:25 pm

        I imagine subbing in pistachios would potentially change the texture of the cookie...possibly make it a little chewy? However, I'm sure you could leave all the quantities the same, and give it a go! Best of luck!

        Reply
    5. Alisa Infanti says

      July 31, 2018 at 10:33 am

      I make these all the time and had no idea that they were Mexican Wedding cookies. We call them snowballs and you are right about how they melt in your mouth. One of my absolute favourite Christmas cookies. I need to give this recipe a try!

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        July 31, 2018 at 3:58 pm

        Alisa! Yes! I used to call them that when I was selling them, and then a Mexican friend of mine very kindly corrected me. She said, "You can call them whatever you want, they're delicious. But these are Mexican Wedding Cookies where I come from." Ha! Haven't referred to them as anything other than that since 🙂

        Reply
    6. Arjhon says

      July 31, 2018 at 12:55 pm

      This one looks good and yummy. can't wait to try this recipe this coming Saturday yay!. surely my friends will like this. Thank you for this idea and I love your recipes.

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        July 31, 2018 at 3:58 pm

        Thanks, Arjhon! Y'all enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    7. Stine Mari says

      August 01, 2018 at 11:09 am

      I have never heard of these wedding cookies before, but once the temperature drops I'd definitely want to try to make them!

      Reply
    8. Gloria says

      August 01, 2018 at 10:30 pm

      Well I would eat these little beauties ANY day of the week. No need for a special occasion. They would be the perfect afternoon pick me up with a nice latte. They look so delicate too.

      Reply
    9. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

      August 02, 2018 at 12:32 pm

      I've never heard or tried these before, but they look delicious!! Clearly, I have to get them on the menu asap! Nice touch with the pecans....one of my faves 🙂

      Reply
    10. SHANIKA says

      August 02, 2018 at 12:49 pm

      Wow, I've never tried these, but these cookies look amazing! I love pecans!

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        August 02, 2018 at 8:24 pm

        Thank you, Shanika! I love pecans too!

        Reply
    11. Ellen says

      August 02, 2018 at 1:08 pm

      This was my Mom's favorite cookie. She made them every holiday season. They are now a staple in my holiday gift tins. We always include pecans! They look delicious.

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        August 02, 2018 at 8:24 pm

        Oh I love that! Thanks for sharing, Ellen 🙂

        Reply
    12. Sues says

      August 02, 2018 at 1:12 pm

      I LOVE these cookies, but have never made them myself for some crazy reason. SO excited to hear that they can be frozen... Though that might be a little bit dangerous for me 🙂

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        August 02, 2018 at 8:23 pm

        Ha! Indeed it is 😉 The good thing is, they won't be in there for too long! HA!

        Reply
    13. Katherine Hackworthy says

      August 02, 2018 at 1:28 pm

      What a wonderful idea to make these delightful little bites. They sound delicious with the pecans added. They would be a nice little treat for afternoon tea.

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        August 02, 2018 at 8:23 pm

        Thank you! Yes, so ideal for a little nibble with your tea (or coffee, if you're me)! 🙂

        Reply
    14. Sondria says

      August 02, 2018 at 6:46 pm

      I didn't know that they were buttery. I would've tried them sooner. Now I got to make these!

      Reply
    15. Michelle says

      August 03, 2018 at 9:05 pm

      I have literally never heard of these before nor been to Mexico so now I need to make them to see what they taste like, thanks for the inspiration!

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        August 03, 2018 at 10:17 pm

        Oh, they are SO gooooood!

        Reply
    16. Jacqueline Debono says

      August 04, 2018 at 5:18 am

      I'm not great at making cookies but these sound so easy and delicious I really want to give them a try! I may even be able to serve homemade cookies at Christmas this year for the first time EVER!

      Reply
    17. Alexis says

      August 04, 2018 at 11:23 am

      I love these cookies during the holidays. I've never had them with pecans though, I'll have to try that this holiday season.

      Reply
    18. Stephanie Simmons says

      August 05, 2018 at 1:27 am

      These are some of my favorite cookies! My mom always makes them at Christmas time 🙂

      Reply
    19. Linda | Simply Healthyish says

      August 07, 2018 at 5:52 am

      These are my favorite cookies, other than chocolate and I've never thought how simple the ingredients are.

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        August 08, 2018 at 1:53 am

        Thank you, Linda!

        Reply
    20. Sophia Inza says

      August 07, 2018 at 8:46 pm

      Aww yum! I grew up calling these Russian Cannonballs and my mom would ONLY make them during Christmastime, so these are a special treat for me 🙂

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        August 08, 2018 at 1:56 am

        I've never heard that before, but I LOVE it! Childhood cookies are the BEST!

        Reply
    21. Daniela says

      August 28, 2018 at 5:41 pm

      I love these cookies because they literally melt in your mouth. I didn't know that you could freeze them though. Now, I'm excited to make a big batch for Christmas and feed them to all my friends!

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        August 28, 2018 at 10:33 pm

        Thank you, Daniela! They absolutely melt in your mouth!!! So yummy 🙂

        Reply
    22. Anne says

      August 29, 2018 at 1:51 pm

      I've never made Mexican wedding cookies before, but that might change after seeing these. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    23. Veena Azmanov says

      August 29, 2018 at 8:52 pm

      Oh my... I just made Mexican wedding cookies last weekend so I can almost taste these. The best cookies ever. Very addictive I can never stop eating them. These look so good. Love the pretty white colors - they remind me of winter.

      Reply
    24. Amy Treasure says

      August 31, 2018 at 9:18 am

      I've never had the opportunity to taste a cookie like this (I'm in the Uk!) I am going to bookmark this and surprise my guests this Christmas with something a little different. Thank you!

      Reply
    25. Tammy says

      August 31, 2018 at 7:00 pm

      These are one of my favorite cookies. I made a similar kind with almonds but I love the pecans too. These are perfect with some tea..cannot wait to try with pecans next time!

      Reply
    26. Lorie says

      September 01, 2018 at 2:26 am

      Hands down my favorite cookie of all time! I literally cannot and most likely will not wait for the holidays to make these!

      Reply
    27. Jyothi (Jo) says

      September 01, 2018 at 12:59 pm

      Do we need a occasion to eat these? I don't think so! It looks so GOOD! Oh I can't wait to get baking all those wonderful cookies for Holidays and Christmas.

      Reply
    28. Marisa Franca says

      September 02, 2018 at 7:17 pm

      A Mexican Wedding Cookie by any other name still tastes as good. They have so many names -- I knew them as Russian Teacakes. They certainly are a favorite every Christmas and one of the first ones I make. It's an excellent recipe.

      Reply
    29. Jagruti Dhanecha says

      September 02, 2018 at 8:19 pm

      Feel like grabbing a few right now, such a delectable and inviting these cookies are, surely taste much better with a cuppa!

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        September 02, 2018 at 10:34 pm

        Thank you, Jagruti!

        Reply
    30. Karyl Henry says

      September 02, 2018 at 10:46 pm

      I've seen these cookies many times before, but never knew the name! I'm not the hugest fan of walnuts or pecans...I may need to try these with almonds and see how they turn out. But let's be honest...it's a cookie, coated in powdered sugar...I'm going to eat them regardless!

      Reply
    31. Jessica Pinney says

      September 03, 2018 at 2:07 am

      I haven't had Mexican wedding cookies since I was a child. I used to love them so much. Can not wait to give this homemade version a try!

      Reply
    32. Amanda Mason says

      September 03, 2018 at 3:41 am

      We called these Danish wedding cookies when I was a little girl. LOVE this recipe!! These are one of my all time favorite cookie recipes ever!! So making these soon for my littles!

      Reply
    33. Kelly says

      December 26, 2019 at 12:09 am

      Has anyone ever tried adding m or mni chocolate chips?

      Reply
    34. Judy says

      March 07, 2020 at 1:14 am

      Trust me, you REALLY want to double or even triple this recipe!!

      Reply
      • Kelly Anthony says

        March 09, 2020 at 1:13 pm

        Thank you, Judy!

        Reply
    35. Greg says

      January 28, 2021 at 6:08 pm

      Snowballs, Mexican Wedding cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, they're all the same. "Delicious"

      Reply

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    I’m Kelly Anthony — a baker, home chef, and mom with a passion for food and an adoration for entertaining.

    Comfort food is my specialty, and it is truly my pleasure to share these recipes with you. If you’d like to get to know me a little better, click here.

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