Mexican Wedding Cookies

Mexican Wedding Cookies is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 24. 170 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 40 min | Cook: 13 min | Total: 1 hr 3 min

Cost: $28.50 total, $1.19 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature, softened)
  • 0.5 cup Powdered Sugar (sifted to remove lumps)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (pure extract preferred)
  • 1.75 cups All-Purpose Flour (210 g, measured with a scale or spoon‑and‑level method)
  • 1 cup Pecans (finely chopped; about 100 g)
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for coating, sift if lumpy)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it preheat.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Prepare Baking Sheets

    Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Finely Chop Pecans

    Using a large cutting board and chef's knife, finely chop 1 cup of pecans until they are almost powder‑like. If you prefer, pulse them in a food processor and finish with a quick chop.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Cream Butter and Sugar

    In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, sifted powdered sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Add Vanilla

    Pour in 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix for about 1 minute until incorporated.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Incorporate Flour

    With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the 1 ¾ cups (210 g) of all‑purpose flour. Mix just until the flour disappears; the dough will look slightly crumbly.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Fold in Pecans

    Add the finely chopped pecans and fold with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Shape Cookies

    Using a 1‑tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop portions of dough, roll them between your palms into smooth balls, and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared sheets.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Bake

    Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden. Rotate the sheets halfway through for uniform color.

    Time: PT13M

    Temperature: 350°F

  10. Cool Slightly

    Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This lets them set but keeps them warm enough to accept the first dusting.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Prepare Powdered Sugar Coating

    Measure out 1 cup of powdered sugar and sift it to remove any lumps.

    Time: PT2M

  12. First Dusting

    Place the warm cookies in a large bowl, add the sifted powdered sugar, and gently toss until each cookie is lightly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  13. Final Dusting

    After the cookies have cooled completely (about 30 minutes total from removal), roll each cookie again in powdered sugar for a second coating.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
170
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
19 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains nuts

Allergens: Dairy, Tree nuts, Gluten

Last updated: March 12, 2026

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Mexican Wedding Cookies

Recipe by Preppy Kitchen

Soft, melt‑in‑your‑mouth shortbread cookies packed with finely chopped pecans and finished with a double dusting of powdered sugar. Inspired by the classic Mexican "povanes" (snowballs), these cookies are quick to make, bake in just minutes, and keep well at room temperature or frozen for later.

EasyMexicanServes 24

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
26m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 6m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$28.50
Total cost
$1.19
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Finely chopping the pecans ensures the dough holds together
  • Creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy creates a tender crumb
  • Do not over‑mix after adding flour
  • Bake just until the bottoms turn golden, not dark
  • Dust the cookies while they are still warm for proper coating
  • Final roll in powdered sugar after cookies are completely cool

Safety Warnings

  • The oven and hot baking sheets can cause burns; use oven mitts.
  • Powdered sugar can become airborne; avoid inhaling large clouds to prevent choking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Mexican Wedding Cookies in Mexican cuisine?

A

Mexican Wedding Cookies, known locally as "pavanes," originated in colonial Mexico as a festive treat served at weddings and religious celebrations. Their buttery shortbread texture and sweet powdered‑sugar coating symbolize purity and prosperity, making them a beloved dessert in Mexican cultural rituals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Mexican Wedding Cookies in Mexico?

A

In northern Mexico, the cookies often include finely chopped pecans or walnuts, while in central regions they may be flavored with cinnamon or orange zest. Some coastal versions add coconut flakes for extra texture, but the core butter‑flour base remains consistent across regions.

cultural
Q

What is the authentic traditional way Mexican Wedding Cookies are served in Mexican celebrations?

A

Traditionally, Mexican Wedding Cookies are dusted twice with powdered sugar and arranged on a decorative platter alongside other sweets like pan de muerto or churros. They are served at room temperature, allowing the powder to melt slightly into the warm shortbread for a melt‑in‑your‑mouth experience.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are Mexican Wedding Cookies traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Mexican Wedding Cookies are most commonly served at weddings, baptisms, quinceañeras, and Día de los Muertos gatherings. Their sweet, delicate flavor makes them a popular choice for any festive Mexican gathering where a light dessert is desired.

cultural
Q

How does Mexican Wedding Cookies fit into the broader Mexican dessert tradition?

A

These cookies exemplify the Mexican tradition of buttery, sugar‑rich pastries that balance richness with simplicity. They complement other classic Mexican sweets such as cajeta‑drizzled flan and churros, illustrating the country's love for both texture and sweetness in desserts.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Mexican Wedding Cookies versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The authentic recipe calls for unsalted butter, powdered sugar, all‑purpose flour, a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and finely chopped pecans. Acceptable substitutes include using almond flour for a gluten‑free version or swapping pecans for walnuts or macadamia nuts without compromising the cookie’s essence.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with Mexican Wedding Cookies as served by the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen?

A

Mexican Wedding Cookies pair beautifully with a cup of Mexican café de olla, a slice of rich chocolate tres leches cake, or a serving of fresh mango with chili lime. Their delicate sweetness balances the bold flavors of these classic Mexican desserts and beverages.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mexican Wedding Cookies from the Preppy Kitchen video?

A

Common pitfalls include over‑mixing the dough, which can develop gluten and make the cookies tough, and under‑baking, which leaves a raw center. Also, avoid using melted butter; keep the butter cold and cubed to achieve the crumbly, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture described by Preppy Kitchen.

technical
Q

How do I know when Mexican Wedding Cookies are done baking and what texture should I look for?

A

Mexican Wedding Cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the tops appear set but still soft to the touch. After cooling, they should feel slightly firm on the outside while remaining tender and crumbly inside, ready for the final double dusting of powdered sugar.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in and what is its cooking philosophy?

A

The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specializes in approachable, home‑cooked recipes that blend classic techniques with modern twists, often focusing on comfort foods and seasonal desserts. Its philosophy emphasizes clear step‑by‑step instruction, ingredient accessibility, and a friendly, preppy presentation style that encourages viewers to cook confidently.

channel

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