6 Mexican Cookies Recipes: Traditional Flavors Try at Home

There’s nothing quite like a warm, buttery cookie, but when it comes to flavor, Mexican cookies take things to the next level. From cinnamon-sugar coated gems to almond- and anise-flavored delights, these cookies offer a delightful blend of heritage, tradition, and homemade comfort.

In this guide, we’ll explore the rich world of Mexican cookies, introduce you to popular varieties, and share some must-try recipes you can make in your own kitchen.

Why Mexican Cookies Are So Special

Mexican cookies are more than just sweet treats. They reflect a culture rich in culinary tradition. With influences from Spanish, Indigenous, and even French cuisine, these cookies often feature unique ingredients such as piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), cinnamon, vanilla, anise, and nuts like pecans and almonds.

They’re often made for holidays, family celebrations, or everyday enjoyment, paired with coffee, hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk.

Popular Types of Mexican Cookies

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a look at some beloved varieties of Mexican cookies:

1. Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cookies)

Also known as “Mexican wedding cookies” or “snowball cookies,” polvorones are buttery, nutty shortbread-style cookies rolled in powdered sugar. They’re often made with pecans and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

2. Galletas de Canela (Cinnamon Cookies)

These soft cookies are packed with cinnamon flavor and sometimes coated in a crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust. They’re simple but full of comforting spice.

3. Orejas (Mexican Palmiers)

Light, flaky cookies made from puff pastry, coated in sugar and cinnamon, then baked until crispy and golden. They resemble “elephant ears” and are common in panaderías (Mexican bakeries).

4. Marranitos (Little Pigs)

These gingerbread-like cookies are shaped like pigs and made with molasses or piloncillo, cinnamon, and sometimes a hint of orange or anise. They’re dense, chewy, and full of rich, spiced flavor.

5. Cochinitos

Very similar to marranitos, cochinitos are another version of the pig-shaped cookies made with piloncillo and spices. The name comes from the Spanish word for “little pigs.”

6. Empanadas de Fruta (Fruit-Filled Cookies)

Mini pastry pockets filled with fruit jam or sweetened pumpkin, perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Classic Mexican Cookies Recipe: Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cookies)

Let’s start with a classic. This recipe is simple, delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in the chopped pecans.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
8. Let cookies cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
9. Once fully cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for that classic snowball look.

Recipe 2: Marranitos (Mexican Gingerbread Cookies)

These are soft, spicy, and shaped like little pigs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup piloncillo (or dark brown sugar)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, heat piloncillo and water over medium heat until fully melted. Let cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until fluffy. Add molasses, piloncillo mixture, egg, and vanilla; mix well.
4. Sift in dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
5. Mix until dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 1 hour.
6. Roll dough on a floured surface and cut with pig-shaped cookie cutters.
7. Place on baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are firm.

Tips for Perfect Mexican Cookies Every Time

• Use fresh spices: Cinnamon, cloves, and ginger lose their punch over time. Fresh spices = bold flavor.
• Don’t overmix: Especially for shortbread-style cookies like polvorones. Mix until just combined.
• Chill your dough: For cut-out cookies like marranitos, chilling helps keep their shape while baking.
• Store properly: Most Mexican cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week.

Fun Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are some twists on traditional Mexican cookies:

• Chocolate-dipped polvorones: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Anise-flavored galletas: Add a teaspoon of anise extract for a licorice-like flavor.
• Spicy chocolate marranitos: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a spicy-sweet twist.
• Pumpkin empanadas: Make mini cookies filled with spiced pumpkin purée for a fall-inspired treat.

Serving Ideas

Pair your cookies with:

• Mexican hot chocolate – thick, rich, and spiced with cinnamon.
• Cafe de olla – traditional Mexican coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo.
• Horchata – a refreshing rice milk drink with cinnamon that complements any cookie.

These combinations make for a truly authentic experience, whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just enjoying an afternoon snack.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you grew up eating them or are just discovering them now, Mexican cookies are a celebration of tradition, love, and flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can bring these delightful treats into your own kitchen.

Try your hand at the classics like polvorones and marranitos, or experiment with your own twist. No matter how you enjoy them, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking routine.