Timeless and Buttery Mexican Wedding Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

Delicate, nutty, and dusted with a generous coat of powdered sugar, Mexican Wedding Cookies are the epitome of simple elegance. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are beloved around the world and go by many names—Russian Tea Cakes, Snowball Cookies, or even Pecan Sandies. No matter what you call them, they’re the perfect bite-sized treat for weddings, holidays, and any celebration that calls for sweetness.

These cookies have a buttery shortbread-like texture with a satisfying crunch from finely chopped nuts. Traditionally enjoyed during Christmas and wedding festivities, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. If you love classic, nostalgic desserts like pumpkin truffles or blueberry cream cheese bars, these cookies will instantly win your heart.

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What Are Mexican Wedding Cookies?

Despite their name, Mexican Wedding Cookies are enjoyed in many cultures. Their buttery texture and nutty flavor trace back to European tea cookies, which made their way to Mexico generations ago. They’re often served at weddings, quinceañeras, and holidays because they symbolize happiness and celebration.

The cookie dough is rich with butter, powdered sugar, and ground nuts, then baked until golden and rolled—twice—in powdered sugar. The result? Light, crumbly, sweet, and oh-so-tender cookies that feel like snowballs melting on your tongue.

If you love festive sweets like these, check out our Halloween brownie bites or pumpkin cheesecake cookies for other seasonal favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

These cookies are the perfect blend of elegance and ease. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:

• Simple ingredients – You only need a handful of pantry staples.
• No fancy equipment required – Just mix, roll, and bake.
• Versatile for all occasions – Perfect for weddings, holidays, or tea time.
• Make-ahead friendly – The dough freezes beautifully for quick baking later.

If easy bakes are your style, you’ll also love the mini pumpkin bread with cinnamon swirl—another effortless yet impressive recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Mexican Wedding Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 24 to 30 cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226g)
• ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional: a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy Mexican twist

Looking for another sweet treat that uses simple ingredients? Try our pumpkin dump cake—a quick and comforting dessert favorite.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You’ll need just a few simple tools:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Sifter or fine-mesh strainer (for dusting powdered sugar)

These are the same tools you’ll use for other cookies or small bakes, like our apple pie dip with cinnamon sugar chips.

How to Make Mexican Wedding Cookies (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract.
3. Add dry ingredients: Mix in flour, salt, and finely chopped nuts. Stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Shape the cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden.
6. Cool slightly, then roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar. Let them cool completely and roll again for a snow-white finish.

Serve them with a warm beverage, like a mug of cocoa or tea. For a savory-sweet brunch pairing, try them alongside pumpkin cottage cheese pancakes.

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Tips for Perfect Mexican Wedding Cookies

• Use room-temperature butter for the perfect soft dough.
• Chop nuts finely so the cookies hold their round shape.
• Roll in sugar twice—once warm, once cool—for a perfect snowy coating.
• Don’t overbake! They should stay pale on top.

If you love baking tips, you’ll also appreciate the secrets behind our cream cheese pumpkin bread, which shares a similar buttery texture and melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the dough: It can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined.
• Skipping the second sugar roll: This step gives the cookies their signature sweet dusting.
• Overbaking: These cookies should stay tender, not crisp.

For other easy, foolproof desserts, check out our strawberry cloud cake—light, airy, and just as beautiful.

Variations on the Classic Wedding Cookie Recipe

Want to personalize your cookies? Try one of these ideas:

• Add cocoa powder for chocolate snowball cookies.
• Use different nuts such as hazelnuts or pistachios.
• Add orange zest for a citrusy kick.
• Make them gluten-free by swapping flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

These variations pair perfectly with our cranberry orange breakfast cake for a festive dessert tray.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Arrange your Mexican Wedding Cookies on a white platter and dust them with extra powdered sugar for a snowy look. They make wonderful edible gifts when packaged in tins or glass jars. You can also serve them alongside pumpkin cheesecake truffles for an elegant dessert buffet.

They also shine during holidays when paired with seasonal treats like pumpkin cinnamon rolls or apple fritter donuts.

How to Store and Freeze Mexican Wedding Cookies

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

When ready to serve, let frozen cookies thaw completely and roll them again in powdered sugar if needed.

If you love make-ahead treats, you might also enjoy our freezer breakfast sandwiches for the savory side of prepping ahead.

Pairing Ideas for Mexican Wedding Cookies

These cookies pair wonderfully with:

• Hot chocolate or coffee
• Lavender lemonade for a bright, floral contrast
• A bowl of fresh fruit or berries
• Cucumber mint agua fresca for a refreshing non-alcoholic pairing

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans? Yes! Walnuts or almonds both work beautifully.

Why do my cookies crack? They might have been too dry—ensure you measure flour correctly and don’t overbake.

Can I make these cookies without nuts? You can, but the texture and flavor will change. Substitute finely ground oats for a nut-free option.

Can I make the dough ahead? Yes. Chill the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for future baking.

Can I roll them in granulated sugar instead? Powdered sugar gives the signature look and texture, so it’s best to stick with that.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

These Mexican Wedding Cookies are proof that simplicity can be extraordinary. Buttery, nutty, and coated in sweet powdered sugar, they’re perfect for weddings, holidays, or whenever you want to add a little sweetness to your day. Whether you call them snowballs, tea cakes, or galletas Mexicanas, they’ll always bring a smile to anyone who tastes them.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and subscribe to the blog for more delightful Mexican dessert recipes, breakfast sweets, and festive treats.

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