Mexican Sugar Cookies

Mexican Sugar Cookies Recipe - Traditional Mexican Dessert

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Mexican Sugar Cookies, also known as Polvorones, are a traditional Mexican treat that is loved for its crumbly texture and sweet, cinnamon flavor. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday celebration or a simple afternoon snack.

History

Mexican Sugar Cookies have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for generations. The recipe has been passed down from family to family, with each cook adding their own unique twist to the classic recipe. These cookies are often enjoyed during special occasions such as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Christmas.

Ingredients

2.5 cups of shortening
1 cup of white sugar
1 tsp of ground anise seed
2 eggs
6 cups of all-purpose flour
1 tbsp of baking powder
0.5 tbsp of cream of tartar
0.5 tsp of salt
0.25 cup of orange juice
3 tbsp of ground cinnamon
1 cup of white sugar

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Beat the shortening until it becomes light and fluffy.
Add one cup of sugar and anise seed.
Mix until the mixture becomes creamy.
Add the eggs and mix well.
Add the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, salt, and orange juice.
Mix well.
Knead the dough until it becomes smooth.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a thickness of 0.5 inch.
Cut the dough into different shapes using a cookie cutter.
Bake until the cookies turn light brown, approximately 5 – 8 minutes.
Roll the cookies in a mixture of 1 cup of sugar and 3 tbsp of cinnamon while they are still warm.

Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Substitute the orange juice with lime juice for a citrusy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to beat the shortening until it becomes light and fluffy to ensure a tender cookie.

- Rolling the cookies in a sugar and cinnamon mixture while they are still warm will help the mixture stick to the cookies.

- Be sure to knead the dough until it becomes smooth to prevent the cookies from becoming tough.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican Sugar Cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of milk.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to roll the dough to an even thickness to ensure even baking.

- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking to prevent them from burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the shortening with butter for a different flavor.

- If you don't have anise seed, you can use ground cinnamon instead.

Make Ahead Tips

Mexican Sugar Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Mexican Sugar Cookies pair well with a cup of Mexican hot chocolate or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Mexican Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mexican Sugar Cookies contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mexican Sugar Cookies contains approximately 20g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mexican Sugar Cookies contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mexican Sugar Cookies contains approximately 2g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mexican Sugar Cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Mexican Sugar Cookies contain wheat and eggs.

Summary

Mexican Sugar Cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively low in protein and high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Mexican Sugar Cookies are a classic Mexican treat that is loved for its sweet, cinnamon flavor and crumbly texture. Whether enjoyed during a holiday celebration or as a simple snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Mexican Sugar Cookies. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a talented cook who had a knack for creating delicious dishes from scratch.

One day, while rifling through her old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded index card with the title "Mexican Sugar Cookies" scrawled in my grandmother's elegant handwriting. Intrigued, I asked her about the recipe, and she smiled, a twinkle in her eye.

"Oh, those cookies are a family favorite," she said. "I learned how to make them many years ago from a dear friend who hailed from Mexico. They're simple to make, but absolutely delicious."

As my grandmother began to recount the story of how she learned to make these cookies, I sat at her feet, hanging on her every word. She told me about her friend, Maria, who had invited her into her kitchen one sunny afternoon to teach her the secrets of traditional Mexican baking.

"Maria was a wonderful cook," my grandmother reminisced, her eyes soft with nostalgia. "She taught me how to make these cookies with such love and care, and I've been making them ever since."

With a sense of determination, I asked my grandmother if she would teach me how to make the Mexican Sugar Cookies. She beamed with pride and agreed, happy to pass down the recipe to the next generation.

We gathered the ingredients – flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a touch of cinnamon – and set to work in the kitchen. My grandmother guided me through each step, showing me how to mix the dough just right and shape the cookies into perfect rounds.

As the cookies baked in the oven, a warm, sweet scent filled the kitchen, reminding me of the comforting embrace of home. When they were finally done, we eagerly sampled our creations, savoring the buttery, crumbly goodness of the Mexican Sugar Cookies.

From that day on, I made it a point to bake these cookies whenever I could, sharing them with friends and family who never failed to rave about their delicious taste. Each time I made them, I felt a connection to my grandmother and the special bond we shared over our love of cooking.

Over the years, I've added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different flavors and textures to create a version that is truly my own. But no matter how many variations I try, the original Mexican Sugar Cookies will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I grew older, I realized the true beauty of cooking – it's not just about following a recipe, but about the memories and stories that come with each dish. The Mexican Sugar Cookies may be a simple treat, but they hold a world of meaning for me, a reminder of the love and tradition that has been passed down through generations.

And so, whenever I bake a batch of these cookies, I can't help but smile as I remember the day I first saw that recipe in my grandmother's old recipe box, and the journey of discovery and love that it set me on. Cooking may be an art, but for me, it's also a way of preserving the past and honoring the flavors and traditions that have shaped my family.