Polvorones
Polvorones Recipe from Venezuela with Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Pecans, and Sugar
Introduction
Polvorones, also known as Mexican wedding cookies, are a delicious and delicate treat that are perfect for any occasion. These crumbly, buttery cookies are a popular dessert in many Latin American countries and are often served at weddings, holidays, and other special events.
History
The origins of Polvorones can be traced back to Spain, where they are known as "polvorones de almendra." These traditional Spanish cookies are made with almonds, sugar, and flour, and are often flavored with cinnamon or lemon zest. The recipe was brought to Latin America by Spanish colonizers and has since evolved to include ingredients such as pecans and vanilla.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of butter or margarine
- 0.5 cup of sifted powdered sugar for Polvorones
- 1 tsp of vanilla
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup of finely chopped pecans
- 0.13 tsp of salt
- powdered sugar
How to prepare
- Cream the butter with 0.5 cup of powdered sugar.
- Add the vanilla.
- Combine the flour, pecans, and salt.
- Then add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, form the dough, and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour.
- Shape the dough into 1 inch balls.
- Place the balls on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake them in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they are lightly browned.
- Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar.
- Cool them on wire racks.
Variations
- Substitute almonds or walnuts for the pecans for a different flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and spicy twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender cookie.
- Refrigerating the dough before shaping and baking will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent spreading.
- Rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm will help the sugar adhere to the cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Polvorones are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter or cookie tray.
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is key to a tender cookie. Refrigerating the dough before shaping and baking will help the cookies hold their shape.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use butter instead of margarine in this recipe for a richer flavor. You can also use different types of nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, in place of the pecans.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the dough for Polvorones ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 1 month.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Polvorones on a decorative platter dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch. You can also package them in a gift box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Pairing Recommendations
Polvorones pair well with a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple and delicious dessert.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store Polvorones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, place them in a 325°F (163°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Polvorones contains approximately 120 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Polvorones contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Polvorones contains approximately 8 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Polvorones contains approximately 1 gram of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Polvorones are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
Polvorones contain nuts (pecans) and dairy (butter), which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Polvorones are a delicious treat that are relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, but are higher in fats due to the butter and nuts.
Summary
Polvorones are a classic and delicious cookie that are perfect for any occasion. With their buttery, crumbly texture and nutty flavor, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy these sweet treats with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack or dessert.
How did I get this recipe?
I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Polvorones. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Spain. Maria was known for her delicious baked goods, and she had promised to teach me how to make one of her most famous treats.
As we gathered the ingredients in Maria's cozy kitchen, she began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that Polvorones were a traditional Spanish dessert that had been passed down through generations in her family. The recipe was a closely guarded secret, and she was honored to share it with me.
Maria's eyes sparkled with excitement as she mixed the flour, sugar, and almonds together in a large bowl. She told me tales of her grandmother baking these sweet treats for special occasions, and how the whole village would come together to celebrate with a feast of Polvorones.
As we shaped the dough into small, round cookies and placed them on a baking sheet, Maria shared with me the secret ingredient that made her Polvorones stand out from the rest – a pinch of cinnamon and a splash of brandy. She explained that these added flavors gave the cookies a unique taste that kept people coming back for more.
As the cookies baked in the oven, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. When the Polvorones were finally ready, Maria dusted them with powdered sugar and served them to me on a beautiful platter.
I took a bite of the cookie and was instantly transported to a world of flavor and tradition. The buttery almond flavor combined with the hint of cinnamon and brandy was like nothing I had ever tasted before. I savored each bite, knowing that I had just learned a recipe that would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.
From that day on, I made Maria's Polvorones whenever I wanted to bring a taste of Spain into my own home. I shared the recipe with friends and family, and they were always amazed at the delicious flavor and rich history behind this simple cookie.
Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it truly my own. But no matter how many variations I tried, Maria's original recipe remained my favorite – a reminder of the day I discovered the magic of Polvorones in her kitchen.
Now, as I pass this recipe down to future generations, I hope that they will appreciate the tradition and love that goes into making these sweet treats. And who knows, maybe one day they too will discover the joy of baking Polvorones with a dear friend, just like I did all those years ago.
Categories
| Ethnic And Regional Cookies | Pecan Recipes | Venezuelan Desserts | Venezuelan Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |