Name: Coconut Mexican Wedding Cookies: A Delicious Recipe & Baking Guide
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 24-30 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup shredded coconut, finely shredded; 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Coconut Mexican Wedding Cookies, those delicate, melt-in-your-mouth spheres of buttery goodness, are more than just a sweet treat; they're a celebration in every bite! Have you ever wondered how something so simple could be so utterly irresistible? I certainly have, and after years of perfecting my own recipe, I'm thrilled to share it with you.

These cookies, also known as Polvorones, have a rich history deeply rooted in Spanish and Latin American cultures. Traditionally served at weddings and other festive occasions, they symbolize good fortune and happiness. Each bite is a reminder of shared joy and sweet beginnings. While the classic version often features pecans or walnuts, my twist incorporates the tropical delight of coconut, adding a unique and unforgettable flavor profile.

What makes Coconut Mexican Wedding Cookies so universally loved? It's the perfect combination of textures: a crumbly, almost sandy consistency that gives way to a creamy, buttery center. The subtle sweetness, enhanced by the toasted coconut, is never overpowering, making them the ideal accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. Get ready to experience a little piece of heaven with every bite!

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a nice touch!)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded coconut, finely shredded is best
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended)

Preparing the Dough:

Okay, let's get started! These Coconut Mexican Wedding Cookies are surprisingly easy to make, but the key is to follow the steps carefully. Trust me, the results are worth it!

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. If it's too soft, the cookies will spread too much. You want it to be easily pliable.
Add the Extracts: Beat in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). The almond extract really complements the coconut flavor, but it's totally optional if you're not a fan. Just stick with the vanilla!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Whisking helps to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour, which is important for the overall flavor of the cookies.
Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. You want these to be tender and crumbly.
Stir in Coconut and Nuts: Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans or walnuts (if using). Make sure the coconut is finely shredded; otherwise, it can make the cookies a bit too dry. Gently fold everything together until evenly distributed.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This is a crucial step! Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and also helps to develop the flavors. You can chill it for longer, even overnight, if you need to.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies:

Now for the fun part – shaping and baking! This is where the magic happens, and you'll start to see those beautiful little cookies come to life.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your best friend when baking these cookies! It prevents them from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. You can use a small cookie scoop to ensure uniform size. This will help them bake evenly. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. The bottoms should be very lightly browned.
Cool Slightly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up a bit and prevents them from breaking when you move them.

Coating with Powdered Sugar:

The final step is the powdered sugar coating, which is what gives these cookies their signature look and adds a touch of sweetness. This is where they truly become "Mexican Wedding Cookies."

First Coating: While the cookies are still slightly warm (but not hot!), roll them in powdered sugar. The warmth helps the sugar adhere to the cookies. Be generous with the sugar!
Second Coating: Let the cookies cool completely on the wire rack. Once they are completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar again. This second coating ensures that they are completely covered in a thick layer of sweetness.
Enjoy! Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for several days, but they are best enjoyed fresh!

Tips for Perfect Coconut Mexican Wedding Cookies:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the cookies will taste. Use good quality butter, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut.
Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing will result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Coat While Warm: Coating the cookies while they are still slightly warm helps the powdered sugar adhere better.
Double Coat: A double coating of powdered sugar ensures that the cookies are completely covered in sweetness.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors. You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough, or use different types of nuts.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They actually taste better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Troubleshooting:

Cookies are spreading too much: Make sure your butter is not too soft. Also, make sure you are chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Cookies are dry: Don't overbake the cookies. Also, make sure you are using enough butter.
Powdered sugar is not sticking: Make sure you are coating the cookies while they are still slightly warm.
Cookies are too hard: Don't overmix the dough. Also, make sure you are not using too much flour.

These Coconut Mexican Wedding Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to afternoon tea. They are also a great gift to give to friends and family. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This isn't just another cookie recipe; it's an invitation to experience a little bit of heaven with every bite. These Coconut Mexican Wedding Cookies are truly special, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave you and your loved ones wanting more. The delicate, crumbly texture, the subtle sweetness, and the tropical hint of coconut create a symphony in your mouth that's simply irresistible. I know you might be thinking, "Another cookie recipe? Really?" But trust me on this one. These cookies are different. They're the kind of treat that elevates any occasion, from a simple afternoon tea to a festive holiday gathering. What makes these cookies a must-try? It's the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. The ingredients are readily available, the steps are straightforward, and the results are consistently impressive. You don't need to be a master baker to create these little gems. Even if you're a beginner, you'll find the recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is pure bliss! It's a sensory experience that will transport you to a sunny beach, even on the gloomiest of days. But the best part? The versatility! While the classic recipe is divine on its own, there are so many ways to customize these cookies to your liking. For a richer, more intense coconut flavor, try toasting the shredded coconut before adding it to the dough. This will bring out its natural sweetness and add a delightful crunch. You could also experiment with different extracts, such as almond or vanilla, to create unique flavor profiles. Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities are endless! These cookies are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, a glass of milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter, a thoughtful gift for friends and neighbors, or a delightful treat to bring to a potluck. For a festive touch, dust them with powdered sugar right before serving. You can also get creative with the presentation by arranging them in a decorative tin or wrapping them in cellophane bags with a ribbon. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try dipping them in melted chocolate? Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate would be delicious. You could also sprinkle them with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt for an extra touch of elegance. Another variation I love is adding a hint of lime zest to the dough for a refreshing citrusy twist. The possibilities are truly endless! I'm so confident that you'll love these Coconut Mexican Wedding Cookies that I urge you to give them a try. Don't be intimidated by the name; they're much easier to make than you might think. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these delightful treats. Once you've made them, I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, your variations, and your feedback in the comments below. Did you try a different extract? Did you add a special ingredient? Did you serve them with a particular beverage? I'm always eager to learn from my readers and see how you've made the recipe your own. So go ahead, bake a batch of these cookies, and let me know what you think! Happy baking!