Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies: A Delicious and Traditional Treat
Mexican wedding cake cookies are a classic dessert that has been a staple in many Mexican households for generations. These sweet treats are a combination of ground nuts, powdered sugar, and spices, all wrapped up in a delicious package that is sure to please even the most discerning palate. In this article, we'll explore the history and ingredients behind Mexican wedding cake cookies, as well as provide you with a simple recipe to make these treats at home.
A Brief History of Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies
Mexican wedding cake cookies have their roots in traditional Mexican cuisine, where they are known as "Tres Leches Cookies" or "Pastel de Tres Leches". These cookies were originally made with three types of milk (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream) and were a popular dessert at Mexican weddings and special occasions. Over time, the recipe evolved to include ground nuts and other spices, resulting in the delicious cookies we know and love today.
The Ingredients Behind Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies
The key to making great Mexican wedding cake cookies is to use high-quality ingredients. Here are the basic ingredients you'll need:

- 1 1/2 cups ground pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
You'll also need powdered sugar for dusting the cookies before baking.
How to Make Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies
Making Mexican wedding cake cookies is a relatively simple process that requires just a few basic steps. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
- Stir in the ground nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Scoop the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Tips and Variations for Making Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies
Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your Mexican wedding cake cookies to the next level:

- To make the cookies more festive, sprinkle them with colored sugar or chopped nuts before baking.
- To add an extra layer of flavor, drizzle the cookies with chocolate or caramel sauce after they've cooled.
- To make the cookies more crumbly, use a combination of granulated and powdered sugar in the dough.
- To make the cookies more chewy, add an extra egg or use a higher ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar.
Conclusion: Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies are a Delicious and Traditional Treat
Mexican wedding cake cookies are a delicious and traditional treat that is sure to please even the most discerning palate. With their combination of ground nuts, powdered sugar, and spices, these cookies are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a sweet treat to serve at a party or a delicious cookie to snack on throughout the day, Mexican wedding cake cookies are a great choice. With this simple recipe, you can make these delicious cookies at home and enjoy them for years to come.