Coconut Mexican Wedding Cookies

Coconut Mexican Wedding Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional shortbread-style treat, known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty flavor. Infused with the tropical essence of coconut, these cookies offer a unique variation that’s perfect for holidays, weddings, or any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tropical Flavor: The addition of coconut brings a refreshing twist to the classic cookie.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these cookies are easy to prepare.
• Perfect Texture: Buttery and crumbly, they dissolve delightfully with each bite.
• Versatile: Ideal for gifting, celebrations, or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
• ⅓ cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• ¼ cup unsweetened flaked coconut
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract

For the Coating:

• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened flaked coconut

Directions

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour and salt; set aside.
2. Make Coating: In a food processor, blend ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar and ¼ cup flaked coconut until finely ground. Set aside for coating.
3. Process Nuts and Coconut: In the food processor, combine ½ cup confectioners’ sugar, chopped walnuts, and ¼ cup flaked coconut. Process until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
4. Cream Butter: In a separate bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Add the ground nut mixture and beat until well combined.
5. Add Flavor and Flour: Mix in coconut extract. Gradually add the flour mixture, beating just until combined. The dough will be crumbly.
6. Chill Dough: Transfer the dough onto plastic wrap, form into a ball, and wrap tightly. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours until firm.
7. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
8. Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough and roll into balls. Place them 1–1½ inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges just begin to brown.
10. Coat Cookies: Allow cookies to cool for 5–7 minutes. While still warm, roll them in the prepared sugar-coconut coating. Let cool completely, then roll again for a generous coating.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 2–3 hours
• Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Nut Options: Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add a teaspoon of lime or lemon zest for a citrusy note.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncoated cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and coat with sugar-coconut mixture before serving.
• Reheating: Not necessary; these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

What are Mexican Wedding Cookies?

Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as polvorones, are buttery, nut-based shortbread cookies traditionally coated in powdered sugar.

Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?

Yes, but it will result in a sweeter cookie. Adjust the sugar in the dough accordingly to balance the sweetness.

Do I need a food processor for this recipe?

A food processor is helpful for finely grinding the nuts and coconut, but you can also use a blender or chop them finely by hand.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance.

Why is my dough crumbly?

The dough is meant to be crumbly due to the absence of eggs. It should hold together when pressed.

Can I skip chilling the dough?

Chilling is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading and to maintain their shape during baking.

How do I prevent the cookies from being too dry?

Ensure accurate measurements and avoid overbaking. The cookies should be just set and lightly golden.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Not in their traditional form, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes, mini chocolate chips can be added for a chocolatey twist.

What’s the best way to coat the cookies?

Roll the cookies in the sugar-coconut mixture while they’re still warm to ensure the coating adheres well.

Conclusion

Coconut Mexican Wedding Cookies offer a delightful variation on a classic treat, combining the rich, buttery texture of traditional wedding cookies with the tropical flair of coconut. Their simplicity and elegance make them a perfect addition to any dessert table, and their melt-in-your-mouth quality ensures they’ll be a favorite among guests.

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