These little cookies look like snowballs. Bite one. It melts. It tastes like butter, nuts, and a sweet hug. Your fingers get a sugar mustache. Your smile shows it. Let’s unwrap the magic of Mexican wedding cookies—fast, fun, and yummy.

Short answer: Mexican wedding cookies are small, nutty shortbread cookies rolled (twice!) in powdered sugar. They are tender, buttery, and lightly sweet.

Sweet snowballs for happy moments.

What makes them special?

They crumble softly. They melt in your mouth. They are perfect for parties, holidays, and yes—weddings. But you can bake them any day you want a warm, cozy treat.

What’s inside the cookie?

• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Vanilla
• Salt
• Finely chopped nuts (pecans are classic; almonds or walnuts work too)
• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon

How to make them (easy, peasy)

1. Cream butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Stir in vanilla and salt.
3. Mix in flour and nuts until a soft dough forms.
4. Roll dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, until the bottoms are just golden.

The double-sugar trick

Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar after 5 minutes of cooling. Let them cool more. Roll them again. This makes the sweet “snow” stick and stay fluffy.

Names you might hear

People also call them polvorones, snowball cookies, Russian tea cakes, or butterballs. The idea came from Spanish-style nut cookies and grew into a beloved treat in Mexico and beyond.

Flavor swaps to try

• Nuts: Pecans (classic), almonds (mild), walnuts (bold).
• Spice: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom.
• Zest: A little orange or lime zest for a sunny twist.
• Chocolate: Mini chips or cocoa dust in the sugar.
• No nuts: Use seeds (like finely chopped pumpkin seeds) for a similar crunch.

Shape, size, and bake tips

• Use 1 tablespoon dough for cute, round cookies.
• Chill dough 15–20 minutes if it feels sticky.
• Bake until the bottoms are light gold. The tops stay pale—that’s okay!

Keep them fresh

• Store in an airtight box for up to 1 week.
• Freeze unbaked balls for up to 2 months; bake from frozen and add 1–2 minutes.
• Freeze baked cookies (without the second sugar roll). Thaw, then roll again in sugar.

Serve with a smile

• With hot chocolate or coffee
• As party favors in tiny bags
• On a holiday cookie plate for color and fun
• Crumbled over ice cream for a crunchy topping

Common questions

Are they only for weddings? No. They are for any happy day.

Do they have eggs? Classic versions do not. They are buttery shortbread.

What nuts are best? Pecans are classic in Mexico. Almonds and walnuts also work.

Why so crumbly? Less moisture and ground nuts make a tender, sandy bite. That’s the charm.

One-bowl mini recipe you can trust

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, soft
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup very finely chopped pecans

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet.
2. Cream butter and 1/2 cup sugar. Mix in vanilla and salt.
3. Stir in flour, then nuts, until dough forms.
4. Roll 1 Tbsp balls. Bake 12–15 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden.
5. Cool 5 minutes, roll in powdered sugar. Cool fully, roll again. Enjoy!

Why people keep baking them

They are simple. They look fancy. They taste like a warm memory. One bite feels like a soft bell ringing—sweet, quiet, and joyful.

Mexico's Best Fiesta Favorites

Top-Trending Gift Ideas