Buttery Polvorones Cookies Recipe: Sweet Spanish Shortbread Delight

Soft and crumbly Mexican wedding cookies sprinkled with polvorones cookies recipe magic have been delighting taste buds for generations.

These delicate treats melt in your mouth with a buttery richness that speaks of tradition and comfort.

Generations of bakers have passed down this simple yet remarkable recipe through whispered kitchen secrets.

The powdery coating of confectioners’ sugar creates a delightful contrast against the nutty, tender interior.

Each bite transports you to sun-drenched Mexican kitchens where love is baked into every morsel.

Pecan pieces add a subtle crunch that complements the cookie’s delicate texture.

Bake these irresistible cookies and watch them disappear faster than you can dust them with sugar.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 42 minutes

Calories: 132 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s in Polvorones Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides delicate structure and tender crumb for traditional Spanish cookies.
• Ground Almonds: Adds rich nutty flavor and creates delightful crumbly texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall sweetness and balances cookie's flavor profile.
• Cinnamon: Introduces warm, aromatic spice characteristic of authentic polvorones.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates sweet foundation and helps achieve perfect cookie consistency.
• Lemon Zest: Brings bright, zesty undertones that complement traditional recipe.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness and helps activate baking chemistry.

• Lard: Delivers authentic Spanish cookie texture with exceptional moistness and flakiness.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides classic finishing touch with delicate sweet coating.

Tools Needed for Polvorones Cookies

• Large pan: Perfect for roasting flour evenly without burning.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir flour and mix dough smoothly.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Baking tray: Holds cookies during baking and refrigeration.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Zester or grater: Helps create fresh lemon zest quickly.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.

How to Make Polvorones Cookies

Flour Foundation

Start by gently toasting flour in a pan over medium heat. Stir continuously to avoid burning, creating a warm golden color. Spread the roasted flour on a large plate to cool completely.

Dough Magic

Combine ground almonds, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Introduce roasted flour, zesty lemon touches, and rich lard. Blend ingredients tenderly, keeping the mixture soft and delicate.

Cookie Crafting

Roll the dough into small round spheres, placing them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill the cookie cousins in the refrigerator for a relaxing thirty-minute rest.

Oven Transformation

Heat the oven to a cozy 180°C. Slide the chilled cookie spheres into the warm space, allowing them to bake until edges turn a delicate golden hue, roughly 12 minutes.

Sweet Finale

Once cooled, dust these delicate treats with a snowy layer of powdered sugar. Let them sit briefly, inviting everyone to enjoy their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth charm.

Polvorones Baking Tips & Twists

• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different ground nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts for a unique twist on the traditional almond base.
• Cookie Texture Magic: For extra crumbly cookies, let them cool completely before handling to prevent breaking and maintain their delicate structure.
• Spice Adventure: Swap ground cinnamon with cardamom or nutmeg to introduce unexpected warmth and complexity to the classic polvorones recipe.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep these delicate cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their powdery texture.

Serving Up Polvorones Cookies

• Festive Plating Paradise: Arrange these delicate polvorones on a rustic wooden board with a light dusting of extra powdered sugar, creating an elegant dessert presentation that highlights their delicate texture.
• Sweet Tea Companion: Serve these crumbly cookies alongside a warm cup of cinnamon tea or Spanish hot chocolate, allowing the spices to complement each other and enhance the overall tasting experience.
• Holiday Gift Charm: Package the cooled polvorones in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, making them a perfect homemade gift for friends and family during special occasions like Christmas or birthdays.
• Nutty Dessert Pairing: Create a delightful dessert plate by placing polvorones next to a scoop of almond or vanilla gelato, offering a delicious contrast between the crisp cookie and creamy cold treat.

Storage Info for Polvorones

• Fresh Batch Strategy: Prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days ahead and store in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. Keep the unbaked dough wrapped tightly in plastic to maintain its texture and prevent moisture absorption.
• Freezing Magic: Seal the uncooked dough balls in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 weeks. Arrange them in a single layer to prevent sticking, and thaw at room temperature before baking for best results.
• Crisp Storage Solution: After baking, store cooled polvorones in a sealed container at room temperature for 5-7 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent crumbling and maintain their delicate structure.
• Powder Sugar Tip: Dust powdered sugar just before serving to keep the cookies looking fresh and prevent the sugar from dissolving. If storing decorated cookies, place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture and maintain their delightful texture.

Irresistible Polvorones Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Mexican polvorones cookies blend crumbly, nutty almond textures with powdered sugar sweetness. Rich cultural traditions shine through delicate, melt-in-mouth pastries that welcome guests with warm hospitality.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 50 g / ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp ground almonds
• 75 g / ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• 75 g / ¼ cup + 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 50 g / scant ¼ cup lard, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsps cinnamon
• Grated zest of ½ lemon
• 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Flour Transformation: Heat skillet to medium, continuously stir raw flour until it transforms into a golden-hued, nutty-scented powder. Spread across a wide platter, allowing complete cooling.
2. Flavor Fusion: In a mixing bowl, combine ground almonds, salt, cinnamon, sugar, cooled roasted flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, and lard. Blend ingredients with a delicate touch, preserving a tender consistency.
3. Cookie Crafting: Mold uniform walnut-sized spheres using gentle hand pressure. Arrange these delicate rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining consistent spacing.
4. Chilling Preparation: Refrigerate cookie batch for 30 minutes, enhancing structural integrity and flavor complexity.
5. Baking Perfection: Preheat oven to 180°C. Position chilled cookies and bake 12-15 minutes, watching for a golden-edged transformation that signals culinary excellence.
6. Finishing Touch: Extract from oven and pause briefly. Lavishly dust with powdered sugar, creating an ethereal white coating. Allow complete cooling before serving to maximize textural and flavor potential.

Notes

• Roast Flour Carefully: Continuously stir flour over medium heat to prevent burning, aiming for a golden color and nutty aroma. Cool completely before using.
• Handle Dough Gently: Mix ingredients delicately to maintain a tender cookie texture, avoiding overmixing that can toughen the final product.
• Chill for Better Texture: Refrigerating cookie dough for 30 minutes helps solidify structure, intensifies flavors, and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Bake until edges turn golden, typically 12-15 minutes, to achieve perfect doneness without over-browning.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 132
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 15 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg