Mexican Christmas Cookies (Polvorones / Snowball Cookies)
Makes: ~24 cookies
Prep Time: 10 min
Bake Time: 12–15 min
Total: ~25 min
⭐ Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts)
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp salt
⭐ Instructions
1. Make the dough
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Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
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Add vanilla and mix.
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Add flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until combined.
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Stir in the chopped pecans.
2. Shape
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Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
3. Bake
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden.
4. Coat in sugar
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Cool for 5 minutes, then roll cookies in powdered sugar while still warm.
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Let cool completely and roll in powdered sugar again for the classic snowball look.
🎄 Optional Variations
✨ Cinnamon–Sugar Snowballs
Add extra cinnamon to your powdered sugar for rolling.
✨ Chocolate Polvorones
Add ¼ cup cocoa powder + chocolate chips.
✨ Orange or Cinnamon Twist
Add 1 tsp orange zest or increase cinnamon to 1 tsp.
✨ Mexican Hot Chocolate Version
Add ½ tsp cinnamon + 1 pinch cayenne + cocoa powder.
