Mexican Christmas Cookies (Polvorones / Snowball Cookies)

Makes: ~24 cookies
Prep Time: 10 min
Bake Time: 12–15 min
Total: ~25 min

⭐ Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts)

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

⭐ Instructions

1. Make the dough

• Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy.

• Add vanilla and mix.

• Add flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until combined.

• Stir in the chopped pecans.

2. Shape

• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.

3. Bake

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden.

4. Coat in sugar

• Cool for 5 minutes, then roll cookies in powdered sugar while still warm.

• 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.