Walnut Polvorones: Mexican Wedding Cookies

Walnut Polvorones

 I stumbled across this recipe when looking for something to do with a bag of walnuts I had in the cupboard. I have used ground almonds in loads of baking, but wondered if there was anything out there for a load of old walnuts!


 
Polvorones are a melt in your mouth buttery sugar cookie. The name comes from ''polvo''meaning powder, as the dough is tossed in icing sugar once cooled. This creates a snowy Turkish delight powder on the outside of the one bite treats! The walnuts make them a little bitter which means they are not as more-ish as other biscuits, but if you dip them in your tea or coffee, you could be heading for danger! 
I have found recipes containing pecans, almonds, cinnamon, chocolate or Brazil nuts. The recipe is similar to others describing themselves as Russian tea cakes, and Greek celebration biscuits.
Although they are commonly called 'Mexican wedding cookies' in America, they appear to be a more common treat found in most bakeries in Mexico and served on a everyday basis rather than only on special occasions. Traditionally, they are served as wedding favours or at Christmas time, perhaps because of the snowy appearance!

 Mexican Wedding Cookies
 

 Ingredients
 
225g unsalted butter, at room temperature 
110g sugar
150g plain flour
60g ground walnuts
100g chopped walnuts
150g icing sugar
 
Method

1. Preheat your oven to 170C and grease and line your baking trays.
2. Beat the butter until light and fluffy and gradually beat in the caster sugar until thoroughly combined.
3. Add the flour and both kinds of nuts and bring together into a crumbly dough.
4. Wrap in clingfilm and refrigerate for 30 mins.
5. Remove from the fridge and using the palms of your hands, roll a tablespoon at a time into small balls. You should make around 24 cookies. Space them evenly apart and allow room for them to expand.
6. Bake in the oven for 20-25mins or until slightly golden.
7. Allow to cool on the tray for 10 mins and then toss in a bowl of icing sugar before placing on a wire rack.
8. These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Comments