Classic Mexican Wedding Cookies

Method7 steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Toast pecans (1 cup) by placing them in a single layer in a large frying pan and toasting them over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and golden, about 4-5 minutes. Remove to a bowl and let cool. Once they are cool, transfer to a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped, but not so much that they turn into nut butter.

   Uses 1 cup pecans

2. 2

   Step 2: Heat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. 3

   Step 3: Beat butter and 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

   Uses 12 tablespoons (3/4 cup) room temperature unsalted butter · ½ cup powdered sugar for the dough

4. 4

   Step 4: Add the toasted ground pecans, flour (2 cups), orange zest, vanilla (1 teaspoon), kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon) and nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon) to the creamed butter and sugar. Keep the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar for coating. Start on low, then increase to medium and mix for 2 minutes. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when squeezed in your palm.

   Uses Toasted finely ground pecans · Creamed butter and sugar · 2 cups all purpose flour · Zest from 1 orange (about 2 teaspoons) · 1 teaspoon vanilla extract · 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt · 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

5. 5

   Step 5: Scoop into tablespoon-sized balls using a cookie scoop. Press the dough into the scoop to compact it so it holds together then transfer to the baking sheet. Continue scooping out balls of dough and place them 1-inch apart on the baking sheet.

   Uses Cookie dough

6. 6

   Step 6: Bake until the bottoms are golden, about 15 minutes. While they bake, place the reserved 1 cup of powdered sugar in a medium bowl for the next step.

   Bake wedding cookies · 15 minUses Shaped unbaked cookies

7. 7

   Step 7: Let cool 5 minutes then roll the cookies in the powdered sugar to coat. Set on a wire rack to cool completely. If you want an extra thick coating of powdered sugar, roll the cookies one more time after they have cooled.

   Cool cookies · 5 minUses Baked wedding cookies · Remaining 1 cup powdered sugar for coating; use the same sugar for any second coating