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Ina Garten Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe

Ina Garten Mexican Wedding Cookies

Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as snowball cookies or Russian tea cakes, are shortbread-like cookies made with butter, nuts, and powdered sugar. Ina Garten’s version enhances the classic recipe with simple ingredients and a luxurious texture that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened.
  • Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup (plus 1 cup for coating).
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups.
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon.
  • Pecans or walnuts: 1 cup, finely chopped.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add vanilla and dry ingredients

  • Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined. Stir in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Shape the cookies

  • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake the cookies

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.

Step 6: Coat with powdered sugar

  • Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a thick, snowy coating.