Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies

These delicate, crumbly delights, often referred to as Butterball cookies for their round shape and buttery richness, are also recognized as Mexican wedding cake cookies, reflecting their association with celebratory occasions.

Russian Tea Cakes (Snowballs)

These delicate snowball cookies, dusted with powdered sugar, will melt in your mouth and transport you to a winter wonderland.

Passed down from her great-grandmother, my ex-mother-in-law had given it to me when I was a young bride.

It became everyone’s favorite and from then on has been my cookie exchange recipe as well as cookie tin gift for neighbors and friends.

Even though these can be eaten anytime, I only make them during the holidays! Hmmm.

These bite-sized delights are sure to impress your guests with their delicate texture and nutty flavor.

Plus, the simple recipe makes them a breeze to whip up for any occasion.

They’re so easy to make that you can get your family and friends involved in the baking process.

So, crank up the oven, and let’s get started on creating your very own batch of Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies!

Russian Tea Cakes Other Names

Russian Tea Cakes have many other names they can go by.

• Butterball cookies
• Mexican wedding cake cookies
• Snowballs
• Pfeffernusse
• Russian Walnut cookies
• Mexican Wedding Cookies

This Recipe Is…

• Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies are a delicious treat that’s perfect for any celebration
• Also known as Russian Tea Cakes, these cookies are loved for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty flavor
• The recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it a great choice for bakers of all skill levels
• Get your family and friends involved in the baking process for a fun and memorable experience
• Snowball cookies have a rich history and are a beloved treat for generations

Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies History

Legend has it that the recipe for Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies originated in Europe and was brought to Mexico by Spanish conquistadors.

From there, the recipe traveled to the United States, where it became a popular treat for special occasions, such as weddings and holidays.

So, now that we know where Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies came from, what are the key ingredients that make them so delicious?

As Paula Deen would say…..Butter!

Difficulty:  Easy

Prep time: 10 minutes

Bake time: 15 minutes

Inactive time: 10 minutes

Servings: 24-30 cookies

Ingredients:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Chopped pecans or Walnuts
• Salt
• Vanilla
• Flour
• Additional powdered sugar, to roll

For exact measurements, please see the printable recipe card below.

How to Make Snowball Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Line your baking sheets with parchment and set aside. 

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar.  

Add in the salt and flour and mix thoroughly.  The dough should be thick and pulled away from the sides of the bowl. 

Fold in the chopped pecans.  

Using a heaping tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, shape 1-inch-sized dough into round balls.  

Place on the parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 15 minutes. 

While the cookies are baking, place the powdered sugar in a bowl.  Once the cookies come out of the oven, use tongs to roll the cookies in the powdered sugar while still hot.  

Allow to cool. 

Roll the cookies one more time in the powdered sugar just before serving. 

Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.  Time will cause the powdered sugar to absorb into the cookies – roll again or dust with powdered sugar just before serving again.

More Christmas Cookie Recipes You Might Like

• Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
• Delicious Christmas Cookies in a Jar with Printable Tag
• Christmas Butter Cookies

Recipe Variations

Here are some variations to spice up this classic recipe:

• Chocolate Butterballs:
  • Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
  • Use chocolate chips or chunks in place of nuts for a double chocolate version.
• Spiced Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies:
  • Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick.
  • Roll the finished cookies in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for extra flavor.
• Citrus Infused Russian Tea Cakes:
  • Add lemon, lime, or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing, citrusy taste.
  • Experiment with different citrus extracts for a unique twist.
• Nutty Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies:
  • Try using different nuts like almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts instead of the traditional walnuts.
  • Toast the nuts beforehand for an enhanced nutty flavor.
• Coconut Mexican Wedding Cookies:
  • Mix shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist.
  • Roll the cookies in powdered sugar mixed with toasted coconut flakes.
• Fruity Snowball Cookies:
  • Add dried fruit like cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots to the dough for a sweet and tangy variation.
  • Replace nuts with dried fruit for a nut-free option.
• Mocha Mexican Wedding Cake Cookies:
  • Incorporate instant espresso powder or coffee grounds into the dough for a coffee-flavored cookie.
  • Roll the cookies in powdered sugar mixed with a hint of cocoa powder.

Printable Recipe Card and Nutritional Values

Mexican Wedding Cake cookies Conclusion

Russian tea cakes are delightful treats known by a myriad of names across various cultures.

These delicate, crumbly delights, often referred to as Butterball cookies for their round shape and buttery richness, are also recognized as Mexican wedding cake cookies, reflecting their association with celebratory occasions.

Snowballs epitomize their appearance, coated in a snowy dusting of powdered sugar.

The German influence labels them as Pfeffernusse, denoting their spiced nature, while Russian Walnut cookies encompass the nutty essence within.

However, they are universally adored as Mexican Wedding Cookies, harmonizing sweetness with a tender texture that transcends borders and are a treat that can’t be beaten.

They’ve been enjoyed for generations and will continue to be a crowd-pleaser for many more to come.

The delicate texture and nutty flavor of these cookies make them a perfect addition to any celebration or gathering.

Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or just a casual get-together, these treats are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

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