How To Store Mexican Wedding Cookies

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Introduction

Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cookies or Snowballs, are delicious buttery cookies that are perfect for weddings, holidays, or any special occasion. These delicate bite-sized treats are made with a simple combination of ingredients, including butter, powdered sugar, flour, and nuts.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of making Mexican Wedding Cookies and provide expert tips on how to store them to maintain their freshness and flavor. Whether you are planning a wedding, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat, this guide will ensure that you can enjoy these delightful cookies for days to come.

Before we dive into the storage tips, let’s first take a look at the ingredients you will need and the equipment required to make Mexican Wedding Cookies.

Ingredients

To make delicious Mexican Wedding Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

It is important to use unsalted butter to control the salt content in the cookies. The powdered sugar gives the cookies their signature sweetness, and the flour acts as the base of the dough. Finely chopped nuts not only add a pleasant crunch but also contribute to the cookies’ distinct flavor.

Vanilla extract is used to enhance the overall taste of the cookies, while a pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness.

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s move on to the equipment needed to make Mexican Wedding Cookies.

Equipment Needed

To successfully bake and store Mexican Wedding Cookies, you will need the following equipment:

• Mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cooling rack
• Sifter or mesh sieve
• Cookie storage container or airtight container

A mixing bowl is essential for combining the ingredients to make the dough. A hand or stand mixer will make the process easier and ensure that the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

Baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats will prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan and aid in even baking. A cooling rack is necessary to cool the cookies completely before storing.

A sifter or mesh sieve is used to dust the cookies with powdered sugar, giving them a beautiful white coating.

Finally, a cookie storage container or an airtight container will keep the Mexican Wedding Cookies fresh and protect them from moisture and air exposure.

Now that you have all the necessary equipment ready, let’s proceed to the next step: preparing the dough.

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

To start making Mexican Wedding Cookies, follow these steps to prepare the dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
5. Stir in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful final product.

Once the dough has chilled, you are ready to move on to the next step: shaping the cookies.

Step 2: Shaping the Cookies

Now that your dough is firm and ready, it’s time to shape the Mexican Wedding Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. You can also use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to ensure consistent sizes.
3. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
4. Optional: If desired, you can gently press down on the tops of the dough balls with a fork to create a decorative pattern.

Shaping the dough into small balls ensures that the cookies bake evenly and have a consistent texture. The spacing between the dough balls prevents them from merging together while baking.

If you want to add a decorative touch, gently pressing down on the dough balls with a fork will create a pattern on the tops of the cookies.

Once you have shaped all the dough into balls and arranged them on the baking sheets, you can proceed to the next step: baking the cookies.

Store Mexican wedding cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, place them in the freezer in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Step 3: Baking the Cookies

Now that you have shaped the Mexican Wedding Cookies, it’s time to bake them to perfection:

1. Place the baking sheets with the cookie dough balls into the preheated oven.
2. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.
3. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and transfer the cookies to a cooling rack.
4. Allow the cookies to cool completely before moving on to the next step.

Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies. You want them to be lightly golden brown around the edges while retaining a tender interior.

Once baked, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to allow them to cool completely. Cooling is essential as it allows the cookies to firm up and develop their characteristic texture.

With the cookies baked and cooled, it’s time to move on to the next step: coating them in powdered sugar.

Step 4: Coating the Cookies in Powdered Sugar

Coating the Mexican Wedding Cookies in a generous layer of powdered sugar not only adds a beautiful snowy appearance but also enhances their sweetness. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect powdered sugar coating:

1. Fill a small bowl or plate with powdered sugar.
2. Take each cooled cookie and roll it gently in the powdered sugar, making sure to coat it completely.
3. Transfer the coated cookie to a separate plate or container.
4. Repeat this process with the remaining cookies, adding more powdered sugar as needed.

If you prefer a thicker layer of powdered sugar, you can roll the cookies in the sugar while they are still slightly warm. The residual heat will help the sugar adhere better and create a more substantial coating.

Coating the cookies in powdered sugar not only adds a delightful sweetness but also creates a stunning presentation. Once all the cookies are coated to your liking, proceed to the final step: storing the Mexican Wedding Cookies.

Step 5: Storing the Mexican Wedding Cookies

Proper storage is crucial to keep your Mexican Wedding Cookies fresh and delicious. Follow these guidelines to ensure they stay at their best:

1. Allow the powdered sugar coating to fully set before storing the cookies. This will prevent the sugar from absorbing moisture and turning sticky.
2. Place the cookies in a cookie storage container or an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Layer the cookies with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
4. Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Properly stored, Mexican Wedding Cookies can last for up to two weeks. However, they are best enjoyed within the first few days when they are at their peak freshness.

If you live in a humid environment, you may also consider adding a desiccant packet to the storage container. This will help absorb any excess moisture and keep the cookies crisp.

Remember, refrigeration is not recommended for Mexican Wedding Cookies as it can cause them to lose their delicate texture and become soggy.

Now that you know how to store the Mexican Wedding Cookies properly, you can enjoy them whenever you have a craving for a delightful and sweet treat!

Conclusion

Mexican Wedding Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on special occasions or any time you’re craving a sweet and buttery bite. With their delicate texture and powdered sugar coating, these cookies are simply irresistible.

In this article, we provided a comprehensive guide on how to make Mexican Wedding Cookies and gave you expert tips on storing them to maintain their freshness and flavor. From preparing the dough to shaping the cookies, baking them to perfection, coating them in powdered sugar, and finally storing them properly, each step is crucial to achieving the best results.

Remember to use high-quality ingredients, follow the recipe closely, and give attention to detail when shaping and baking the cookies. Coating them generously in powdered sugar not only adds a beautiful touch but also enhances their sweetness.

By storing the Mexican Wedding Cookies in a cookie storage container or an airtight container, properly layered with parchment paper, and kept in a cool, dry place, you can enjoy these delectable treats for up to two weeks.

So, whether you plan to serve them at a wedding, enjoy them during the holidays, or simply indulge in a delicious homemade cookie, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to do so. Now, go ahead and impress your loved ones with these delightful Mexican Wedding Cookies!