are mexican wedding cookies the same as pecan sandies

Pecan Sandies are melt in your mouth, buttery pecan perfection when it comes to cookies! These are also known as Mexican wedding cookies.
are mexican wedding cookies the same as pecan sandies

Mexican Wedding Cookies Origin

Also referred to as Mexican wedding cakes, these buttery cookies originated outside of Mexico. Their creation has been traced back to medieval Arab baking that predominantly featured ingredients like butter, sugar, spices and nuts. As trade routes began to broaden, these sweet confections made their way from the Middle East to all parts of Europe.

Historians believe that the recipe migrated to Mexico by way of European nuns or Spanish conquistadors in the Americas in the 16th century. Traditionally, these sweet cookies are made with finely chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts or almonds, though this can vary depending on the recipe’s origins.

Chef Norma Salazar shares a recipe and tips for making traditional Mexican wedding cookies

Beyond traditional snickerdoodles and gingerbread snaps, Mexican wedding cookies may come to mind for many people when brainstorming recipes for a holiday cookie swap.

Though the name may imply otherwise, Mexican wedding cookies are made for plenty of occasions other than just celebrating matrimony. During the holiday season, you’ll likely find some variation of these powdered sugar-dusted, crunchy, nut-filled cookies among an assortment of holiday treats.

More than just a sweet treat, Mexican wedding cookies history dates back to centuries of traditions spanning the world. In addition to delicious flavor, these cookies carry more history and significance than meets the eye.

Easy Pecan Sandies (Mexican Wedding Cookies)

FAQ

What is another name for pecan sandies?

According to Pastry & Baking Arts Chef-Instructor Norma Arellano-Salazar, these popular cookies are also called snowballs or pecan sandies on the East Coast of the United States, as they resemble snow or sand thanks to their powdered-sugar dusting. Some even refer to them as Russian tea cookies.

What are the different names for Mexican wedding cookies?

Mexican wedding cookies go by many different names: snowballs, Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cakes, polvorones, and more. I did some digging on their history while I was working on this recipe, and it turns out, we don’t really know where they originated.

What is the difference between Mexican and Italian wedding cookies?

Italian wedding cookies typically contain almonds or hazelnuts and are flavored with almond extract, vanilla extracts and spices like cinnamon or anise. Mexican wedding cookies, on the other hand, use a combination of ground nuts such as pecans and walnuts, as well as butter, sugar and sometimes chocolate chips.

Where did Mexican wedding cookies originate from?

Mexican wedding cookies were introduced by the Spanish, as they originated in Europe and still exist in many other countries today. The cookies were prepared at many California rancho weddings in the 1800s.

Are Pecan Sandies Mexican wedding cookies?

You might recognize Pecan Sandies as Mexican wedding cookies, and that is accurate, as they are one and the same. We love making Pecan Sandies for almost any occasion, but especially during the holidays. These cookies have a rich, buttery taste, crumbly, nutty texture and are not as sweet as chocolate chip or sugar cookies.

What are Pecan Sandies?

Pecan Sandies are melt in your mouth, buttery pecan perfection when it comes to cookies! These are also known as Mexican wedding cookies. How to Make These pecan cookies go by many names – Pecan Sandies or Mexican Wedding Cookies/Cake, but they are all the same buttery, melt in your mouth favorite!

What do Pecan Sandies taste like?

We love making Pecan Sandies for almost any occasion, but especially during the holidays. These cookies have a rich, buttery taste, crumbly, nutty texture and are not as sweet as chocolate chip or sugar cookies. They are a great addition to a cookie assortment and offer that distinct texture and flavor that dial down the sugar just a bit.

How do you make Mexican wedding cookies?

Preheat the oven to 325 °F. Shape the dough into walnut sized balls or crescents. (Crescent shaped are more the traditional Mexican wedding form of these cookies.) Place the dough balls or crescents 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden.

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