Spanish Wedding Cookies
Every region in the world will surely have at least one dish that is of traditional importance. While sushi reminds us of Japan, nachos, tortillas and tacos represent the rich, traditional Mexican cuisine. As far as Mexican cuisine is concerned, Spanish cookies (otherwise known as Mexican wedding cookies) are among the popular desserts. These cookies are associated with the culture of this region. It is one of the important dishes in Spanish wedding feasts and is also given to the guests as favors.
More About Spanish Wedding Cookies
The name of these cookies may be derived from the significance of these cookies in Mexican weddings. These rich nutty cookies are rolled in powdered sugar and is said to be prepared with high quality ingredients. Spanish wedding cookies significance is that these delicacies prepared with high quality ingredients symbolizes a rich and blissful married life for the couple. It is said that the white color of powdered sugar coating represents purity. Apart from weddings, these cookies are often served during special occasions, festivals and holidays.
It is believed that the origin of the cookies is from the traditional, sweet and nutty desserts that have been used in the Middle Eastern cuisine. These desserts are said to be originally from the Medieval Arab world. The European explorers adopted the recipe and used it to prepare the regional variation of the same. Even though, these cookies have been a part of the traditional cuisine of Mexico for a very long time, it got international recognition, after the 1950s. Today, different variations of these cookies are prepared in various regions other than Mexico.
Spanish Wedding Cookies Recipe
So, as per culinary experts, the secret behind the taste and flavor of these cookies is the use of high-quality ingredients. Otherwise, it is prepared from plain cookie dough. Apart from high quality nuts and butter, the ingredients of these cookies include pure vanilla extract. Locally known as 'pastelitos de boda', these cookies are mostly found to be made in three shapes - ball shape, crescent shape and round. In order to prepare 18 to 20 servings of these cookies, you need the following ingredients.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour - 2 cups
- Butter - 1 cup
- Almonds - 1 cup
- White sugar - cup
- Confectioner's sugar - cup
- Vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons
- Water - 2 teaspoons
- Salt - 2 pinches
Start with toasting the almonds, till they get lightly browned and fragrant. Once the toasted nuts cool, put them in the food processor along with one or two tablespoons of flour (so as to prevent them from getting oily). Run the machine, till the nuts turn into fine grains. Keep it aside and cream the butter and sugar in a separate bowl. Add the vanilla extract along with water and blend well before combining this mixture with the flour, ground almonds and salt. Once the dough is prepared, keep it inside a container with a tight lid. Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour. After that, take it out and shape the dough into small balls or crescents. Place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake these cookies for around 12 to 15 minutes in the oven that is preheated to 350 degree Fahrenheit. Once you remove the cookies from the oven, let them cool completely, before rolling them in confectioner's sugar. You can store (at room temperature) these cookies in air tight containers.
In short, Spanish wedding cookies are almost similar to regular cookies. What makes them different is the use of high-quality ingredients and the traditional significance. You may also prepare them at home for special occasions and holidays. Try the above said recipe, but don't forget to use good quality ingredients.
