Mexican Sugar Cookies, also known as Polverones, are a delightful treat that brings the flavors of traditional Mexican bakeries right into your kitchen. These cookies are characterized by their tender texture and a coating of sweet cinnamon-chocolate sugar, making them perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (divided)
- 1 1/2 – 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1/4 cup grated chocolate (optional, for coating)
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Prepare cookie sheets by spraying them with non-stick cooking spray or lining them with parchment paper.
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Cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and half of the ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon) in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.
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Add the baking powder and 1 1/2 cups of flour to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and forms a soft consistency. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, up to 1/4 cup, until the dough is easy to handle.
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Shape the dough into 1 1/4 inch balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass that has been dipped in granulated sugar. This step not only flattens the cookies but also adds a sugary coating for extra sweetness and texture.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown.
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 3-4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the coating mixture while the cookies are cooling. In a small bowl, combine the remaining granulated sugar, grated chocolate (if using), and the remaining half teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
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Coat each cookie with the sugar-chocolate-cinnamon mixture on both sides while they are still slightly warm. This coating adds a burst of flavor and a bit of crunch to the cookies.
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Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing in an airtight container.
These Mexican Sugar Cookies (Polverones) are not only easy to make but also bring a taste of Mexican culinary tradition to any occasion. Their buttery texture, combined with the cinnamon-chocolate coating, makes them a favorite for both adults and children alike. Enjoy them with a hot beverage or as a sweet treat any time of day!