Polvorones Sevillanos Mexican Cookies Recipes

POLVORONES

Steps:

• In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter at medium speed for about 1 minute. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and increase the speed to medium-high. Occasionally stopping to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula, continue to beat until it is pale and fluffy, an additional 4 to 5 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and orange zest.
• Sift together the flour, spices and salt, then blend with the almond meal. Add this to the creamed butter all at once, then stir with a wooden spoon or spatula for a couple of turns. Return the bowl to the stand and mix on the lowest speed until the flour is just incorporated without over-mixing. Turn out the dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap, push together to form a large flat disc, and wrap well. Refrigerate until very firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick liner.
• Scoop out the dough in tablespoons, roll into a ball and place on the cookie sheets, about 2 inches apart. Using a small spoon dipped in flour, press down on each ball so it forms a round disc about 1/2-inch thick. The dough will be fragile but if it cracks or the dough falls apart it can be gently pressed together or reshaped. Repeat with remaining dough.
• Bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden, though the tops will still be pale, 14 to 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and while still warm, sprinkle generously with confectioners' sugar. Using a spatula, carefully remove the cookies and lay out on a cooling rack.

POLVORONES DE CANELE (CINNAMON COOKIES)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
• In a medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar and butter until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Combine flour, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon; stir into the creamed mixture to form a stiff dough. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Mix together 1 cup confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; roll balls in cinnamon mixture.
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in preheated oven, or until nicely browned. Cool cookies on wire racks.

POLVORONES SEVILLANOS (MEXICAN COOKIES)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
• Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping bowl occasionally.
• Beat in eggs, vanilla paste, and coconut extract until combined.
• Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer, using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour.
• Stir in the 1 cup coconut, candied pineapple, and the citrus peels.
• Divide dough into thirds and shape each portion of dough into a 12-inch-long roll.
• Wrap rolls in plastic wrap or waxed paper and chill for 4 hours or until firm enough to slice.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Cut rolls into 1/2-inch-thick-slices.
• Place slices 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet, bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes or just until centers are set.
• Transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool.
• Drizzle tops of cookies with Lemon Glaze and sprinkle with additional toasted coconut.
• Let stand until glaze is set. Makes about 60 cookies.
• LEMON GLAZE:.
• In a medium bowl, stir together powdered sugar and enough lemon juice to make an icing of drizzling consistency.
• STORAGE:.
• Layer cookies between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.