Zesty Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cakes)
Experience the delightful taste of traditional Mexican Wedding Cakes, known as Polvorones. This melt-in-your-mouth cookie combines the richness of butter and shortening with the brightness of orange juice and zest, creating a uniquely flavored treat that's perfect for any occasion. Often enjoyed at weddings and festive gatherings, these cookies are a charming addition to your dessert table. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish that enhances their delicate texture. Suitable for sharing, each bite brings warmth and joy to your loved ones.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable shortening
1/2 cup (softened)
butter
1/2 cup (softened; do not use margarine)
sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
egg yolks
2 large (separated from whites)
orange juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
orange zest
zest of 2 oranges (freshly grated)
all-purpose flour
4 cups (sifted)
powdered sugar
to taste (for dusting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened vegetable shortening and butter. Beat them together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
Gradually add sugar while continuing to mix on low speed to fully incorporate. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are combined.
4
Add the egg yolks, orange juice, and grated orange zest to the bowl. Mix until fully blended.
5
Slowly stir in the sifted all-purpose flour using a spatula until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 3/4 inch thick. Use a 2 1/2 inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
7
Gather any scraps of dough, reroll them, and cut out additional cookies until all dough is used.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, ensuring to watch closely. They should be just firm and slightly golden at the edges.
9
Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
10
After cooling, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar, using a fine sieve for an even distribution. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Polvorones?
Zesty Polvorones are traditional Mexican Wedding Cakes that feature a melt-in-your-mouth texture enhanced with the bright flavors of orange juice and zest.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
No, the recipe specifically states not to use margarine; you should use 1/2 cup of softened butter.
How much vegetable shortening is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of softened vegetable shortening.
How many egg yolks are used in this recipe?
You will need 2 large egg yolks, separated from the whites.
How much orange juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
How much orange zest should I prepare?
You should use the freshly grated zest of 2 oranges.
What type of flour is used for Polvorones?
The recipe uses 4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What is the best way to combine the shortening and butter?
Beat them together in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How should the granulated sugar be added?
Gradually add the 1/2 cup of sugar while continuing to mix on low speed to ensure it is fully incorporated.
When do I add the orange juice and zest?
Add the orange juice, orange zest, and egg yolks after the sugar has been incorporated, mixing until fully blended.
How should the flour be mixed into the dough?
Slowly stir in the sifted all-purpose flour using a spatula until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
How thick should the dough be rolled out?
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3/4 inch thickness.
What size cookie cutter is recommended?
Use a 2 1/2 inch round cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
Should I line the baking sheet?
Yes, it is recommended to line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 25 minutes, watching closely for them to become firm and slightly golden at the edges.
When should I apply the powdered sugar?
Dust the cookies with powdered sugar only after they have cooled completely on a wire rack.
How do I get an even distribution of powdered sugar?
Use a fine sieve to lightly dust the cookies for a sweet finish and even distribution.
Can I reuse the dough scraps?
Yes, gather any scraps of dough, reroll them, and continue cutting out circles until all the dough is used.
What category of food is this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
What is the primary flavor profile of these cookies?
These cookies have a rich buttery flavor balanced by the brightness of citrus from orange juice and zest.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include polvorones, mexican wedding cakes, cookies, desserts, holiday treats, baking, orange flavor, and sweet.
Is there nutritional information available for this recipe?
The provided data does not specify calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, sugar, sodium, or cholesterol values.
Are these cookies suitable for special events?
Yes, they are a charming addition to dessert tables at weddings and festive gatherings.
What is the preparation for the butter and shortening?
Both the butter and the vegetable shortening should be softened before you begin mixing.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Is the orange zest freshly grated?
Yes, the recipe specifies using freshly grated zest from 2 oranges.
What tools are needed for the dough?
You will need a large mixing bowl, an electric mixer, a spatula, a rolling pin, and a 2 1/2 inch round cookie cutter.
What is the texture of a Polvorone cookie?
They have a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.