Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

There’s something undeniably cozy about a cookie that smells like cinnamon as it bakes. These Mexican Cinnamon Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats dusted in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that makes them completely irresistible. Imagine biting into a soft cookie that practically dissolves on your tongue, leaving behind warm spice and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re perfect for holidays, coffee breaks, or honestly, anytime you want a little comfort with your dessert. Trust me, one batch won’t last long!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Because these cookies taste like a hug in dessert form. They’re simple to make, but feel special enough to serve at holidays or gift to friends. The cinnamon adds warmth, the powdered sugar gives that delicate melt-in-your-mouth finish, and the buttery base keeps every bite rich and satisfying. They’re the kind of cookies that make your kitchen smell amazing, and the kind that people keep reaching for “just one more.”

Recipe Origin

These cookies are inspired by classic Mexican holiday cookies, often called Polvorones or Mexican wedding cookies. While variations exist across cultures (think Russian tea cakes or snowball cookies), this cinnamon-dusted version has a flavor that feels uniquely cozy and festive.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Why You’ll Love Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

Versatile

They’re just as good on a holiday cookie tray as they are next to a cup of coffee on a quiet afternoon.

Budget-Friendly

Made with pantry staples—flour, butter, sugar, cinnamon—no fancy ingredients required.

Quick and Easy

The dough comes together in minutes, and you don’t need complicated techniques.

Customizable

You can tweak the spice level, add a pinch of nutmeg, or even dip them in chocolate.

Crowd-Pleasing

Kids love the sweetness, adults love the spice—these cookies disappear fast!

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use room-temperature butter so the dough creams easily.
• Don’t overbake—these cookies should stay pale with just a hint of golden on the bottoms.
• Roll them in the cinnamon-sugar while they’re still warm so it sticks beautifully.
• For extra flavor, toast the cinnamon lightly before mixing it into the sugar.

Ingredients in Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

Let’s break down what makes these cookies so good:

Unsalted Butter: The rich, creamy base that gives these cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the cookie—light and tender when combined with butter.

Powdered Sugar: Keeps the cookies delicate and soft instead of overly sweet.

Baking Powder: Just enough lift for a soft bite.

Vanilla Extract: A little flavor booster that balances the cinnamon.

Ground Cinnamon: The star spice, warm and cozy in every bite.

Powdered Sugar & Cinnamon (After Baking): For rolling the cookies and giving them their signature sweet-spiced coating.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make these buttery delights:

Preheat Your Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a bowl, beat together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and mix well.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add this to the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.

Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch) and place on the baking sheet.

Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still pale. Don’t let them brown too much—these should stay soft.

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, roll the cookies in the powdered sugar and cinnamon mixture until fully coated.

Cool and Enjoy: Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: About 24 cookies

Calories per cookie: Around 100

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

These cookies are so versatile you’ll want them for every occasion:

With Coffee or Tea: Their light texture pairs perfectly with a hot drink.

Holiday Platters: They look gorgeous dusted in sugar and nestled among other cookies.

Dessert Tables: Great for parties because they’re bite-sized and neat to serve.

As Gifts: Package in a tin or glass jar with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present.

On Their Own: Honestly, sometimes a plateful of these and a cozy blanket is all you need.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough, roll into balls, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies (without the sugar coating) for up to 3 months. Thaw and roll in cinnamon-sugar before serving.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch.
• Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped pecans or almonds to the dough.
• Extra Spice: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for holiday flair.
• Citrus Hint: Add a little orange zest to the dough for a bright note.

Additional Tips

• Roll cookies twice in sugar if you want a thicker, snowy coating.
• Don’t crowd the baking sheet—these need a little space to bake evenly.
• For a festive look, dust extra cinnamon-sugar over the cookies before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

A1: Yes, just reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly.

Q2: Can I use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar?

A2: Powdered sugar is best for the delicate texture, but granulated will work in a pinch.

Q3: Can I double this recipe?

A3: Absolutely—these freeze well, so make a big batch!

Q4: Can I make them gluten-free?

A4: Yes, use a good 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

Q5: Do these cookies spread while baking?

A5: No, they hold their shape well, which is why rolling into balls works perfectly.

Q6: Can I skip the cinnamon coating?

A6: You can, but you’d miss out on the signature flavor. At least dust with powdered sugar.

Q7: Can I add nuts?

A7: Yes! Pecans, almonds, or walnuts make a wonderful addition.

Q8: How long do they stay fresh?

A8: About 5–7 days at room temperature if stored properly.

Q9: Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?

A9: Yes, just let it soften slightly before shaping and baking.

Q10: Are these the same as Mexican wedding cookies?

A10: They’re similar, but these have a stronger cinnamon flavor and a lighter sugar coating.

Conclusion

Mexican Cinnamon Cookies are the kind of treat that feel both nostalgic and special. With their buttery base, warm spice, and sugar-dusted finish, they’re cookies that melt in your mouth and leave you reaching for another before you even realize it. They’re easy enough for everyday baking but elegant enough for holidays, making them the perfect all-around cookie. So grab your butter, sugar, and cinnamon—because once you bake a batch of these, your kitchen will smell like heaven, and your cookie jar won’t stay full for long.

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