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    Home » All Recipes » Dessert

    Mexican Wedding Cookies

    Published: Dec 23, 2020 · Updated: Sep 12, 2026 by Maggie Unzueta

    These Mexican Wedding Cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with toasted pecans. Rolled in powdered sugar, they’re an easy Mexican cookie that’s perfect for sharing.
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    Four powdered sugar-covered Mexican wedding cookies on a white plate, with one cookie broken in half showing a nutty filling. Brown napkin and wooden background complete the cozy scene.
    Three Mexican Wedding Cookies, coated in powdered sugar, sit on a white plate; one is broken open, revealing a crumbly filling with chopped nuts. More cookies and a small bowl are blurred in the background.

    Mexican Wedding Cookies 🍪 are buttery, tender, pecan-filled cookies rolled in powdered sugar. They’re also known in Mexico as Galletas de Nuez (pecan cookies) or Galletas Rusas (Russian cookies).

    They’re easy to make with just a handful of ingredients and are ready in under 30 minutes. Serve them with a cup of Champurrado for a delicious Mexican-inspired treat.

    Table of Contents

    • 1. Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
    • 2. 🥣 Instructions
      • 2.1. Making the Batter
      • 2.2. How to Toast Pecans
      • 2.3. For smaller cookies
    • 3. 🙋🏻‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
    • 4. 🧁 More Mexican Desserts
    • 5. 😋 Hungry for More?
    • 6. Mexican Wedding Cookies
      • 6.1. Ingredients
      • 6.2. Instructions
      • 6.3. Video
      • 6.4. Notes
      • 6.5. Nutrition

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

    • Easy to make. You only need a handful of simple ingredients.
    • Ready in under 30 minutes. These cookies come together quickly, making them great for last-minute baking.
    • Buttery and nutty. Toasted pecans add a delicious flavor and a little crunch.
    • Perfect for sharing. Make a batch for Christmas cookie exchanges, parties, or gift giving.
    Maggie Unzueta Avatar

    -Maggie

    A collage showing how to make the cookie batter.

    🥣 Instructions

    Making the Batter

    • Cream the butter and add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
    • Add the flour in slowly.
    • Scrape down the sides as needed.

    Use room temperature butter. If it is fresh out of the fridge, zap it in the microwave for 10-second intervals until it is soft.

    Also, be sure to add the flour in little by little, or flour will fly everywhere.

    A collage showing how to form the balls for the cookies.
    • Add the toasted pecans. Stir to combine.
    • Form about 1 tablespoon of dough into a small ball.
    • Place on a lined cookie sheet.

    Not a fan of pecans? Try this recipe with chopped walnuts instead.

    How to Toast Pecans

    At my local store, you can buy toasted pecans. Place the chopped pecans in a non-stick skillet over low-medium heat. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Let cool before adding to the batter.

    Baked cookies on a lined cookie sheet.
    • Bake at 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes.
    • Let the cookies cool on a cooling rack.
    • The bottoms of the cookies should be golden brown.

    For smaller cookies

    Use only ½ tablespoon of the batter to form the balls.
    Bake for 8 minutes, or until golden brown.

    A hand rolling a cookie in powdered sugar.
    • Roll in powdered sugar.
    • Set aside.
    • Repeat with the remaining cookies.
    • Let the cookies cool for about 10 minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar.

    If they are still warm, the sugar may soak into the cookie. Let them cool completely and roll them in powdered sugar again.

    🙋🏻‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

    Why are they called Mexican Wedding Cookies?

    Mexican Wedding Cookies” is the name commonly used in the United States. In Mexico, these cookies are often called Galletas de Nuez or Galletas Rusas.

    Why does the powdered sugar disappear?

    If the cookies are still warm when you roll them in powdered sugar, the sugar can melt into the cookie. Let the cookies cool for about 10 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar. If needed, give them a second coating once they are completely cool.

    How should I store Mexican Wedding Cookies?

    Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within several days.

    Can I make smaller Mexican Wedding Cookies?

    Yes. Use ½ tablespoon of dough for each cookie and bake for about 8 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown.

    Three round Mexican Wedding Cookies dusted with powdered sugar sit on a white plate, with a soft focus background.

    🧁 More Mexican Desserts

    • Pan de Elote
    • Carlota de Fresa
    • Pastel de Tres Leches
    • Orejas Pan
    • Hojarascas
    • Jericalla
    • Cortadillos
    • Pumpkin Tres Leches
    • Mexican Churros
    • Apple Empanadas
    • Fresas con Crema
    • Mexican Flan
    • Pumpkin Empanadas
    • Mexican Conchas
    • Pineapple Empanadas

    Make a batch for your next cookie exchange or holiday gathering. Serve with Ponche Navideño and enjoy!

    😋 Hungry for More?

    Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube for my latest recipes and videos.

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Three Mexican Wedding Cookies, coated in powdered sugar, sit on a white plate; one is broken open, revealing a crumbly filling with chopped nuts. More cookies and a small bowl are blurred in the background.

    Mexican Wedding Cookies

    These Mexican Wedding Cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with toasted pecans. Rolled in powdered sugar, they’re an easy Mexican cookie that’s perfect for sharing.
    5 from 41 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 27 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16
    Calories: 232kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 2 tsps vanilla
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 2 cups flour
    • 1 cup toasted pecans
    • Powdered sugar (for rolling) About 1 cup

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
    • Mix butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt in a bowl.
    • Beat until creamy. (About 2-3 minutes)
    • Slowly add the flour. Mix on low while doing this.
    • Occasionally scrape down the sides of the bowl.
    • Add the nuts. Using a spatula work the nuts into the dough.
    • Take about 1 tablespoon of the dough.
    • Using your hands, roll into a small ball. Place on a lined cookie sheet.
    • Space the cookies about 1” apart. Repeat until there is no more dough.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes.
    • The bottoms of the cookies will be golden brown.
    • Let cool on a cooling rack. About 10 minutes.
    • Then roll each cookie on powdered sugar.
    • Repeat with all the cookies.
    • Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Not a fan of pecans? Make this recipe with walnuts. 
    Let the cookies cool for about 10 minutes. If they are warm, the powdered sugar will soak into the cookie. If that happens, simply wait a little longer until they are cool and roll in the powdered sugar again.
    FOR SMALLER COOKIES: Use only ½ tablespoon of the batter to form the balls.
    Bake for 8 minutes, or until golden brown.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 358IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

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    • Three white chocolate Snowman Truffles with candy eyes, red candy buttons, green candy scarves, and coconut flakes sit on a white plate, with a soft, festive background.
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    • Eight Mascarpone Ice Cream Sandwiches with chocolate chips on graham crackers are arranged on parchment. Two are on a white plate with a pink cloth, and a bowl of chocolate chips sits nearby on a wooden table.
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    • Easy Frozen Banana Snickers Bites: Sliced bananas topped with caramel, chopped nuts, and drizzled with chocolate, all arranged beautifully on a glass plate.
      Frozen Banana Snickers Bites
    • A plate of round cookies coated in pink sugar, each topped with a heart-shaped piece of chocolate in the center, arranged neatly on a white plate.
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    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the face behind In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been publishing Mexican recipes and creating delicious recipes since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 41 votes (27 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Rose

      July 07, 2026 at 10:22 pm

      How many cookies do these make

      Reply
      • Maggie

        July 13, 2026 at 3:40 pm

        Hi there, you’ll end up with roughly 16 Mexican wedding cookies.

        Reply
    2. Julie F

      December 06, 2025 at 2:39 pm

      5 stars
      How come I can’t print out your recipe. Hate all the pop ups in Pinterest. Annoying.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        May 22, 2026 at 4:30 pm

        Almost all food blogs have a JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the page. Click it. It’ll take you to the recipe. There you’ll see the PRINT button. Sometime, you might just find the print button right up at the top of the page next to the jump to recipe button. This will help you from seeing all the ads.

        Reply
    3. sean leigh jump lee knopps

      December 19, 2024 at 12:06 pm

      5 stars
      deliciosity mi familiars’ dessert poor mi expects dies butt every Xmas 🎄 holidays it’s expected to have a nice and very nice place for the most beautifully addressed the party tray it’s a must

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 19, 2024 at 8:24 pm

        They’re a must for the Holidays. Glad you enjoyed the recipe!

        Reply
    4. sissy

      November 22, 2024 at 7:48 pm

      5 stars
      I ONLY KNOW THIS RECIPE BY THE NAME OF “ITALIAN WEDDING COOKIES” ha! And yes I am Italian….and yes “the now gone Italian family women” made these cookies to be included in with huge trays of mixed Italian cookies….for every family member’s wedding! I’m still looking for their old recipe for the Italian cookie which is contains dates, is cut into a perfect square and also dusted in powered sugar!
      I have found all except this cookie. My niece found the recipe recently for the pineapple filled cookies…. Thank you this recipe, brings back lifelong memories…

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 04, 2024 at 12:18 am

        Awww. I love that! We make them for weddings too. I don’t have the recipe you’re looking for. With dates sounds delicious! Hope you find it.

        Reply
    5. Anonymous

      November 17, 2024 at 8:09 pm

      5 stars
      Wonderful recipe!
      Black walnuts are good in it also

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 04, 2024 at 12:19 am

        Black walnuts. Interesting! Thanks for the idea.

        Reply
    6. Erlinda

      March 18, 2023 at 2:41 pm

      Have u made Magdalena’s? If u have could u please show us how they r made? Thank u for ur recipes. Great cookies.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 28, 2023 at 8:30 am

        Thanks for suggesting Magdalenas and I’m glad to hear you liked the Mexican Wedding Cookies recipe.

        Reply
    7. Claudia

      December 28, 2022 at 3:06 pm

      5 stars
      Definitely making these again. I opted for the 1/2 tbsp size cookies.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        January 06, 2023 at 11:32 am

        Yay! Glad you enjoyed this recipe.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

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    iBienvenidos! I'm Maggie. Welcome to my blog! My passion is authentic Mexican food and traveling throughout Mexico to bring you the very BEST in culture and cuisine.

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