Mexican Shortbread Cookies

My abuela taught me that a warm kitchen fixes almost anything. Every December, she rolled out dough for Mexican shortbread cookies while I watched. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla filled her tiny kitchen.

Those Mexican shortbread cookies were never fancy. Yet they tasted like pure love. Now I make the same shortbread cookies for my own kids.

They stand by the oven, waiting for that first golden batch. Honestly, these Mexican shortbread cookies are the easiest cookies you will ever bake. You need just a few pantry staples.

Moreover, they melt in your mouth. So today, I am sharing my family’s treasured shortbread cookies recipe with you.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE FOR MEXICAN SHORTBREAD COOKIES

First, these Mexican shortbread cookies need only six ingredients. Second, you probably have them all right now. Third, they come together in one bowl.

Consequently, cleanup takes two minutes. Also, kids love shaping shortbread cookies into little rings or crescents. Furthermore, these Mexican shortbread cookies taste buttery and lightly sweet.

Finally, they freeze beautifully. Therefore, you can bake shortbread cookies anytime a craving strikes.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Ingredient	Amount
Unsalted butter, softened	1 cup
Powdered sugar	½ cup
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Ground cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon

SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS

You can swap butter for vegan butter. Then your Mexican shortbread become dairy-free. Also, try almond extract instead of vanilla.

For a chocolate twist, add two tablespoons of cocoa powder. Additionally, roll these Mexican shortbread cookies in cinnamon sugar after baking. Some families add orange zest. Honestly, every version of shortbread cookies tastes wonderful.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First, preheat your oven to 325°F. Then line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

Next, beat the butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. This takes about three minutes.

Step 3: Add Flavor

After that, mix in the vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Then add the flour slowly. Stir until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Now roll the dough into one-inch balls. Place them on the baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball with a fork.

Step 6: Bake

Finally, bake for 14 to 16 minutes. The edges should turn light golden. Cool these Mexican shortbread cookies on a wire rack.

PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• First, keep your butter at room temperature. Cold butter makes crumbly Mexican shortbread cookies.
• Second, do not overmix the dough.
• Third, chill the dough for 20 minutes if it feels sticky. Consequently, your shortbread cookies will hold their shape.
• Fourth, use a light-colored baking sheet. Dark sheets burn the bottoms.
• Finally, underbake slightly. These shortbread cookies firm up as they cool.

STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS

Store cooled Mexican shortbread cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh for one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.

To reheat, place frozen shortbread cookies in a 300°F oven for five minutes. Alternatively, enjoy them cold. Honestly, they taste great either way.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE

• First, serve these Mexican shortbread cookies with hot coffee.
• Second, pair them with Mexican hot chocolate.
• Third, dunk them in warm milk.
• Fourth, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Also, these shortbread cookies shine on holiday cookie platters.
• Furthermore, they make lovely gifts. Simply pack Mexican cookies in a pretty tin.

FAQS

Can I make shortbread cookies ahead of time?

Yes. You can freeze the dough for two months. Then slice and bake whenever you want fresh Mexican shortbread cookies.

Why did my Mexican shortbread cookies spread too much?

Your butter was too warm. Chill the dough for 20 minutes. Then bake again. Your Mexican shortbread cookies will keep their shape.

Are Mexican shortbread cookies gluten-free?

Not by default. However, you can use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend. The texture changes slightly, but these Mexican shortbread cookies still taste delicious.

NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	13g
Sugar	4g
Protein	1g

So preheat that oven. Grab your butter. Bake a batch of Mexican shortbread cookies today.

Then watch your family smile. After all, food is love. And these Mexican shortbread share that love one bite at a time.

Print