Every holiday season, the kitchen seems to call for warmth and familiar flavors, and Mexican Christmas Cookies capture that perfectly. On a chilly December morning, the aroma of cinnamon and butter filled the air as the dough was rolled into little balls. Watching the cookies bake, edges golden and slightly crisp, turned the simple act of baking into a joyful sensory experience.

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These cookies transform ordinary moments into small celebrations. A fresh tray makes mornings, tea breaks, or festive gatherings feel special. Each bite melts softly, with a sweet, spiced warmth that lingers and invites a pause to enjoy the season. The rhythm of mixing, rolling, baking, and coating in cinnamon-sugar brings a quiet, happy energy to the kitchen.

Their versatility adds to the fun, vanilla or almond extract can subtly shift the flavor, and shaping them into rounds or festive cutouts adds a playful touch. Sharing these cookies with family, friends, or neighbors spreads cheer effortlessly, turning each treat into a small gesture of connection and holiday joy.

Short Description

Mexican Christmas Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats coated in cinnamon sugar. Easy to make, festive, and perfect for sharing during the holidays.

Key Ingredients

For the Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract or ½ tsp almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp baking powder

For the Coating

½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon

Tools Needed

Mixing bowl
Handheld mixer or stand mixer
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Cooling rack
Small bowl for cinnamon-sugar coating

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together on medium speed until light, fluffy, and creamy, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Extract
Mix in the vanilla or almond extract, ensuring it’s fully incorporated for a gentle, aromatic flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Shape Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls, roughly 1 inch in diameter. For a uniform festive look, you can also use cookie cutouts.

Step 6: Bake
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. For smaller cookies, reduce baking time slightly to 10–12 minutes.

Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, gently toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly. The warmth helps the sugar adhere beautifully.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Transfer the coated cookies to a cooling rack. Once cooled, store in an airtight container or serve immediately with a festive beverage.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, even for busy holiday schedules

Melt-in-your-mouth texture with a delicate crunch from the coating

Perfectly spiced with cinnamon for a classic holiday flavor

Highly versatile, can be flavored with vanilla or almond extract

Ideal for gifting, parties, or cozy at-home treats

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overmixing the Dough
Overmixing can make the cookies dense and tough.
Solution: Mix only until the flour is incorporated, keeping the dough soft and tender.

Cookies Flattening Too Much
Some cookies may spread excessively in the oven.
Solution: Chill the dough briefly before baking to help maintain shape.

Uneven Coating
Sugar coating may not stick well if cookies cool too much.
Solution: Toss cookies in cinnamon sugar while still warm for the best adherence.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with hot cocoa, spiced tea, or a festive latte

Arrange on a holiday cookie platter with shortbread or gingerbread

Set up a decorating station for kids and adults during parties

Wrap individually as charming edible gifts or stocking stuffers

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week

For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months

Thaw at room temperature before decorating

Place a slice of soft bread in the container if cookies dry slightly to restore moisture

FAQs

1. Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
Yes, almond extract works beautifully and adds a slightly nutty flavor.

2. How do I keep the cookies soft?
Do not overbake, and store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, dough can be chilled for up to 3 days before baking.

4. Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in a 1:1 ratio.

5. How should I shape the cookies for a festive look?
Small balls are traditional, but you can also roll and cut shapes using cookie cutters for a holiday flair.

Tips & Tricks

Warm cookies slightly before tossing in cinnamon sugar for a better coating

Chill dough discs to make rolling and shaping easier

Use parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking and easy cleanup

Re-roll scraps to maximize yield

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Twist: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dough and coat with cinnamon-sugar.

Orange-Spiced: Mix in ½ tsp orange zest; sprinkle zest into cinnamon-sugar coating.

Nutty Cookies: Fold in ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.

Almond-Flavored: Replace vanilla with ½ tsp almond extract for a nutty aroma.

Mini Bites: Make ½-inch balls; bake 10–12 minutes for soft, bite-sized treats.

Final Thoughts

Serving these Mexican Christmas Cookies fresh from the oven is a treat that sparks joy instantly. The soft, buttery texture combined with the gentle warmth of cinnamon creates a comforting yet festive bite. Sharing them around the table invites smiles, stories, and a sense of connection that lingers beyond the holidays.

Even after the last cookie is gone, the memory of rolling dough, the cinnamon-sugar coating dusting your fingers, and the smell of spices filling the air remains. These cookies carry a small celebration in every bite, a way to pause, savor, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season with the people you care about.

Mexican Christmas Cookies