25 Irresistible Traditional Mexican Cookie Recipes: Authentic Sweet Treats for Every Occasion

Mexican cuisine is renowned worldwide for its vibrant flavors and rich culinary heritage, and its desserts are truly no exception. This delightful collection brings together a spectacular assortment of traditional Mexican cookie recipes that are perfect for any gathering, holiday celebration, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. From delicate, melt-in-your-mouth Mexican wedding cookies to comforting, cinnamon-spiced delights, you’ll discover a world of irresistible flavors and textures. Get ready to explore these authentic recipes, many of which are surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to become new family favorites. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, these homemade Mexican cookies offer a delicious journey into the heart of Mexican sweets.

I have carefully curated this list to bring you the best and most beloved Mexican cookie recipes. These traditional treats are not only incredibly delicious but also straightforward to prepare, ensuring they’ll be a huge hit with everyone. The next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and authentic, look no further than these amazing cookie recipes and delightful Mexican Sweet Bread. We also adore exploring Easy Mexican Dessert Recipes that bring the taste of Mexico right into your kitchen.

So, preheat your ovens, grab your baking sheets, and prepare to embark on a sweet adventure with these incredible traditional Mexican cookie recipes. Each bite tells a story of flavor, tradition, and culinary passion.

Why We Love These Traditional Mexican Cookie Recipes

Mexican cookies are more than just simple desserts; they are a vibrant celebration of rich culinary heritage, deeply rooted in festive traditions and cherished family gatherings. We absolutely adore these recipes for their incredible versatility, comforting flavors, and the joy they bring to any table. Many of these delightful treats boast straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions, making them accessible even for novice bakers. Yet, they consistently deliver authentic, complex, and utterly satisfying tastes that transport you straight to Mexico.

This carefully curated list offers a fantastic variety, from light and airy shortbreads that melt in your mouth to richly spiced and decadent creations. Whether you’re planning a grand fiesta, a cozy family dinner, celebrating Christmas or Cinco de Mayo, or simply craving a sweet escape, these traditional Mexican cookies fit every occasion. Be warned, though: with so many tempting options, the hardest part will undoubtedly be deciding which delightful treat to bake first!

1. Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie

While often associated with American baking, the Snickerdoodle’s irresistible blend of cinnamon and sugar makes it a beloved “honorary” Mexican-style cookie, echoing the spice profiles found in many traditional Mexican sweets. These soft, chewy cookies are coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar mixture, resulting in a perfectly balanced and incredibly comforting treat. They are easy to make and a fantastic introduction to spiced cookies.

2. Snowball Cookies

These delicate, buttery cookies, often known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, are a staple for any celebration. Their tender, crumbly texture and generous dusting of powdered sugar evoke a beautiful “snowball” appearance. Each bite is a delightful combination of rich butter and finely ground nuts, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is simply irresistible. They are a classic festive treat.

Snowball Cookies

Your family will absolutely adore this Snowball cookies recipe. Each bite is wonderfully buttery and incredibly delicious, finished with a generous layer of powdered sugar. They are so good, we’re always looking for an excuse to bake these festive snowball cookies.

Snowball Cookies

3. Polvorones

Polvorones are a type of shortbread cookie, known for their distinct crumbly texture (from “polvo,” meaning dust). These bite-sized treats are made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and fat, often flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. They are incredibly popular in Mexico, especially during holidays, offering a subtly sweet and deeply satisfying experience that truly melts in your mouth.

Polvorones

These yummy little crumbly cakes are somewhat similar to pie crust but a little cakier and a little crumblier. They are pretty much balls of butter, flour, and sugar flavored with a little bit of cinnamon and vanilla, making them a delightful and easy-to-love treat.

Polvorones

4. Chorreadas Piloncillo Cookies

For a truly traditional Mexican cookie experience, try Chorreadas Piloncillo Cookies. These rustic delights feature a sweet, molasses-like flavor from piloncillo (unrefined whole cane sugar), which melts and “drips” over the cookie during baking, creating a messy but utterly delicious sugary topping. Each cookie offers a delightful texture and a unique caramel-like sweetness that’s deeply comforting.

Chorreadas Piloncillo Cookies

The melted “Piloncillo” chunks give these cookies a deliciously messy look, but they are absolutely the best and most flavorful part as you eat them. In Mexico, these cookies are called “Chorreadas de Piloncillo”, meaning the piloncillo has melted and leaked on top of the cookie, creating a wonderfully sugary mess!

Chorreadas Piloncillo Cookies

5. Biscochitos

Biscochitos are the official state cookie of New Mexico, and these anise-flavored, shortbread-like cookies are truly a sight to behold and a joy to eat. Often cut into beautiful shapes like stars or fleurs-de-lis and coated in cinnamon sugar, they are not only visually gorgeous but also boast a unique, delicate flavor profile. This recipe brings together a rich tradition with fantastic taste, perfect for festive occasions or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee.

Biscochitos

Biscochitos (sometimes spelled Bizcochitos) are a beloved New Mexican treat. While not originally from New Mexico, this author has lived here for more than half her life, feeling deeply rooted. These days, she definitely considers herself a New Mexican through and through, and this recipe shares the essence of this beloved state cookie.

Biscochitos

6. Galletas de Nuez

Galletas de Nuez, or Walnut Cookies, are very similar to Mexican Wedding Cookies and are equally divine. This recipe creates a heavenly flour mixture that results in crunchy little cookies that truly melt in your mouth. Packed with the rich flavor of finely ground nuts, they offer a delicate and buttery experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Simple to make, yet incredibly impressive.

Galletas de Nuez

Galletitas De Nuez (Mexican Wedding Cookies) are wonderfully crunchy little cookies that truly melt in your mouth. The recipe is quick, simple, and absolutely fantastic for any occasion, from holidays to casual get-togethers.

Galletas de Nuez

7. Coyotas

Hailing from the state of Sonora, Coyotas are flat, filled cookies that are utterly delicious and surprisingly simple to make at home. These gorgeous, golden-brown discs typically feature a decadent piloncillo (brown sugar) filling, offering a rich, caramel-like sweetness within a tender, flaky crust. Once you try them, you’ll understand why these traditional Mexican cookies are so addictive!

Coyotas

Let me introduce you to Coyotas, a flat and filled kind of cookie from the state of Sonora in Mexico. These cookies are delicious and so simple to make at home, but be aware: They’re addictive! You’ll find yourself reaching for more.

Coyotas

8. Coricos (Sonoran Corn Cookies)

Coricos are a unique and delicious type of cookie made primarily with corn flour, making them a popular treat, especially in the northern states of Mexico like Sonora. These crispy delights offer a subtle sweetness and a distinct corn flavor, making them the perfect pairing with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Each bite is wonderfully crispy and so tasty, ideal for dipping into your morning brew or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Coricos

Coricos are a type of cookie made with corn flour and are a popular treat in the northern states of Mexico, particularly Sonora. These crispy treats are perfect for dipping into coffee or hot chocolate, offering a unique and satisfying flavor experience.

Coricos

9. Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

These Mexican Cinnamon Cookies are a celebration of one of the most beloved spices in Mexican cuisine. With a delicate, buttery base, these sugar cookies are generously coated in a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping that is utterly delicious. They are incredibly easy to make, especially when using a stand mixer, and result in a fragrant, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s perfect for any time of day.

Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

Easy Mexican Cinnamon Cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth buttery cinnamon-flavored sugar cookies recipe with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating. These are a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat.

Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

10. Espejo Mexican Cookie

Espejos, which means “mirrors” in Spanish, are a popular type of Mexican pan dulce that can also be made into a delicious cookie. This recipe features a tender, often glazed base, sometimes with a clear or colorful center resembling a mirror. With easy step-by-step instructions, anyone can master this classic dessert, which is far simpler to create at home than you might imagine, yielding a beautiful and tasty treat.

Espejo Mexican Cookie

This Espejo Mexican cookie recipe is incredibly easy to follow. Espejos, Spanish for mirrors, are a popular Mexican pan dulce. Learn how to make them at home step by step – they are much easier than you might think, resulting in a beautiful and delicious treat.

Espejo Mexican Cookie

11. Chewy Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

For chocolate lovers, these Chewy Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies are an absolute dream. These soft and delicious cookies are loaded with rich chocolate flavor, often enhanced with hints of cinnamon and a touch of cayenne pepper for that signature Mexican hot chocolate kick. Baking them on parchment paper ensures easy cleanup and perfectly baked bottoms. They offer a warm, spiced chocolate experience that truly stands out.

Chewy Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

These cookies are soft and chewy, reminiscent of a molasses cookie. By blooming the cocoa in warm butter, you achieve a deep, rich chocolate flavor. The hint of spice and heat from the cinnamon and cayenne truly makes this cookie stand out, offering a unique and memorable taste experience.

Chewy Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

12. Mexican Sprinkle Cookies (Galletas de Grageas)

Mexican Sprinkle Cookies, or “Galletas de Grageas,” are as joyful to look at as they are to eat! These festive cookies are often crunchy on the outside with a soft, buttery inside, and are generously adorned with colorful sprinkles. Best of all, they can be made in less than 30 minutes, resulting in a vibrant, tasty cookie that’s perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply brightening up your day. Their cheerful colors make them a hit with all ages.

Mexican Sprinkle Cookies

These vegan Mexican sprinkle cookies (galletas de grageas) are crunchy on the outside with a soft, buttery inside. Made in under 30 minutes and with just 7 ingredients, you’ll be lucky if you can stop at just one! They are a delightful and quick treat.

Mexican Sprinkle Cookies

13. Galletas Mexican Cookie

“Galletas” simply means cookies in Spanish, and this particular recipe often refers to a versatile base for many traditional Mexican cookies, especially those used for festive decorations. Combine the fun of making these delicious cookies with learning about different cultural traditions around the world. It’s the perfect combination for educational fun and a tasty snack, making them ideal for holiday crafting and baking.

Galletas Mexican Cookie

There are so many great ways to teach your children about the holiday season, and one of our favorites is by making Christmas cookies from around the world. These Galletas are a great way to learn about different Christmas traditions and can also be a fun act of kindness activity.

Galletas Mexican Cookie

14. Marranitos (Puerquitos)

Marranitos, affectionately known as “little pigs” or Puerquitos, are one of the most iconic and beloved Mexican sweet breads. These charming, pig-shaped cookies are soft, chewy, and infused with the rich, caramel-like sweetness of piloncillo and warm spices like ginger and cinnamon. Their unique texture and delightful flavor make them a staple in Mexican panaderías and a must-try for anyone exploring traditional Mexican baked goods. Make this cookie today and discover why it’s such a popular choice!

Marranitos (Puerquitos)

Marranitos (Puerquitos) are soft and chewy Mexican piggy cookies. Made with piloncillo, a blend of warm spices, and plenty of butter for the best flavor, it’s no wonder they are one of the most popular Mexican sweet breads, enjoyed by many as a comforting treat.

Marranitos (Puerquitos)

15. Hojarascas (Mexican Shortbread Cookies)

Hojarascas are delightful Mexican shortbread cookies, renowned for their tender, crumbly texture and irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating. This gorgeous recipe is surprisingly simple, calling for basic ingredients such as all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The key is to achieve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth consistency, making them a festive and comforting treat often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. They are truly heavenly.

Hojarascas (Mexican Shortbread Cookies)

Hojarascas are yummy Mexican shortbread cookies covered in a sweet cinnamon and sugar coating. Make a few dozen because one batch is just never enough! This recipe from Mama Maggie’s Kitchen will surely delight.

Hojarascas (Mexican Shortbread Cookies)

16. Coconut-Lime Mexican Wedding Cookies

Give the classic Mexican Wedding Cookies a tropical twist with these Coconut-Lime variations. The vibrant flavors of coconut and refreshing lime combine incredibly well with the traditional buttery, nutty shortbread base. While the recipe often uses pecans, you can easily substitute walnuts or almonds for a slightly different nuance. These cookies are crisp, shortbread-like, and wonderfully fragrant, perfect for a unique treat that’s bursting with flavor.

Coconut-Lime Mexican Wedding Cookies

These cookies are popular all over the world and known by different names, such as snowballs, butter balls, or Russian tea cakes. They are crisp, shortbread-like cookies made from ground nuts, flour, butter, and sugar. This version is uniquely flavored with refreshing lime, crunchy pecans, and aromatic ground coconut for an exciting twist.

Coconut-Lime Mexican Wedding Cookies

17. Mexican Tricolor Shortbread Cookies

Celebrate with a burst of color and flavor with these Mexican Tricolor Shortbread Cookies! These visually stunning cookies, often representing the colors of the Mexican flag, are not only beautiful but each bite is perfectly flavored and boasts the best crumbly texture that truly melts in your mouth. They look incredibly fancy, making them perfect for any fiesta or patriotic event, yet they are surprisingly easy to create at home. A sweet tribute to Mexican culture.

Mexican Tricolor Shortbread Cookies

These Mexican shortbread cookies are simple to make, and the flavor is sweet with a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. The traditional recipe often calls for ingredients such as confectioners’ sugar, vegetable shortening, or pork lard, creating an authentic and delightful treat.

Mexican Tricolor Shortbread Cookies

18. Mexican Chocolate Haystack Cookies

If you’re a fan of classic no-bake Haystack cookies, you absolutely must try this Mexican Chocolate version. These crunchy, chocolatey clusters typically incorporate a hint of cinnamon and sometimes a touch of chili for that distinctive Mexican chocolate flavor. They are incredibly easy to make, require no oven, and are a fun project for kids. The combination of crispy chow mein noodles and rich, spiced chocolate creates an irresistible treat.

Mexican Chocolate Haystack Cookies

One of my favorites to make were chocolate haystacks. They are so simple to make: chocolate and chow mein noodles, that’s it, and the best part is there is no baking involved. It’s the perfect cookie for children to help make, offering a fun and delicious activity.

Mexican Chocolate Haystack Cookies

19. Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles

For a truly decadent, no-bake treat with a kick, these Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles are ideal. These rich truffles take the beloved chocolate chip cookie dough and infuse it with warm spices like cinnamon and a surprising touch of cayenne pepper for an extra, exciting warmth. Rolled into bite-sized balls and often coated in more chocolate, they are an elegant and intensely flavored dessert that will impress any guest. The perfect blend of sweet and spicy.

Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles

In addition to classic truffles and mini whoopie pies, these Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles were a highlight. Based on a variation of a basic cookie dough recipe, this one is rich chocolate with an exciting kick of cinnamon and cayenne pepper, making them a unique and memorable dessert.

Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles

20. Mexican Mocha Crinkle Cookies

Crinkle Cookies are famously easy to make, and this Mexican Mocha version elevates them with rich coffee and chocolate flavors, often enhanced with a secret ingredient: a touch of cayenne pepper! This subtle heat combined with warm cinnamon creates a complex and irresistible profile, reminiscent of a spiced mocha drink. The crinkled, powdered sugar-dusted exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy interior, making these a truly special cookie.

Mexican Mocha Crinkle Cookies

I have always been fascinated with the idea of adding peppers and chocolate together. Since I started watching baking shows and saw someone add cayenne peppers to a baked dessert, I knew I would have to try this sometime, resulting in these delightful Mexican Mocha Crinkle Cookies.

Mexican Mocha Crinkle Cookies

21. Mexican Sugar Cookies

Mexican Sugar Cookies are a celebration of simplicity and vibrant artistry. These classic cookies, often decorated with bright, cheerful colors and intricate designs, are perfect for special occasions like fiestas, birthdays, or Dia de los Muertos. Made with traditional baking ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour, they keep things delightfully simple, classic, and always tasty. Their versatility allows for endless creative decoration, making them fun to bake and share.

Mexican Sugar Cookies

Not only are these cookies fun to make, but they taste wonderful as well. Loaded with traditional baking ingredients like sugar, butter, and flour, these sugar cookies keep things simple, classic, and incredibly tasty. They are a delightful canvas for creativity.

Mexican Sugar Cookies

22. Mexican Dress Cookies

Mexican Dress Cookies are truly a work of edible art, inspired by the colorful and intricate designs of traditional Mexican folk dresses. While they might require a bit more artistic flair with frosting, these sugar cookies are definitely a must-try for your next fiesta or themed party. They are so gorgeous and celebratory, making them a stunning centerpiece and a delicious conversation starter. Impress your guests with these beautiful, edible masterpieces.

Mexican Dress Cookies

These cookies aren’t quite as beautiful as the real thing, but they’re definitely a close second. So, when planning your next fiesta, be sure to add these stunning and delicious Mexican Dress Cookies to the refreshment list!

Mexican Dress Cookies

23. Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies (Alfajores)

Known as Alfajores, these delicate sandwich cookies are a beloved treat across Latin America, and Mexico is no exception. Two tender, crumbly cookies are brought together with a luscious, rich filling of dulce de leche, a thick, sweet caramel-like milk jam. The combination creates a truly indulgent and utterly delicious cookie experience that is both elegant and deeply satisfying. They are the kind of cookies that almost anyone will be tempted by.

Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies

Crumbly, tender cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche – alfajores are the kind of cookies that almost anyone will be tempted by. Welcome to your next cookie plate must-have, perfect for sharing or a personal indulgence.

Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies

24. Mexican Pink Cookies

These charming Mexican Pink Cookies are visually delightful and wonderfully delicious. With their perfectly tender, crumbly texture and signature pink hue, they are a fantastic dessert for a wide range of occasions. From lively Cinco de Mayo celebrations to elegant baby showers and even weddings, these vibrant cookies will be the star of the show. Their subtle sweetness and appealing color make them an instant favorite.

Mexican Pink Cookies

Perfectly tender with a crumbly texture, these Mexican Pink Cookies will melt in your mouth! They’ll be the star of the show for Cinco de Mayo, baby showers, and weddings, adding a festive and delicious touch to any event!

Mexican Pink Cookies

25. Chocolate-Filled Mexican Wedding Cookies

For those who adore chocolate, this version of Mexican Wedding Cookies is an absolute game-changer. Imagine the classic buttery, nutty shortbread, but with a surprise decadent chocolate filling nestled within! These cookies are a delightful twist on a beloved tradition, adding an extra layer of richness and indulgence. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any special gathering, you can cover them in plastic wrap to keep them fresh for your festivities. Chocolate lovers will truly go crazy over these!

Chocolate-Filled Mexican Wedding Cookies

Mexican Wedding Cookies are one of the quintessential Christmas cookies out there. Besides decorated sugar cookies and gingerbread men, they are definitely what comes to mind when I think of holiday sweets. This chocolate-filled version adds an irresistible twist to the classic.

Chocolate-Filled Mexican Wedding Cookies

We hope you’ve enjoyed this sweet journey through some of Mexico’s most beloved cookie traditions. Which one of these yummy Traditional Mexican Cookies will you make first? Please leave a comment below and let us know your favorite or if you have any other authentic recipes to share! Happy baking!