Mexican Christmas Cookies (Cozy, Buttery & Dusted with Sugar)

Instructions

Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.

Cream the Butter & Sugar

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This may take 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract. If using optional flavorings like ground anise or finely grated orange zest, add them here to infuse the butter mixture with aromatic notes.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Sifting helps avoid clumps and ensures even spice distribution.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture into the butter mixture, stirring until a soft, pliable dough forms. If the dough feels too crumbly, press it together with your hands until smooth.

Shape the Cookies

6. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Gently flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass or your palm. This gives the cookies their classic rounded shape with a slightly domed top.
   

   Bake