Hojarascas (Mexican Shortbread Cookies)
Hojarascas are delightful Mexican cookies often referred to as wedding cookies. They come with various names across different regions of Mexico, much like other traditional pan dulce. While adding pecans is a modern twist, they can be omitted to keep the recipe authentic. The secret to their delicious flavor is using freshly ground cinnamon, preferably Ceylon, which is common in Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients
- 🥣 1 3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
- 🍬 3⁄4 cup sugar
- 🧴 3⁄4 cup vegetable shortening
- 🌿 1 tsp cinnamon
- 🥚 1 egg
- 🌰 1⁄2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 🍯 Cinnamon-sugar mixture (4x sugar, 1x cinnamon)
Instructions
1- Preheat Oven:
- Set your oven to 360°F (180°C).
2- Mix Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Use either a manual or electric mixer and mix until you achieve a smooth, slightly sticky dough. If using pecans, incorporate them at this step, ensuring they are well mixed in.
3- Prepare Work Surface:
- Lightly dust your work surface with flour, then place the dough on it.
4- Roll Dough:
- Roll the dough into one or two long strips resembling the thickness of a quarter coin.
5- Cutting:
- Slice the dough strips into 1⁄2 inch pieces with a knife. Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure there's enough space (about two fingers apart) between each piece to allow for expansion during baking.
6- Bake:
- Bake the dough pieces for approximately 20 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
7- Cool & Coat:
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly until they are comfortable to touch. While still warm, place them in a bowl and coat them generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
8- Serve:
- Once coated, these delightful cookies are ready to be served and enjoyed!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: Makes around 24 cookies.
Equipment:
- Oven
- Mixing bowl
- Mixer (manual or electric)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Knife
Cooking Tips:
- For the best flavor, grind the cinnamon fresh using a coffee grinder.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour until it’s manageable without sticking to your fingers.
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