Mexican cuisine delights in its rich flavors and traditions, especially during the festive season. One staple during Christmas in Mexico is the delicious Hojarascas Navideñas, a delightful cinnamon-infused cookie that is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are easy to make and filled with warm, aromatic spices that will fill your home with the spirit of Christmas.
**Hojarascas Navideñas Christmas Hojarascas**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Additional powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
4. Gently fold in the chopped pecans into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed for a delightful crunch in every bite.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes such as stars, bells, or Christmas trees.
6. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake to retain that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the Hojarascas Navideñas have cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar for a festive touch. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, but they are sure to disappear quickly!
The delightful aroma of cinnamon and cloves will fill your home as you bake these delightful Hojarascas Navideñas. These Christmas cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones, gifting to friends, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace. Embrace the warmth and joy of the holiday season with these traditional Mexican treats that will surely become a favorite in your festive baking repertoire.
