Polvorones

Yesterday was spent wrapping presents, watching Christmas movies on TV, and baking. It was a lovely Sunday, with the exception that hubby was on call at the hospital all day. =( Luckily, coming from a family of doctors prepared me for this, and I took the opportunity to wrap his Christmas gifts and bake him something really yummy to munch on when he came back.

Polvorones are the traditional Christmas cookies we make back home in Dominican Republic. Variations of these are made in different parts of the world, the most similar one being the Mexican Wedding Cookie. In English the translation for Polvorones would be something like Powder Balls, and it's pretty obvious why. These are the cookies everyone gives out as treats and gifts, mainly because they're soooo good! But they are also extremely easy to make.

Polvorones

• 1 cup of butter (2 sticks)
  
• 5 tablespoons of confectioners sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla or almond extract
  
• 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of chopped walnuts
• More confectioners sugar, for dusting
  

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a bowl, mix the butter (make sure it's soft) with the sugar and beat well. (You can use a hand mixer, but it's not necessary. A wooden spoon or spatula will work perfectly if the butter is soft.)

3. Add the vanilla or almond extract, the flour and finally the walnuts. Use your hands to mix the dough well and then start making little balls in the desired size. I make them about an inch in diameter. You can also use a small ice cream scoop or melon baller to measure out the amount of dough and make sure they all come out the same size.

4. Place the cookies on a buttered cookie sheet, leaving about 1.5 inches between each one and bake for 15-18 minutes. Do not let them brown! Right after removing from the oven, carefully (so they don't break) place the cookies in a bowl, sprinkle them with confectioners sugar and roll them about so they get completely covered.

5. Store in an airtight container at room temperature and they will keep for several days. But I doubt they'll last that long! They're just too yummy! Place them in cellophane bag with some pretty ribbon and you've got the perfect treat to give out to friends, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone else you wish. Happy eating!

*This recipe makes about 40 1-inch sized cookies.


"Nehemiah said: Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10