Indulge in the rich flavors of Spain’s hidden gem: its decadent cookie selection! This compilation showcases 17 mouthwatering recipes that will transport your taste buds to the Iberian Peninsula. From crumbly sweet treats to cocoa-infused delights, these Spanish biscuits are sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
While paella and gazpacho may be the first dishes that come to mind when thinking of Spanish cuisine, it’s time to give its indulgent pastries and cookies the spotlight.
Say goodbye to traditional Tarta De Santiago and Quesada Pasiega, and hello to these chewy, cocoa-dusted, and chocolate-filled treats.
Cocoa lovers, rejoice! Whip up a batch of rich Cocoa Polvorones. Chocolate enthusiasts, impress your friends with Spanish Chocolate Chip Cookies. And for those seeking something sweet and crumbly, Mazapan is the perfect treat.
Whether you’re looking to add more cookie recipes to your cookbook or want to put a Spanish spin on your snack or dessert table, these cookies are sure to delight. So go ahead, indulge in this endless array of cookie goodness!
Yema
This delectable dessert is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy bakers. Simply whisk together egg yolks, condensed milk, and a hint of lime zest, along with the warmth of vanilla essence. Then, cook the mixture in a non-stick pan over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. This show-stopping sweet treat is traditionally presented in a pyramid shape, wrapped in vibrant plastic wrap that adds an extra layer of visual appeal.
To give it some added texture and crunch, feel free to add nuts for a delightful contrast.
Spanish Almond Cookies
With every bite, these cookies unfold a symphony of flavors courtesy of vanilla extract and crunchy Spanish almonds. To add an extra layer of indulgence, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm cup of coffee or tea, or a refreshing glass of milk, these cookies are sure to pair perfectly.
Mantecados
Indulge in the delightful charm of traditional Spanish shortbread cookies, beloved by many on holidays and savored all year round. These sweet treats may seem like a special occasion-only indulgence, but they’re surprisingly easy to prepare and require only a handful of ingredients and some time. For an added crunch, consider incorporating almond halves into your baking process.
Spanish Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in a festive fusion with these Spanish-inspired chocolate chip cookies that perfectly complement your holiday spread. With their endless possibilities for customization, you can easily transform this classic treat into a unique showstopper. Consider adding white chocolate chips to balance the rich flavors or chopped walnuts and colorful M&M’s – regular or peanut varieties – to create a visually appealing medley.
And when it comes time to serve, pair them with a warm cup of Spanish hot chocolate for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Mazapan
Indulge in the delightful taste of Mazapan, a sweet and crumbly candy that’s sure to become your go-to dessert for any special celebration. This delectable treat comes together seamlessly by blending just two fundamental ingredients – roasted peanuts and powdered sugar – in a food processor. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, consider adding melted chocolate to the mix, as it adds a luxurious creaminess that elevates this candy to new heights.
Alfajores
The term Alfajores refers to a type of shortbread cookie that’s renowned for its sweet and indulgent nature. These treats are typically filled with dulce de leche or caramelized milk, resulting in an unparalleled gastronomic experience. One of the most alluring aspects of Alfajores is their visually stunning appearance, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
In this recipe, we’ve taken the liberty of using store-bought filling to simplify the process, ideal for busy holiday seasons when time is of the essence. In contrast, the shortbread component is crafted from a delicate cornstarch and flour base, imparting a sublime lightness to each cookie. This harmonious blend of textures and flavors makes Alfajores an absolute delight to savor.
Mantecaditos Puerto Rican Cookies
The festive magic of Puerto Rican cookies, Mantecaditos, lies in their simplicity. These tender morsels, characterized by their crisp texture and rich butteriness, are a holiday season staple that’s as much about tradition as it is about indulgence. At its core, the recipe relies on three key elements: fat, flavoring, and toppings. The trifecta of lard, shortening, and butter provides a robust foundation for the cookies’ tender crumb.
For added depth, you can incorporate almond or vanilla extract to evoke a sense of warmth and coziness. Finally, sweet guava paste and nonpareils offer a pop of color and a touch of whimsy, elevating these humble cookies into a holiday treat that’s sure to delight.
Nevaditos
Nevaditos are a staple at many Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, often taking center stage on the dining table. While they can be enjoyed on their own, adding a few pieces of nougat can elevate them to an entirely new level of decadence. The best part? These treats require minimal effort, as no kneading is necessary. To take it up a notch, simply sprinkle some icing sugar over the Nevaditos and you’re ready to impress.
Congratulations on adding a touch of elegance to your holiday gatherings!
Biscochitos
Imagining a dessert that combines the warmth of aromatic cinnamon, the sweetness of anise, and the simplicity of sugar may seem like a tall order, but these shortbread cookies deliver on that promise. Unlike a traditional 30-minute dessert, these bite-sized treats offer a subtle sweetness and a unique flavor profile that’s both light and crunchy in texture. The secret to their success lies in mixing the dry ingredients separately, which helps counteract the dough’s tendency to become tough.
Tortas De Aceite
Indulge in the reimagined Spanish classic, tortas de Aceite, which boasts an airy texture that dissolves effortlessly on your palate. The addition of fennel seeds and cacao lends the pastries a captivating aroma, redolent with warm sweetness, while the earthy undertones evoke a satisfying nutty flavor. As you savor each delicate disc, consider finishing them off with a light dusting of refined sugar for an added touch of indulgence.
Polvorones
Traditional Spanish cookies are a staple during the Yuletide season, their crumbly texture and irresistible taste making them a beloved treat. The dough can be crafted using all-purpose flour, almond flour, powdered sugar, lard, or butter as a base, before being infused with the complexity of flavors from cocoa, cinnamon, and lemon.
Chiscotti Con Chocolate
Indulge in the harmonious fusion of Spanish churros’ cinnamon warmth and Italian biscotti’s crunchy sweetness as you savor each bite of these decadent chocolate chip churro biscotti. While they’re undoubtedly delightful on their own, the experience is elevated by pairing them with a rich cup of hot chocolate, a velvety mocha, or a bold black coffee.
Venezuelan Chocolate Marquesa
This indulgent dessert is crafted from layers of Galletas Maria (Marie biscuits) and a rich butter-based cream, providing a delightful contrast of textures. The crowning glory is a drizzle of melted dark chocolate and a sprinkle of slivered almonds, adding an air of opulence to the entire treat. One of its greatest advantages is that it can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for special occasions or last-minute gatherings.
Borrachuelos
The traditional Spanish sweet, Borrachuelos, is made from a delicate dough comprising dry white wine, flour, lemon zest, anise seeds, and sunflower oil. After frying the thin pieces until crispy, they’re then bathed in a sweet syrup. To add a pop of color and extra flavor, top each Borrachuelo with sprinkles before serving. This recipe yields approximately 90 individual treats, making it perfect for large gatherings – simply double the ingredients if you need to feed a massive crowd.
Spiced Cocoa Polvorones
Elevate your cookie experience with these heavenly treats that combine the best of both worlds: sweet and spicy. A hint of powdered sugar adds a touch of frosting-like indulgence, while a blend of cocoa powder, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper provides a rich, chocolate-inspired flavor profile. The cookies’ other defining characteristics include toasted pecans, molasses, muscovado sugar, and a hint of vanilla, which subtly introduces a floral undertone.
Rosquillas
The allure of Spanish doughnuts, or rosquillas, lies in their unique texture – a perfect balance of crispy and fluffy. To create these delightful treats, you’ll need a combination of flour, sugar, eggs, lemon, butter, oil, and baking powder. Unlike their American counterparts, rosquillas are smaller and more refined, making them a charming addition to any dessert spread.
When served with chocolate syrup and cold beverages on the side, topped with a dusting of white sugar, this dessert truly shines.
Panellets
Indulge in the sweet pleasure of effortlessly baked cookies at your next gathering, with minimal fuss and a few essential ingredients. Almond flour, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and your preferred toppings are all you need to create a delectable treat. The beauty of these Panellets lies in their warm, fresh-from-the-oven goodness. When you’re ready to share or store them for later, simply place them in an airtight container, where they’ll remain deliciously fresh for several days or even weeks.
The bottom line
Spain’s culinary reputation isn’t limited to its vibrant and delectable savory dishes. The country also boasts an impressive array of delicious cookies, including Yema and Panellets. What’s more, these sweet treats are surprisingly easy to prepare. Once you’ve tried one, you’ll be hooked and continue to make them again and again. For those searching for a taste of Spain, this list presents 17 authentic cookie recipes that are sure to satisfy any cookie lover.
