Spanish Almond Cookies Polvorones

Hi Bold Bakers! Polvorones are a wonderful cookie to add to your dessert tray around the holiday season! My homemade polvorones, also known as Spanish Almond Cookies, are deliciously nutty and very delicate — the texture and flavor are incredible together. They’re not too sweet and have a fantastic crumbly texture, which makes sense because they come from the Spanish word “polvo,” meaning powder or dust! Already have an account? These cookies are gaining more and more popularity around the world, but they’re especially popular in places like Cuba, the Phillippines, the United States, and of course, Spain, where they’re a holiday favorite. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a type of Spanish shortbread that is typically made with nuts — usually almonds. If you’re a fan of nutty, delicate, beautiful little cookies, you have to give these a go!

What Are Polvorones?

Polvorones are a “mantecado,” which is a type of Spanish shortbread made with pork fat. Now, however, the pork fat is usually replaced with shortening or butter. In this recipe, I use butter! They were traditionally only made from September to January, but they’re now available every month of the year.

What You Need To Make Polvorones

Measuring Cups and Spoons Electric mixer Mixing bowls 2-inch (5cm) round cookie cutter Two baking sheets Parchment paper

How To Make Polvorones (Spanish Almond Cookies)

Making these delicious Spanish almond cookies is so easy — and they make lovely edible Christmas gifts! Here is how you make polvorones (and don’t forget to get the full recipe with measurements, on the page down below):

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Polvorones

This dough can be crumbly and difficult to handle. After rolling and cutting, use a spatula to transfer the cookies to the baking sheets. You can make your own almond flour by following my tips here! All you need are ¾ cup (3¾oz/106g) of almonds and a food processor. You can also try to make these cookies with an equal amount of finely ground walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans instead of almonds. If the dough is too difficult to handle, scoop small balls of the dough, roll them in your hands, place on the cookie sheet, and use the bottom of a glass to flatten them. In Spain, you can find polvorones individually wrapped in special paper. If you would like to give these as gifts, you can look for colorful food-grade bakery paper to wrap the cookies!