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The Best Little Cookies in the 4 Corner States

Biscochitos! New Mexico's simplest, most delicious cookie that will become an instant holiday favorite!

By Taylor MichellePublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Biscochitos (sometimes written Bizcochitos): flaky, buttery, dusted with cinnamon sugar goodness and just the right amount of spice! If you've never tried these golden treasures...you're not alone, but you're missing out. These shortbread-like cookies are a well-kept, secret New Mexican staple. They are so delicious in fact, that they were named the official state cookie! If you live outside of the US four-corner states, it's likely you've never even heard the name biscochito, so I'll tell you in advance: you're welcome! Easy to make, and sure to please! Once you make these beauties for your friends and family, they'll be asking for them every holiday. Just be careful, or your family may dub you the official holiday baker.

What's in a biscochito?

Biscochitos typically get their flavor from several unique ingredients that you won't want to miss: crushed anise seeds give this cookie their uniquely spice flavored edge, while traditional lard creates a golden and buttery texture. Yes, you heard that right! Traditional biscochitos are made with lard, but don't let that scare you away. The holidays are not the time to start that fad diet, so save it for New Year, and enjoy the authenticity (and ok, if you're really squeamish it's alright to substitute butter or vegetable shortening. But just know, you're instantly on Santa's naughty list if you present him biscochitos made without lard).

Ingredients:

Dry-

.3 cups flour

.1 1/2 tsp baking powder

.3 tsp crushed anise seeds (for best results, crush seeds using a mortar and pestle if you have one)

.Orange zest to taste (optional)

Wet Mixture-

.3/4 cup sugar

.1 1/4 cup lard

.1 large egg

.1 tsp vanilla extract (Use the good, pure stuff. Trust me.)

Topping-

.cinnamon sugar

You've gathered your ingredients...ready to cookie?

1. In a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Told ya this was easy; you're already baking!

2. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat sugar and lard (or equal amount butter/shortening) until fluffy. Once fluffy, add in egg and vanilla. Gradually add in dry mixture from step one. As soon as all ingredients are mixed, you will have a crumbly dough with a similar texture to pie crust.

3. The fun part! Using your hands, shape the dough into a ball. Make sure to incorporate any loose dough mixture as you go. Once your dough has been formed into a ball, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 min. This will make the dough easier to work with before you bake!

4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and prepare a baking sheet or pan with parchment paper. At this step, you can also prepare a bowl of cinnamon sugar (about 1 cup sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon, but you can modify this to your taste!), which you will use once your cookies are baked. Set aside for now.

5. Separate your dough into 3, approximately equal sized balls. If the mixture is too crumbly at this point, it may need to be kneeded longer until the texture is more consistent (don't we all need to be needed?). On a floured surface, roll out 1 ball at a time to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.

6. Use cookie cutters to make fun holiday shapes! Or, if you don't have cookie cutters, a shot glass will make adorable cookies in a perfect size (not to mention you may need them for an eggnog break! I won't judge).

7. Place your cookies on your lined baking sheet, and bake until just lightly golden (10-12 min), remove from oven. Allow cookies to cool on their pan for 10 minutes before attempting to remove them, or they will crumble.

8. Dust your cookies in cinnamon sugar by dunking them in your mixture, being sure to get both sides.

Eat, and enjoy!

Whether you eat them yourself, or share them with the rest of your family is completely up to you! I'm certain that biscochitos will become a new holiday staple you'll want to make year after year!

recipe
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About the Creator

Taylor Michelle

I've been told that writing is among my most successful skills. I disagree. Every writer needs an introspective heart, and a story to tell. Perhaps the true gifts are the experiences, and the ability to express the magic of everyday life

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