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Black Sesame Polvorones and Spring Break

April 11, 2012 by Nancy Lopez-McHugh

cookies; black sesame; polvorones; shortbread cookies; Mexican; Asian; Fusion; Black Sesame Polvorones Cookies; Black Sesame Shortbread Cookies; baked; easy; fast; low butter; recipe; galletas de ajonjoli negro; galletas negras; grey cookies; black and white cookies; Fusion Shortbreads; Mexican Asian Fusion Cookies; Spicie Foodie

Polvorones are crumbly cookies found across Latin America, Spain and The Philippines. Some of you may know polvorones as Mexican wedding cookies. Those that are not familiar with the cookies think of them as a relative of shortbread cookies. Typically polvorones are made using flour, a fat like butter or even lard, sugar, sometimes milk, and ground nuts. Depending on the country they can be made using ground pecans, walnuts or even cashew nuts. Sometimes the polvorones are also coated in powdered sugar. Like many foods depending on the region and family the cookies can take on a different look. The commonality between them is that they are buttery, sweet and melt in your mouth.

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These polvorones you see before you are a Mexican-Asian fusion version. In fact they were inspired by my friend Maya, Foodiva’s Kitchen, whom lives in Asian. It was she who put the idea in my head to cook with black sesame seeds, an ingredient she often uses. Black sesame seeds are, as far as I know, not found in Mexican cooking but are common in Asian cuisine. Maya actually shared a couple of delicious polvoron recipes one of which included black sesame seeds. My recipe is a little different than hers but do stop by for her exotic array of polvoron flavors.

Growing up I remember polvorones being one of my mami’s (mom) favorite cookies. Though I can’t recall if they were homemade or store bought. What I do remember is that she loved- I mean really loved pecan polvorones. If you’ve ever tried them you’ll agree that they are simply one of the best cookies ever invented. Being my mother’s daughter polvorones are also a favorite cookie of mine. Actually when it comes to shortbread cookies I go weak in the knees, my self control goes out the window and I can’t stop eating those delicious buttery cookies.  Though as heavenly as they taste they are dangerous for the waistline. (Damn you butter why do you have to be like that?)

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When I make polvorones  I like tricking my brain. That is I satisfy the craving but to keep things a little healthier I make very small batches. On top of the small batches I make sure that the cookies are rolled out thinner, about half or a third, than the regular thicker cookies. Since the cookies are thinner you end up with a lot more cookies than you would with the thicker size. So you see in the end the craving and taste buds are silenced, and your waistline stays safe. Well, that is if  I you don’t eat the whole thin batch at once.

Let’s get baking.

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(**If you would like to publish my recipe on your website please quote Spicie Foodie as the recipe creator, and place a link back to the recipe.**)
Black Sesame Polvorones
Makes 10-12 thin and small cookie
1/2 cup a.p. flour
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
1/8 cup white sugar
pinch of salt
2 tbsp ground black sesame seeds (I ground up 1.5 tbsp whole seeds to get 2 tbs ground)

1. Preheat oven to 180 c or 356f and line a cookie sheet with baking paper. In a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and ground sesame seeds until well combined. Pour the melted butter into the bowl while stirring. Gather the crumbly dough and place on floured surface. Flatten out to an even level and use cookie cutters to cutout cookie shapes. Place on baking sheet and continue until all the dough has been used up.

Bake in center of oven for 8-10 minutes. Check after 8 minutes and do not allow cookies to brown.

See how quick and easy that was? You know you want some polvorones now, don’t you? Nod your head, Si, si.

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Now onto my Spring Break, I’m going on a small break. I’ll be back late next week and depending on how refreshed I feel I’ll have a new recipe for you either next Friday or the following Monday. I won’t be checking messages too often and mostly likely not visiting blogs, I’m hoping for a technology disconnect. See you soon and for now I leave you with this favorite sweet treat. 

 

Filed Under: Desserts-Sweets

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Comments

  1. Michelle says

    April 11, 2012 at 07:47

    They remind me of the japanese cookies i bought from kyotofu in new york. hehe.

    • Spicie Foodie says

      April 11, 2012 at 08:28

      Really, I’ll have to check them out.

  2. Rosa says

    April 11, 2012 at 08:08

    Those are lovely cookies and the pictures are wonderful!

    Have a great break and come back to us refreshed.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    • Spicie Foodie says

      April 11, 2012 at 08:29

      Hi Rosa,

      Thank you so much and I’ll try:)

  3. Jan says

    April 11, 2012 at 13:39

    I just love polvorones!

    • Spicie Foodie says

      April 11, 2012 at 17:33

      Me too:-)

  4. vianney says

    April 11, 2012 at 13:49

    Nancy, what a fusion of flavors!! How exciting to see these stunning polvorones this morning, I love them! The color, texture are amazing, what a hit. I will trying these SOON!! have a wonderful break, take care.

  5. Soma says

    April 11, 2012 at 14:23

    This spells gorgeousness.

  6. Priscilla M says

    April 11, 2012 at 14:29

    Gorgeous looking cookies, and awesome pictures :)

  7. Ruby says

    April 11, 2012 at 14:32

    Snap! These are amazingly like Arab ‘ghraibeh’, which I’m posting tomorrow! I would say ‘stop by and check them out’ but you’ll be off relaxing and I wouldn’t dream of trying to get in the way of that. They’ll wait.

    I love the cross-cultural creation you’ve made here, and the lovely near-monochrome pics. Hope you have a great break! :-)

  8. vianney says

    April 11, 2012 at 18:00

    loving these!!

  9. Ambika says

    April 11, 2012 at 18:03

    Wow!! Absolutely stunning Nancy!! Love the lighting this pic, amazing!

  10. Sandra says

    April 11, 2012 at 19:25

    What a stunning photo! Kudos to you Nancy for the recipe and the picture.

  11. susan says

    April 11, 2012 at 21:13

    these photos are stellar! and I am sure the cookies taste as good as they look~

  12. claudia @whats cookin italian cuisine says

    April 11, 2012 at 21:38

    Mesmerizing just fabulous photos you are a true artist!

  13. Suzanne Perazzini says

    April 11, 2012 at 21:52

    What a brilliant idea to put the pearls with these cookies. Who would have thought of that! Do you do a lot of work on your photos afterwards in Photoshop or Lightroom?

  14. ATasteOfMadness says

    April 12, 2012 at 12:46

    I love polvorones! These look delicious! And such beautiful photos!

  15. dassana says

    April 12, 2012 at 13:58

    stunning photos, nancy. first time to your site. i came from tastespotting. your photos have completely bowled me away. i cannot say anything… i am actually dumbfounded….

  16. Flavors of the Sun says

    April 12, 2012 at 21:38

    These are just so appealing in every way. First of all, the recipe sounds delicious. Secondly, your photos, as always, are just stunning!

  17. Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says

    April 12, 2012 at 22:43

    These are the most beautiful polvorones I’ve ever seen, no doubt. I loved them as a child–in fact, they’ve been on my mind the last few months. They’re so simple but such a delight to eat. Love the black sesame seed variation.

    These images are beautiful, Nancy!

  18. anna says

    April 13, 2012 at 02:17

    one of the things i love about asian cooking is the unusual colors. sesame black, matcha green, taro purple. they are so striking to a western eye. combining sesame with polvoron is genius.

  19. Jen Laceda | Tartine and Apron Strings says

    April 13, 2012 at 02:21

    i grew up in the philippines and polvorones are really popular (brought to us by Spain!). Wow, but these black sesame polvorones just took them to another level! stunning photography, as usual! see you around :) happy weekend!

  20. Ashley says

    April 13, 2012 at 10:10

    Looks wonderful! I sent you an award on my blog!

  21. Natalie says

    April 13, 2012 at 14:13

    WOW, these are beautiful!

  22. Katy@ learn to cook says

    April 13, 2012 at 22:06

    Very nice photos I love

  23. Shirley says

    April 14, 2012 at 01:28

    Simply too tempting!

  24. Gio of The Hungry Giant says

    April 14, 2012 at 04:31

    I’m a Filipino and I’ve had my fair share of polvorons. This looks simply amazing! :D

  25. Nami | Just One Cookbook says

    April 14, 2012 at 12:50

    Japanese have lots of black sesame sweets (pudding, cookies/sabres, ice cream, cake…) and I know I’d LOOOOOVE these cookies… quite dangerous around me. =) Your presentation of these cookies are stunning! I’m speechless looking at the photos… This is one of my favorite among your photos. ;-)

  26. easyfoodsmith says

    April 15, 2012 at 10:21

    Love anything sesame and your post is looking so inviting! Awesome clicks Nancy. Beautiful post :-)

  27. Laura @ Family Spice says

    April 15, 2012 at 13:00

    I love the addition of black sesame seeds! I’ve made similar cookies with almond meal and another with ground walnuts. I suppose we could think that the nuts make the cookie healthier???

  28. Yelena says

    April 16, 2012 at 00:54

    Amazing photos! Love the recipe.

  29. Marsha @ The Harried Cook says

    April 16, 2012 at 01:36

    Absolutely gorgeous, Nancy! I made black & white sesame cookies months ago, but they don’t look half as delicious as yours do! Thanks for sharing this recipe :)

  30. Pachecopatty says

    April 16, 2012 at 19:52

    Love, love the black sesame seeds in your polvorones!

  31. Magic of Spice says

    April 17, 2012 at 02:38

    These cookies are delightful, and the photos are stunning!
    Hope you are having a wonderful break sweetie…bug hugs!

  32. Anna @ the shady pine says

    April 17, 2012 at 05:26

    These are just too pretty for words….LOVE!

  33. Liz says

    April 17, 2012 at 08:22

    Oh, my…your photos are phenomenal!!! Maya inspires me, too :) These sesame cookies sound amazing~

  34. Suchi says

    April 17, 2012 at 09:27

    I have tasted polvorones, they are good. I love your photos for this post, spl the first one…it looks gorgeous :-)

  35. Frank says

    April 18, 2012 at 09:07

    These cookies are new to me, but they sound delightful!

  36. Amy @ Gastronome Tart says

    April 18, 2012 at 21:09

    These look absolutely delicious! I have not had polvorones before and whenever I see Mexican Wedding cookies, I always want to try them. This will help me get out there and do just that!

  37. Emily @Cleanliness says

    April 19, 2012 at 14:11

    Oh, if I could only crawl inside of your photos! They are always so beautiful.

    Enjoy your spring break!! :)

  38. TastefullyJulie says

    April 19, 2012 at 14:16

    “Technology disconnect” Oh that sounds SOOOO good!
    Enjoy! :)

  39. Gina says

    April 20, 2012 at 02:10

    Si, si I want one. I’ve been wanting to try these since I saw them over at Maya’s blog. Love the contrast you put on them and I’m glad you are taking a break and I hope you are getting some rest in. Enjoy the break.
    p.s. and yes Damn that butter!
    -Gina-

  40. Rochelle (@AcquiredLife) says

    April 20, 2012 at 07:47

    These are gorgeous! I like the Asian/Mexican fusion too. Now if I can just locate some black sesame seeds…

  41. Natalie says

    April 20, 2012 at 12:17

    Hope all is well =) I miss seeing your beautiful photography!

  42. Maya@Foodiva's Kitchen says

    April 26, 2012 at 06:42

    Oh, how did I manage to miss this post? That’s what a break from technology does to you (ie. me)! :) I’m really thrilled you made these polvorones, they look gorgeous and go so well with pearls and black ribbon – and a cup of tea too, I’m sure. And making them in small batches and very thin… now that’s very, very clever, Nancy! Although I don’t think it’ll help my waistline any, mine just needs emergency rescuing, at this point, LOL!

  43. Catherine says

    April 30, 2012 at 20:02

    Hi,

    I made and posted a recipe based on your post. I’m not that informed or knowledgeable about back links yet but I properly credited your site and recipe.

    Thank you.

  44. Spicie Foodie says

    May 2, 2012 at 09:14

    Thank you so much everyone!

    @Catherine, Glad you made them and I do see the pingback/trackback below. Thanks!

  45. Catherine says

    June 4, 2012 at 08:55

    Really, this recipe is amazing. Simply but really good! Thanks for the wonderful idea! Love love the presentation!=D

    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 4, 2012 at 09:40

      Hi Catherine,

      Thank you and glad you stopped by to let me know. Yes the recipe is simple, and it is proof that simple things can also taste great:)

  46. Hasita says

    November 23, 2012 at 05:34

    Is that the easiest cookie recipe or what!? I just made a batch for my non-eggetarian in-laws, and needless to say, they loved it!

Trackbacks

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