Belizean Polvorón Cookie Recipe

A polvorón, derived from the Spanish word “polvo,” meaning powder or dust, is a rich and crumbly shortbread cookie. This traditional treat, popular in Belize, is typically made with flour, sugar, milk, and nuts like almonds, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. As kids we would buy these from local mom and pop stores for five cents each. As more local stores close and Chinese-owned general stores take their place, these cookies have become harder to find. The good news is that they are incredibly easy to make at home.

Polvorónes Cookies: A Belizean Nostalgia

Polvorón cookies are a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread with a rich heritage. Inspired by Spanish roots and Belizean childhood memories, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Here’s a recipe combining tradition with tested techniques to give you the best of both worlds.

Recipe Details

Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Yield: Approximately 24 cookies (depending on size)

Prep Time: 20 minutes (including mixing and shaping)

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Belizean Polvorón Cookie Recipe

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour or self-rising flour (See note below if using all-purpose flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Other Ingredients:
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) confectioner’s sugar (or 2 cups granulated sugar, if preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon each of vanilla and almond extract)
  • Extra sugar for sprinkling

Note: To make self-rising flour, subtract 2 teaspoons of flour from every cup and replace with 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

How to make Belizean Polvorón Cookies

1. Prepare the Flour:
   • If using all-purpose flour, prepare it as self-rising flour by mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and confectioner’s sugar until light, fluffy, and smooth.
3. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   • Gradually add half of the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing slowly to prevent spillage.
   • Add the remaining flour and mix until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. Add Extracts:
   • Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for a subtle flavor boost.
5. Shape the Dough:
   • Turn the dough onto a clean countertop and knead briefly until smooth and pliable. Roll the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Form Cookies:
   • After chilling, cut off pieces of dough and roll into small balls. Flatten them gently with the bottom of a glass or tumbler.
   • Sprinkle each cookie with a light dusting of sugar for extra sweetness.
7. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
8. Finish:
   • While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle a little more sugar on top for a nostalgic touch.

Tips

• Texture: The dough will be powdery, not sticky. It should feel like soft play-dough after shaping.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Belizean Polvorón Cookie Recipe

Enjoy these delightful polvorón cookies and share a piece of Belizean heritage with friends and family! If you enjoy baking Belize treats you may also enjoy our recipes for Coconut Crusts, and Rum Cake.