Absolutely! Here’s a complete, expanded recipe article for Hojarascas — Traditional Mexican Cinnamon Cookies — written in a rich, warm, and detailed way, including the history, ingredients, instructions, methods, formation, serving suggestions, a touch of love, and a heartfelt conclusion. ❤️
🌿 Hojarascas: Traditional Mexican Cinnamon Cookies
✨ Introduction
Hojarascas, often known as Mexican cinnamon shortbread cookies, are one of the most beloved treats in Mexican households. Their name comes from the Spanish word hoja, meaning “leaf,” which refers to their delicate, flaky texture — so light that they crumble like autumn leaves in your hands.
These cookies are buttery, aromatic, and melt-in-your-mouth soft, coated in a dusting of cinnamon sugar that adds warmth and sweetness. Traditionally served during holidays like Christmas, Día de los Muertos, and Las Posadas, Hojarascas are not just cookies — they’re a symbol of home, family, and love passed down through generations.
🪶 A Bit of History
The roots of Hojarascas trace back to colonial Mexico, where European baking techniques met indigenous ingredients and flavors. Spanish settlers brought shortbread-style cookies, and locals infused them with cinnamon — a spice that quickly became treasured in Mexican kitchens.
Over time, each region developed its own twist. In Nuevo León and Tamaulipas, they’re rolled thinner and crispier; in Coahuila and Sonora, they’re softer and thicker. Some are shaped like hearts, leaves, or flowers, symbolizing love and nature — hence why they are often called “cookies made with love.” 💕
🍪 Ingredients (Makes about 45 cookies)
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the coating:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
🧈 Method & Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth but not sticky — if it’s too soft, chill it for 20 minutes.
2. Forming (La Formación)
Lightly flour your working surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
Using cookie cutters (traditional shapes include hearts, flowers, or leaves), cut out the cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
This step, called formación, is where many families share laughter and stories while cutting shapes together — often a moment filled with generations of love.
3. Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack.
4. Rolling in Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow bowl, combine powdered sugar and cinnamon.
While the cookies are still slightly warm, roll them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
Let them cool completely — they’ll become delicately crisp on the outside and tender inside.
💞 Made with Love (El Amor en la Cocina)
Every batch of Hojarascas carries a piece of the baker’s heart. They are more than cookies — they are edible hugs, shared at family gatherings, weddings, and quiet mornings with café de olla.
In many Mexican homes, grandmothers teach their grandchildren the art of making Hojarascas — not just how to mix flour and butter, but how to pour love into the dough, creating memories that last a lifetime.
🌸 Serving & Storage
Serve your Hojarascas with Mexican hot chocolate, café con leche, or even atole.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week — though they rarely last that long!
🌹 Conclusion
Hojarascas are simple yet soulful — crisp, buttery, and kissed with cinnamon. Each bite tells a story of heritage, family, and love. Whether baked for holidays or shared on ordinary days, they remind us that the sweetest traditions are the ones made by hand and heart.
So, gather your ingredients, invite someone you love into the kitchen, and let the aroma of cinnamon and butter fill your home. 💖
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