How to Make Traditional Mexican Treats at Home

Traditional Mexican Treats

Preparation Time: PT15M

Cooking Time: PT25M

Total Time: PT40M

Type of Recipe: Dessert

Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: Mexican dessert, fried pastry, cinnamon sugar, street food

Recipe Yield: Approximately 20 churros

Calories: Approximately 116 calories per churro

Recipe Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 2 1/2 tablespoons (35 g) white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) salt
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 quarts (2 liters) vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup (100 g) white sugar, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon (2.5 g) ground cinnamon

Recipe Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water, 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Stir in flour until the mixture forms a ball.
2. Heat the Oil: Heat oil for frying in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 375°F (190°C).
3. Pipe the Churros: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe strips of dough into the hot oil. Fry until golden; drain on paper towels.
4. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Combine 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Roll fried churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Pros:

• Crispy exterior with a soft interior
• Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation
• Versatile; can be served with various dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel

Cons:

• Requires frying, which can be messy and adds extra calories
• Best enjoyed fresh; they can lose their texture if stored

How to Make Traditional Mexican Treats at Home

Have you ever wondered why the churros from your local Mexican bakery taste so much better than anything you’ve tried to make at home? Or why abuelitas’ homemade dulce de leche seems to have that special magic that store-bought versions just can’t match? Today, we’re unlocking the secrets to creating authentic Mexican treats right in your own kitchen, using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Overview

Mexican desserts are beloved worldwide for their unique combination of textures, flavors, and cultural significance. In this guide, we’ll explore three classic treats: churros, dulce de leche, and Mexican wedding cookies (polvorones). These recipes range from beginner to intermediate difficulty and can be completed in 1-3 hours, depending on the treat. The best part? Most ingredients are probably already in your pantry!

Essential Ingredients

For Churros

• All-purpose flour
• Water
• Salt
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Cinnamon-sugar mixture

Why these ingredients matter: The high-protein content in all-purpose flour creates the perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior. The hot water activates the flour’s proteins, creating that signature chewy texture.

Substitutions: While traditional recipes use water, milk can be substituted for a richer taste. Canola or sunflower oil can replace vegetable oil for frying.

For Dulce de Leche

• Whole milk
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla bean or extract
• Baking soda
• Salt

Why these ingredients matter: Whole milk’s fat content is crucial for achieving the right consistency. Baking soda helps catalyze the Maillard reaction, creating that beautiful caramel color and flavor.

Substitutions: You can use condensed milk as a shortcut, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly from traditional dulce de leche.

For Mexican Wedding Cookies

• All-purpose flour
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pecans

Why these ingredients matter: The high butter content creates a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while ground pecans add richness and subtle nutty flavor.

Substitutions: Almonds or walnuts can replace pecans. Vegetable shortening can substitute for butter, though it will affect the final taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Churros

1. Prepare the Dough
   • Bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt
   • Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously
   • Mix until a smooth dough forms
   • Let rest for 10 minutes
2. Frying Process
   • Heat oil to 375°F (190°C)
   • Fill a piping bag with dough
   • Pipe 4-inch segments into hot oil
   • Fry until golden brown (2-3 minutes per side)
   • Roll in cinnamon sugar while warm

Pro tip: Use a star-shaped piping tip for authentic ridges that help hold more cinnamon sugar.

Dulce de Leche

1. Initial Preparation
   • Combine milk and sugar in a heavy-bottomed pot
   • Add vanilla and a pinch of baking soda
   • Stir until sugar dissolves
2. Cooking Process
   • Simmer on low heat, stirring frequently
   • Cook for 2-3 hours until caramel-colored
   • Watch for the desired thickness
   • Remove when it coats the back of a spoon

Pro tip: Place a wooden spoon across the pot to prevent boiling over.

Mexican Wedding Cookies

1. Dough Preparation
   • Cream butter and sugar until light
   • Mix in vanilla extract
   • Gradually add flour and ground pecans
   • Chill dough for 30 minutes
2. Baking Process
   • Form into 1-inch balls
   • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes
   • Cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar

Pro tip: Double-coat the cookies in powdered sugar for the traditional snow-white appearance.

Assembly and Presentation

Churros

• Serve immediately while hot
• Arrange standing upright in a tall glass
• Offer chocolate sauce or cajeta for dipping
• Garnish with extra cinnamon sugar

Dulce de Leche

• Transfer to clean glass jars while warm
• Let cool completely before sealing
• Decorate jars with ribbon for gifting
• Serve alongside fresh fruit or pastries

Mexican Wedding Cookies

• Arrange in paper cupcake liners
• Stack in decorative tins or boxes
• Present on tiered serving plates
• Dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Churros

• Best served fresh
• The dough can be made 24 hours ahead and refrigerated
• Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5 minutes if necessary

Dulce de Leche

• Stores in refrigerator for up to 1 month
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months
• Warm gently before serving if solidified

Mexican Wedding Cookies

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks
• Freeze unbaked dough for up to 3 months
• Baked cookies freeze well for up to 1 month

Recipe Variations

Churros

• Fill with chocolate or dulce de leche
• Add orange zest to the dough
• Make mini churro bites
• Try savory versions with cheese

Dulce de Leche

• Add coffee for a mocha flavor
• Incorporate coconut milk for a tropical taste
• Spike with rum or brandy
• Make a spiced version with cinnamon

Mexican Wedding Cookies

• Use different nuts (almonds, walnuts)
• Add mini chocolate chips
• Incorporate citrus zest
• Make chocolate-dipped versions

Health Benefits

While these treats should be enjoyed in moderation, they do offer some nutritional benefits:

• Pecans in wedding cookies provide healthy fats and antioxidants
• Milk-based dulce de leche offers calcium and protein
• Cinnamon used in churros has anti-inflammatory properties
• Homemade versions contain no preservatives or artificial ingredients

Conclusion

Creating traditional Mexican treats at home is not just about following recipes—it’s about connecting with a rich culinary heritage and sharing love through food. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these recipes and make them your own. Remember, practice makes perfect, and even if your first attempt isn’t Instagram-worthy, it will still be delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did my churros come out soggy? A: The oil temperature might have been too low. Maintain 375°F for crispy results.

Q: Can I make dulce de leche in a slow cooker? A: Yes! Cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally.

Q: Why did my Mexican wedding cookies spread too much? A: The butter might have been too warm. Make sure to chill the dough properly.

Q: How can I make these treats less sweet? A: Reduce sugar gradually in recipes, but note that it may affect texture.

Q: Are these treats gluten-free? A: Traditional versions aren’t, but you can adapt using gluten-free flour blends.

Q: Can I make these treats ahead for a party? A: Mexican wedding cookies and dulce de leche can be made several days ahead. Churros are best fresh.

Remember, the key to perfect Mexican treats is patience, practice, and love for the process. ¡Buen provecho!