Homemade Venezuelan Polvorosas: A Traditional Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until it is light and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
  4. Gradually add the flour, stirring until it's fully incorporated. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it's too sticky, add a bit more flour.
  5. Take approximately one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the rest of the dough, spacing the balls about 1 inch apart.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
  7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them with additional powdered sugar. Make sure they are thoroughly coated.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use almond flour or whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a different texture and flavor.
  • Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or other spices to the dough for a hint of warmth and complexity.
  • Incorporate finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the dough for added crunch.
  • Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract or lemon zest for a different flavor profile.
  • Dust the cookies with cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar for a chocolatey twist.
  • Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for a subtle coffee flavor.
  • Fill the cookie centers with your favorite jam or preserves before baking for a fruity surprise.
  • Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies after dusting with powdered sugar for a sweet and salty contrast.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour in place of the all-purpose flour.

Recipe overview

Indulge your sweet tooth with a batch of delicious Polvorosas! These traditional Venezuelan cookies are known for their tender, crumbly texture and divine sweetness. Made with a handful of pantry staples such as flour, butter, and powdered sugar, they're a breeze to whip up, yet the result is truly special. The cookies are baked until just golden, then generously dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. The end product is a melt-in-your-mouth treat that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual afternoon tea or a festive holiday gathering. Get ready to fall in love with these delightful bites!

Common questions

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? No, it is recommended to use unsalted butter in this recipe to have better control over the saltiness of the final cookies.
  2. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a different type of flour? It is not recommended to substitute the all-purpose flour in this recipe, as it provides the desired texture and structure for the polvorosas.
  3. How can I store the polvorosas? Store the polvorosas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
  4. Can I freeze the polvorosas? Yes, you can freeze the polvorosas. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
  5. Can I add nuts or other flavorings to the polvorosas? Certainly! You can add crushed nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the dough for added texture and flavor. Additionally, you can incorporate spices like cinnamon or citrus zest to enhance the taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Polvorosas, these little spheres of sweetness, have their roots deeply embedded in the rich culinary tradition of Venezuela. They're named after the Spanish word "polvo", meaning powder, owing to their appearance once dusted with powdered sugar. Traditionally, they are made and savored during the Christmas season, bringing a sense of warmth and joy, much like the Venezuelan spirit itself. What's more, each family prides itself on their unique version of the recipe, with some adding a touch of cinnamon or lemon zest for an extra zing. Despite these variations, the essence of the Polvorosas remains the same - a celebration of familial bonds and the joy of sharing something homemade, something from the heart, just as the Venezuelans love to do.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.