Mexican Fiesta Balls

The pecans and cherries in this recipe enhance both the look and flavor of these delicious Mexican treats. The cocoa powder and coffee powder make them rich and delicious. Mexican fiesta balls are traditionally served at fiestas and celebrations but make exciting snacks too.

Guests will be sure to compliment you if you serve these delicious cookies with coffee or hot chocolate after the meal because of the wonderful mixture of flavors in every bite! The following recipe makes sixty cookies but you can halve the ingredients if you do not want to make so many at once. The cooking time will be the same.

Authentic Mexican Fiesta Balls Recipe

Ingredients -

1 cup finely chopped nuts (perhaps walnuts or pecans)
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ cup sugar
1 cup butter, at room temperature
¼ cup chopped green maraschino cherries
¼ cup chopped red maraschino cherries
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
2 cups sifted flour

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Beat the butter well, and then add the sugar.

Keep beating until the mixture is fluffy and light.

Add the vanilla and beat again. Sift the coffee, cocoa, salt and flour, and then add this to the butter mixture gradually.

Blend in the nuts and cherries and chill the dough until it is firm.

Shape 1 inch balls and arrange them an inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake the Mexican fiesta balls for 20 minutes, and then roll them in the powdered sugar.

Cool them on wire racks.

(Makes 60)

Mexican Dessert Recipes