XLNT Foods 5 Classic Mexican Dessert Recipes for Christmas

Traditional Mexican recipes play a significant role in Christmas celebrations, bringing people together to share in the warmth of the season. Even if tamales and similar favorites already have a place of honor on your Christmas table, there are many other Mexican Christmas Desserts steeped in tradition and memories. Here are several popular Mexican Christmas dessert recipes that you can add to your Christmas celebrations.

Our 5 Favorite Mexican Christmas Desserts

Christmas in Mexico displays a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and regional influences. This creates a vibrant, diverse environment for Christmas culinary experiences. Many of the traditional recipes focus on rich, comforting flavor profiles.

1. Mexican Wedding Cookies

XLNT Foods 5 Classic Mexican Desserts for Christmas Mexican Wedding Cookies

Mexican wedding cookies are also known as polvorones and sometimes referred to as snowball cookies. These delicate, buttery cookies have a powdered sugar coating and look as light and fluffy as they taste. They are a staple during many traditional celebrations, including the holidays.

To make Mexican wedding cookies, you’ll need:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, cream together the butter, powdered sugar and vanilla in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth. Gradually incorporate the flour and mix it well until everything combines thoroughly. Then, fold in the pecans. Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet with about an inch or so between them. Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they start to turn lightly golden. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, then roll them in the extra powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm.

2. Pan Dulce

XLNT Foods 5 Classic Mexican Deserts for the Holidays

Pan dulce refers to a variety of sweet bread pastries that are popular Mexican Christmas Desserts. They often take on festive shapes and flavors.

The base recipe includes:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 packet active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Dissolve the yeast in warm milk in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, butter and vanilla. Pour in the yeast mixture. Combine everything well to form a cohesive dough. Then, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough until it is smooth, then place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise for an hour or two, or until it has doubled in size.

Once the dough has doubled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Divide the dough into small portions. Shape each portion into rounds, twists or your preferred shape, then place them on a baking sheet. Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are golden brown.

3. Rompope

XLNT Foods 5 Classic Mexican Desserts for the Holidays Rompope

For eggnog fans, rompope is a popular addition to your Christmas menu. This creamy, spiced liqueur is one of the most popular Mexican Christmas Desserts. To make your own rompope, you need:

6 large egg yolks
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup rum or brandy (optional)

In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until they are well combined. Then, add the milk, cream and cinnamon stick to a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it simmers. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture over the egg mixture, whisking continuously. It is important to do this slowly, otherwise, you risk cooking the egg yolks. Return the mixture to the saucepan and turn the heat to low, stirring constantly until it thickens. Remove it from the heat and add the vanilla. Once the mixture cools, stir in the rum or brandy, if desired. Strain the rompope, then refrigerate it before serving.

4. Arroz con Leche

XLNT Foods 5 Classic Mexican Dessert Recipes for Christmas Celebrations Arroz Con Leche

Arroz con leche translates to rice with milk, or rice pudding. This comforting, indulgent and creamy dessert is one of the classic Mexican Christmas Desserts. To make it, you need:

1 cup rice
4 cups whole milk
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon for garnish

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch. Combine the rice, milk and cinnamon stick in a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and cook the mixture until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the sugar, raisins and vanilla extract. Cook the rice for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Remove the cinnamon stick, then let the rice pudding cool before you serve it. For a bit of extra comfort and seasonal spice, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top when you serve it.

5. Bunuelos

Bunuelos are thin, crispy fritters coated in cinnamon sugar that represent delightful and festive Mexican food for holidays and celebrations. To make them yourself, you need:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 cup warm water
Vegetable oil for frying
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add the warm water, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth. Divide the dough into small, equal-sized balls and roll each one into a thin circle with a rolling pin.

Heat vegetable oil in a pan until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the dough circles until they are golden brown on both sides, turning them once during cooking. Drain them on paper towels. In a separate bowl, combine the cup of sugar and a tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Coat the bunuelos in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still warm.

Enjoying Mexican Christmas Desserts

Christmas season is a time to celebrate traditions, and food plays a central role in the festivities. Try these Mexican Christmas Desserts as part of your Christmas celebration this year. For more tips and recipe ideas, check out XLNT Foods.