How to Make Polvorones from Puerto Rico - A Step-by-Step Guide

Polvorones, also known as mantecados, are a popular traditional Spanish Christmas cookie that has made its way to Puerto Rico and become a beloved holiday treat in the island. These delicate, crumbly shortbread cookies are generously dusted with powdered sugar, making them the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or hot chocolate during the festive season. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of sweetness, polvorones are a staple in Puerto Rican households during Christmas.

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Ingredients

  • ½ cup vegetable shortening
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, or more if needed
  • 1 (21 ounce) package guava paste, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Additional Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Servings: 50
  • Yield: 50 cookies

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two cookie sheets.
  • Beat shortening and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract.
  • Add flour, 1 cup at a time, until completely mixed; the dough should be stiff and able to hold its shape when formed into a ball. If this consistency is not achieved, add a little more flour.
  • Make 1-inch balls of dough and place 1 inch apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Use your finger to make small indentations in the middle of each cookie; fill each with a cube of guava paste.
  • Bake in batches in the preheated oven until light golden on the bottom, about 15 minutes, switching racks halfway through; do not overcook. Cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Nutrition

    114 cal.

    • Total Fat: 4g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 13mg
    • Sodium: 2mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 18g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 1g
    • Vitamin C: 5mg
    • Calcium: 3mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 19mg