How to Make New Mexico Biscochito Cookies

Biscochitos are cinnamon-and-anise-flavored shortbread cookies that have rightly earned the title of New Mexico's state cookie.

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[markt.]

Native New Mexican just throwing my 2 cents in.. If you go to Home Depot, Lowes, or Walmart they have paint sticks in the paint department. Just ask the paint person if you can have a couple they will gladly offer two for free. If you place the sticks on the counter flat and keep the dough in between the sticks using a rolling pin you can achive your 1/4" thickness. If the sticks are not 1/4" thick then glue two together (you will need 4 sticks if you do this). Then cut them out with a cookie cutter or top end of a Collins glass. Splash of brandy also gives a nice touch. Love your videos!

[lorettaglaser]

I am from New Mexico and I am so delighted you showcased our state cookie. Great job!!
It is the best cookie ever! My mother would bake them only at Christmas time so my sisters and brothers and I looked forward to this time of the year!
Our mother passed last Christmas, but we still have her hand written recipe for biscochitos .

[MaryGold-zxjn]

I live in New Mexico luv all my New Mexico foods 😊❤

[jrlaz]

These with coffee on a cold winter morning. So good!

[girlcheck]

Have made dozens of batches of these cookies over the years. There's certain steps you cannot skimp over.
1. Whip the lard light super well before you add the sugar.
2. When you add the sugar you need to whip it unti it's super light and fluffy. (This gets a jump on the breakdown of the sugar into the fat and makes the incorporation of the flour so much nicer and the less you handle the dough the better.)
3. Adding brandy, wine, or juice is a critical step. Much like pie crust, you need a little bit of moisture even though you want that moisture to evaporate. The egg is not enough and the alcohol dissipates quickly to elevate the dough's crisp texture when baked. (When in doubt use real vanilla extract)
4. These are so much better if you let them rest in the fridge overnight before baking.
I always cut mine into shapes like sugar cookies taking only a batch at a time from the fridge to prep and bake.
These are super yummy when you cut them a little bit thicker and won't break easily.
Cookies and dough also freeze well so make a double batch!

[shwmehvn]

Great recipe - thank you. Biscochos/Biscochitos are common in Northern Mexico as well (Sonora, Chihuahua, etc) They were a staple in Sonora when visiting grandma. Hope more people try and enjoy the cookies.

[MaryGuld-rf]

I make buscochitos for christmas or anytime I'm a great cook baker too everyone says a 4*star or 5*stars too😮😊❤

[amberatwood]

Love these cookies, I've been eating these since I was a little girl my grandma makes them every Christmas

[marcieweiler]

In Southern NM they are called Biscochos. Traditionally they are cut with a knife in "diamond" shapes (on a diagonal).

[LoneGranger]

I am also a New Mexican. This last Christmas time, when you see Bizcochos for sale, they were over $12 for a 12oz box. So I made some and this recipe works great. All kinds of variations but rolling them in a cinnamon/sugar mix when they come out of the oven reminds me of our childhood. Generally we make them smaller than these and like someone commented, into a diamond shape with crimped edges.

[josuecallejero]

We always add a splash of apple brandy or triple sec with the wet ingredients, which adds another nice flavor component.

[SadCrabMan]

As a New Mexican whose made these with family before, I approve. Love them so much and they remind me of Christmas.

Another way of shaping, make squares and crimp one edge together almost like a potsticker. It’s a very traditional way of making them and my grandma makes them that way.

[biancar]

Yes!!! I love biscochitos! Reminds me of Nana's house.

[carlosvillareal]

There's a reason it's our state cookie! Anise seed is always aust, no extract lol. Also, the best ones are the little bit of burned ones! ❤️

[carolfisch]

To keep dough log round in refrigerator...use an empty paper towel roll, slide plastic wrap dough log in it, refrigerate. Or also can slit empty paper towel down middle long way and slide plastic wrapped dough log in it. Either way it keeps the log rounded.

[qualqui]

Hmm....New Mexico Biscochito Cookies are made with the same ingredients, minus the anise seed, that "Besos" were made by deceased auntie Josefina, crumbly texture, made with lard and rolled while warm in cinnamon sugar, they were always a hit with her co-workers as well as with us, her family. Thank you for sharing this COOL and YUMMY video, 👍and 👋greetings from the Bajío, Mexico.🤠

[schmup]

I've been making these as a New Mexican all my life. My mother's recipe from the old Public Service Company of New Mexico cookbook. We always rolled out the dough and cut out the cookies with a cookie cutter.

[damned_]

Born and raised making these!! It’s a tradition, a must! And yes, lard is the *only* way. Obey tradition and trust me, I’ve tried different fats over the years much to my grandmas (from Santa fe/san Ildefonso pueblo) DISAPPROVAL, 😝 She was right all along, NEVER substitute, no need bc lard makes a huge difference. Must be lard! Also, when rolling out dough, sprinkle some anise seeds on top just right before cookie cutting. Looks pretty and it’s extra delicious. Ive tried rolling logs before it’s might be easier but it changes the texture entirely. Don’t do it!! Biscochitos taste best by gently rolling out sections of dough, and my grandma always said the less you handle it, the easier to work with, I’ll take as much as I need to roll and if I notice it getting too soft, I’ll plastic wrap, place in freezer in between rolling, it helps. Whilst rolling dough, lightly sprinkle flour if needed so dough won’t stick but barely. Finally, another important tip: cutting then dipping each cut out cookie in cinna-sugar mixture *BEFORE* baking, is heaven! Baking that beautiful simple mixture in WITH and on top of each cookie is pure magic!!! Please try it. Also forgot to mention that by rolling dough and cutting with cookie cutters the cookies come out melt in your mouth and gently flakier! Trust me as I’ve been making them all my life. 💕

[aaronnieto]

My late, beloved Mexican abuela and I used to sing a family song when we would make these:

Yo no soy y ni voy a ser tu bizcochito
Pero tengo to' lo que tiene delito

Reminds me of my childhood🥰🥰🥰🥰

[mirandadejong]

Those are sooo good! I use to make them with my grandma!