How to Make New Mexico Biscochito Cookies

How to Make New Mexico Biscochito Cookies is a medium New Mexican recipe that serves 8. 60 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 28 min | Total: 1 hr 18 min

Cost: $2.79 total, $0.35 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.75 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt
  • 1.5 teaspoons Anise Seeds (crushed)
  • 0.67 cup Lard (softened, room temperature)
  • 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 large Large Egg
  • 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar (for coating)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 0.02 teaspoon Salt (pinch for coating)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    Measure 1 ¾ cups all‑purpose flour, ¼ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt into a bowl and whisk until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Crush Anise Seeds

    Place 1½ tsp anise seeds in a zipper‑lock bag and crush with a rolling pin until broken up and fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Cream Lard and Sugar

    In the mixing bowl, combine 2/3 cup softened lard and ½ cup granulated sugar. Beat on medium‑high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Add Egg and Vanilla

    Add the large egg and ½ tsp vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat for 1 minute until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

    Gradually add the flour mixture and the crushed anise seeds to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together; do not overmix.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Shape Dough Logs

    Divide the dough into two equal pieces (about 9 oz each). Roll each piece into a 6‑inch cylinder, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and twist the ends to seal.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Chill Dough

    Place the wrapped logs in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours (up to 3 days).

    Time: PT0M

    Temperature: 4°C

  8. Slice Logs

    Using a ruler, cut each chilled log into ¼‑inch thick rounds (about 24 slices per log).

    Time: PT5M

  9. Preheat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the rack in the middle of the oven.

    Time: PT0M

    Temperature: 350°F

  10. Bake First Batch

    Arrange the first batch of slices on a sheet pan, leaving space between them. Bake for 13‑15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the edges are lightly golden.

    Time: PT14M

    Temperature: 350°F

  11. Cool Slightly

    Remove the pan and let the cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up enough to handle.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Prepare Cinnamon‑Sugar Coating

    In a small bowl combine ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

    Time: PT2M

  13. Coat First Batch

    While the cookies are still warm (but not hot), toss them gently in the cinnamon‑sugar mixture until lightly coated. Transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

    Time: PT3M

  14. Bake Second Batch

    Repeat step 10 with the remaining slices.

    Time: PT14M

    Temperature: 350°F

  15. Cool Second Batch Slightly

    Let the second batch rest on the sheet pan for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  16. Coat Second Batch

    Toss the warm second‑batch cookies in the remaining cinnamon‑sugar coating, then move to the wire rack.

    Time: PT3M

  17. Final Cooling

    Allow all cookies to cool completely on the wire rack for about 30 minutes before storing or serving.

    Time: PT30M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
60
Protein
0.5 g
Carbohydrates
5 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
0.1 g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains pork, Contains egg

Allergens: Egg, Wheat (gluten), Pork (lard)

Last updated: April 6, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

How to Make New Mexico Biscochito Cookies

Recipe by America's Test Kitchen

Traditional New Mexico holiday cookies with a short, crumbly texture, flavored with anise and a cinnamon‑sugar coating. Made with lard for authentic flavor, the dough is chilled, sliced into rounds, baked, and tossed in a sweet‑savory glaze.

MediumNew MexicanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
29m
Prep
1h 9m
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.79
Total cost
$0.35
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Crush anise seeds to release oils
  • Cream lard and sugar until fluffy
  • Do not overmix the dough after adding flour
  • Chill the dough logs for at least 3 hours
  • Slice logs uniformly at ¼‑inch thickness
  • Toss cookies in cinnamon‑sugar while still warm

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and baking sheet with oven mitts
  • Do not eat lard that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours
  • Crushing seeds in a plastic bag can cause the bag to slip—keep a firm grip

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of New Mexico Biscochitos in New Mexican cuisine?

A

Biscochitos are the official state cookie of New Mexico, traditionally served during holidays and celebrations. Their origins trace back to Spanish colonial times, where anise‑flavored pastries were common, and the recipe evolved with local ingredients like lard.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Biscochitos within New Mexican cuisine?

A

Some families add orange zest or use butter instead of lard, while others increase the anise for a stronger flavor. In northern New Mexico, a thinner, crispier version is popular, whereas southern versions may be slightly thicker and softer.

cultural
Q

How is Biscochitos authentically served in New Mexican celebrations?

A

Biscochitos are typically presented on a platter alongside other holiday treats, often accompanied by coffee or hot chocolate. They are served at Christmas, New Year’s, and family gatherings, sometimes dusted with extra cinnamon‑sugar just before serving.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are Biscochitos traditionally associated with in New Mexican culture?

A

They are a staple at Christmas, Las Posadas, and New Year’s Eve, as well as at weddings and baptisms in New Mexico. The cookies symbolize good luck and are shared among friends and family.

cultural
Q

What makes Biscochitos special or unique in New Mexican cuisine?

A

The combination of lard for a tender crumb, anise for a distinctive licorice note, and a light cinnamon‑sugar glaze creates a flavor profile that is both sweet and subtly savory—unlike most American cookies.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Biscochitos versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include all‑purpose flour, lard, anise seeds, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Acceptable substitutes are butter or vegetable shortening for lard (though flavor changes), and anise extract or ground star anise for the seeds.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making New Mexico Biscochitos at home?

A

Common errors include overmixing the dough, which develops too much gluten and makes the cookies tough, and failing to chill the dough, which leads to uneven slicing. Also, baking too long will dry them out, and not coating while warm reduces the sugar glaze’s adhesion.

technical
Q

Why does this Biscochitos recipe use lard instead of butter or shortening?

A

Lard provides a higher melting point and a neutral flavor that lets the anise shine, while also creating a tender, melt‑in‑your‑mouth crumb. Butter adds a buttery taste but can make the cookies denser, and shortening lacks the subtle savory note of lard.

technical
Q

Can I make New Mexico Biscochitos ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. The dough can be chilled for up to three days before baking. Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2‑3 days, or freeze them for up to three months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when baking Biscochitos?

A

The cookies should be pale on top with a light golden edge, and feel crisp yet crumbly when broken. They should retain a round shape and have a thin, even cinnamon‑sugar coating.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel America’s Test Kitchen specialize in?

A

America’s Test Kitchen specializes in rigorous, science‑based cooking demonstrations, testing recipes for reliability, and providing detailed explanations to help home cooks achieve consistent results.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel America’s Test Kitchen’s approach to New Mexican cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

America’s Test Kitchen focuses on precise measurements, controlled testing, and clear troubleshooting, whereas many regional channels may rely on intuition. Their Biscochitos video emphasizes exact timing, chilling, and the use of lard for authentic texture.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Hojarascas (Mexican Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies)
488

Hojarascas (Mexican Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies)

Traditional hojarascas from Nuevo León, Mexico: crumbly, cinnamon-scented cookies coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for enjoying with coffee or hot chocolate. This recipe yields about 34 cookies and uses a blend of lard and vegetable shortening for authentic flavor and texture.

1 hr 25 minServes 34$91
Mexican
Ultimate Level 10 Chocolate Chip Cookies
4.3k

Ultimate Level 10 Chocolate Chip Cookies

A gourmet, multi‑step chocolate chip cookie that uses browned butter, toasted flour, caramelized white chocolate, spelt flour, hazelnut‑coffee, and a three‑day chill for maximum flavor, texture, and visual appeal. The result is a crisp‑on‑the‑outside, fudgy‑inside cookie with complex toffee, coffee, and nutty notes.

74 hrs 21 minServes 12$100
American
Kinder Maxi Cookies
97

Kinder Maxi Cookies

Soft and indulgent cookies studded with pieces of Kinder Maxi. A reduced-sugar version, easy to make by hand or with a stand mixer, perfect for tea time or a snack.

1 hr 35 minServes 12$5
French
Kinder Bueno Cookies filled with Bueno-flavored spread
103

Kinder Bueno Cookies filled with Bueno-flavored spread

Soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside cookies, filled with a ball of Kinder Bueno spread. A melting treat that will delight both kids and adults.

2 hrs 30 minServes 10$11
French
Mexican Wedding Cookies
313

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Soft, melt‑in‑your‑mouth shortbread cookies packed with finely chopped pecans and finished with a double dusting of powdered sugar. Inspired by the classic Mexican "povanes" (snowballs), these cookies are quick to make, bake in just minutes, and keep well at room temperature or frozen for later.

1 hr 3 minServes 24$29
Mexican
Add Anything Drop Cookies
223

Add Anything Drop Cookies

A super‑easy, one‑bowl drop cookie that lets you toss in whatever you have on hand—pretzels, chips, candy, or spices. Melted butter gives a dense, chewy texture, and the recipe is designed for precise weighing with a kitchen scale.

35 minServes 6$31
American
40 calorie cookies 🥰
133

40 calorie cookies 🥰

A low‑calorie, high‑protein chocolate cookie that satisfies sweet cravings without derailing your diet. Each cookie is about 40 calories, perfect for a guilt‑free snack. The dough is mixed, chilled for an hour to set, then baked until soft and chewy. Serve warm, cold, or straight from the fridge for the best texture.

45 minServes 4$40
American
How to Make the Viral Korean Dubai Chewy Cookies
201

How to Make the Viral Korean Dubai Chewy Cookies

A viral Korean-inspired chewy cookie that combines a buttery katai base, pistachio spread, and a fluffy marshmallow‑cocoa filling. The cookies are crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder for extra flavor.

1 hr 20 minServes 8$19
Korean