You’re going to love baking these New Mexican Biscochitos when you want a holiday cookie that’s simple to make but rich with history, tradition, and flavor. You mix a tender, shortbread‑style dough with warm anise and a splash of brandy or orange juice, cut it into pretty shapes, then coat each cookie in cinnamon sugar so it practically melts in your mouth with every bite.
What makes biscochitos special
Biscochitos (or bizcochitos) are the official state cookie of New Mexico, served at Christmas, weddings, baptisms, and family gatherings all over the state. They’re traditionally made with lard for a flaky, delicate crumb, flavored with anise and cinnamon, and baked just until set so they stay pale and tender rather than golden and crisp. The cinnamon‑sugar coating gives them a sparkling finish and a lightly crunchy shell around that melt‑in‑your‑mouth center.