COOKIE RECIPE
Biscochitos: New Mexico's State Cookie
Servings
3 dozen
Prep Time:
40 min
Cook Time:
12 min
Total Time:
52 min
About this Recipe
Biscochitos are a beloved New Mexican tradition and one of our favorite treats when we’re up in the mountains. This Biscochitos recipe features buttery, anise-scented cookies coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for bringing everyone together, whether it’s around the fireplace after a day in the snow or during special family gatherings. Dating back to Spanish colonial times, biscochitos are New Mexico’s official state cookie and a symbol of the region’s rich culinary heritage. We especially love pairing them with a warm cup of New Mexico Piñon Coffee’s biscochito-flavored blend. It’s the perfect taste of home and heritage in every bite and sip.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tsp crushed anise seeds
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 1/4 cups lard
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, crushed anise, and orange zest.
STEP 2: Cream lard and sugar
In a large bowl, beat lard and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla, and mix until combined.
STEP 3: Combine wet and dry
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed lard mixture.
Mix just until combined — the dough will be crumbly, similar to pie crust.
STEP 4: Form and chill dough
Use your hands to press the dough together into a ball.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
STEP 5: Prepare to bake
Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
STEP 6: Roll and cut cookies
Divide chilled dough into 3 equal portions.
Knead one portion at a time until soft and smooth (if crumbly, knead a bit more).
Roll out to ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes (e.g., 2½-inch stars or circles).
STEP 7: Bake
Place cookies on the prepared sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until just set and lightly golden (don’t overbake).
STEP 8: Finish and cool
Let cookies cool on the pan for 10 minutes (they’re fragile when hot).
While still on the pan, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
After 10 minutes, gently dip each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Amenities
What We Offer
Mountain View
Backs up to the Carson National Forest and features views of the mountains across the Upper Red River Valley.
Fully Stocked Kitchen
Equipped with modern appliances, and stocked with everything you need to prepare your favorite mountain meals.
Firewood Provided
There is always plenty of wood to keep the warmth of a cozy fire burning in the living room fireplace.
Fast Internet
High-Speed Wi-Fi internet provides a reliably fast connection so that you won't miss your favorite Netflix show.
Trailer Parking
In addition to driveway parking, the circle drive provides enough space for 3-4 vehicles or a trailer carrying all your favorite mountain toys.
Outdoor Grilling
Charcoal BBQ grill with a full set of grilling tools is provided.
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What Guests are Saying
Cabin Location
Carson Cabin is located in Upper Red River, which is surrounded by Carson National Forest, but still only minutes from the town of Red River.