Biscochito's origins in Spain (2024)

The biscochito - or bizcochito as it's officially spelled in New Mexico - was the first cookie to be adopted by a state. The anise-flavored shortbread-type cookie became the New Mexico state cookie in 1989.

Biscochitos date to 16th-century Spain, hence their name "Spanish cookies" in at least one reference. That's what Cleofas Jaramillo calls them in her 1942 cookbook, "The Genuine New Mexico Tasty Recipes." Her recipe calls for rich pie pastry dough - which she undoubtedly made with lard - to which she added baking powder, sugar and anise seed. She rolled the dough, cut it into thin strips, shaped curlicues at the end of each strip, dipped them in sugar and baked.

The Web site for Golden Crown Panaderia (bakery) in Albuquerque notes that the Spanish biscochito has been influenced by Mexican and Native American cultures since it was brought to the New World. The rich, sugary cookie is served throughout the year, especially during fiestas, weddings and at Christmastime.

Roselea Murphy's "The Pink Adobe Cookbook," with recipes from her landmark Santa Fe, N.M., restaurant, includes biscochitos among its desserts. This recipe calls for lard, sugar, egg yolk, anise seed, flour, salt, baking powder, water and cinnamon-sugar for dusting. The cookie dough is cut into fancy shapes with cutters before baking.

"La Cocina de la Frontera" by James Peyton breaks with tradition and uses half shortening and half butter instead of lard in its biscochito recipe. The author notes, "Although customarily made of lard, which gives them a flaky texture and rich rustic taste, I think the combination of shortening and butter . . . is just as rich while reducing the saturated fat." Peyton's recipe includes a tablespoon of brandy and he dusts the cookies in cinnamon-sugar both before and after baking.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and wife Barbara's recipe for biscochitos, available on the Internet, insists on lard (“a must, no substitutes”) and includes sweet table wine.

Many other versions available online vary between lard and shortening, and a few call for butter.

- Mary Jean Porter

Biscochito's origins in Spain (2024)

FAQs

Biscochito's origins in Spain? ›

The history of biscochitos stretches back to Spain, where they are called mantecados, which makes sense, as manteca means lard. They arrived with the conquistadores during the 16th century and were quickly adopted in America under different names, depending on the region.

Where did the biscochito originate? ›

The cookie was developed in New Mexico over the centuries from the first Spanish colonists of what was then known as Santa Fe de Nuevo México. The roots of this pastry date back as far as the Battle of Puebla in 1862, where French Emperor Maximilian was overthrown by the Mexicans.

Are biscochitos Native American? ›

The biscochito is a small anise-flavored cookie, which was brought to New Mexico by the early Spaniards.

What does biscochito mean in English? ›

Definition of biscochitos / bizcochitos

affectionate/diminutive term for bizcocho “cake” in Spanish, literally “l*ttle cakes” or “baby cakes”. New Mexican; a traditional cookie with a relatively simple recipe that consists of four ingredients (anise, cinnamon, sugar, and butter or lard).

Are biscochitos from Spain? ›

Biscochito is the diminutive form of bizcocho in Spanish, which basically means “biscuit,” and while they are extremely similar to Spanish mantecados, shortbreads made with pig fat, the distinctively spicy, disarmingly simple biscochito is an original New Mexican recipe, integral to Norteño cuisine.

Is bizcocho from Spain? ›

Polvorones originated in Spain. Sponge cake: Sponge cake is called bizcocho in Spain. It may be made with chocolate, lemon, yoghurt, etc.

Is bizcochito slang? ›

The name is a Spanish diminutive form of bizcocho. But is also use as a way of flirting with someone, If some one call you biscochito, they literally saying that you taste or look really good.

What is the Spanish word Biscocho? ›

Translation of bizcocho – Spanish–English dictionary

sponge cake , sponge pudding [noun] (a) very light cake or pudding made from flour, eggs and sugar etc.

Where did bizcochos originate? ›

Well-known Uruguayan author Isidoro de María Gómez (1815-1906) wrote in his book Montevideo Antiguo: Tradiciones y Recuerdos that the bizcocho came from a blend of French and Spanish pastries and that the original "bizcocheria" — a Uruguayan bakery that specializes in making bizcochos — was opened by migrants or the ...

What does biscochito mean in Mexico? ›

The word "bizcochito" is derived from the Spanish word "bizcocho," which means biscuit or cookie. These cookies are deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of New Mexico and are often associated with celebrations and holidays, particularly Christmas.

What does Biscocho mean in Puerto Rico? ›

Translation of bizcocho – Spanish–English dictionary

sponge cake , sponge pudding [noun] (a) very light cake or pudding made from flour, eggs and sugar etc.

Where did Mexican wedding cakes come from? ›

Also referred to as Mexican wedding cakes, these buttery cookies originated outside of Mexico. Their creation has been traced back to medieval Arab baking that predominantly featured ingredients like butter, sugar, spices and nuts.

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