FILLED POLVORONES

Prepare the dough. In a large bowl, beat the butter with the powdered sugar. Continue until you obtain a creamy, smooth mixture. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.

Add the flour. Sift the flour together with the pinch of Maldon Salt and gradually fold it into the creamy mixture. Use a spatula or your hands until you have a smooth dough. If you want an extra touch, you can add the ground almonds directly to the dough.

Shape the polvorones. Take small portions of dough and shape them.  Flatten them slightly and place a piece of chocolate or a whole almond in the center. Close the dough around the filling and shape it into a ball, then flatten it gently.

Bake. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the polvorones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.

Cool and serve. Let the polvorones cool on a wire rack. Once cool, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top to give them that traditional finish.

Variations for all tastes

One of the great advantages of this recipe is that it allows for numerous creative variations of the filling to suit your preferences or those of your guests:

• Double chocolate: in addition to the chocolate ganache filling, you can add dark chocolate chips to the dough before baking to intensify the flavor.
• Almond and white chocolate cream: alternate between dark and white chocolate in the filling for a sweet and creamy contrast.
• A touch of liqueur: add orange zest and a teaspoon of liqueur (such as Amaretto or Cointreau) to the dough or filling for a festive and sophisticated aroma.

Tips for a perfect finish

Achieving the traditional texture of polvorones, which are slightly crumbly but with a moist interior thanks to the filling, may require a few tricks:

• Do not overwork the dough: combine the ingredients just until they are incorporated to prevent them from hardening after baking.
• Resting the dough: letting the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before shaping the polvorones helps them hold their shape better when baking.
• Sealing the filling: when adding chocolate or cream to the center, be sure to seal the edges well so that it doesn't leak out during baking.

Ideas for accompanying and presenting

• Freshly made polvorones are an ideal gift in decorative boxes or to share at family gatherings. You can accompany them with:
• Sweet wine or cava at festive after-dinner gatherings.
• Aromatic infusions such as cinnamon tea or espresso coffee to balance the sweetness.

This recipe combines tradition and creativity to offer a homemade sweet treat that wins you over with both its flavor and presentation. Discover the rest of our recipes.