About New Mexico

The New Mexico Legislature adopted the biscochito (bizcochito) as the official state cookie in 1989.  This act made New Mexico the first state to have an official state cookie. The biscochito is a small anise-flavored cookie, which was brought to New Mexico by the early Spaniards. The cookie is used during special celebrations, wedding receptions, baptisms, Christmas season, and other holidays.  It was chosen to help maintain traditional home-baked cookery.

BISCOCHITO RECIPE

This is the recipe for New Mexico’s state cookie.
6 C. flour
1/4 Tsp. salt
3 Tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 C. sugar
2 Tsp. anise seeds
2 eggs
2 C. lard
1/4 C. brandy
1/4 C. sugar
1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Sift flour with baking powder and salt.In separate bowl, cream lard with sugar and anise seeds until fluffy.  Beat in eggs one at a time.  Mix in flour and brandy until well blended. Refrigerate 2-3 hours. Turn dough out on floured board and pat or roll to 1/4- or 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into shapes (the fleur-de-lis is traditional).Dust with mixture of sugar and cinnamon.  Bake 10-12 minutes at 350° or until browned.