Our first journey to New Mexico began in the absolute best approach — with cookies to gasoline us up earlier than our Airbnb Experiences strolling tour of Albuquerque. Crumbly, with a touch of licorice and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, the primary cookie tasted like a cross between a shortbread and a sugar cookie. Our information knowledgeable us that these have been biscochitos (generally spelled bizcochitos) a standard New Mexican cookie first introduced by Spanish colonists within the sixteenth century and influenced by Indigenous and Latino cultures. I grew to become intrigued by the distinctive taste and historical past of biscochitos, anointed the official state cookie in 1989.

Historically, the cookies’ important substances embody lard, anise, and cinnamon, says Celina Aldaz-Grife, proprietor of Celina’s Biscochitos in Albuquerque, who left her actual property profession 14 years in the past to promote the cookies she as soon as gave to her purchasers as items. Extra plump than your common cookie, biscochitos measure between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick. Celina’s recipe, handed down from her grandmother Maggie, requires brandy, whereas others depend on orange juice, wine, whiskey, or different alcohol. Some incorporate cinnamon earlier than baking, whereas Celina’s dips them in cinnamon sugar. 

“There are totally different variations on how individuals make them,” Aldaz-Grife says. “It is the way you grew up with it as a result of it is such a private factor. You see numerous modifications within the cookie over time.” Some bakers favor vegetable shortening, whereas others drop the anise. “I at all times inform individuals it is extra of a sense than only a cookie for New Mexico.” Although they are often discovered year-round, the cookies make a particular look at Christmas, weddings, and different celebrations.

Guests may also discover the carefully associated Pueblo cookies, made with out anise and alcohol, says LaShon Cate, the proprietor of Simply Peachy Pueblo Biscochitos in San Felipe Pueblo, one in all 19 Native American villages within the state.

Should you’re on a street journey in New Mexico, cease in mom-and-pop owned grocery shops and eating places promoting do-it-yourself biscochitos, advises Albuquerque strolling tour information and 44-year New Mexico resident Greg Hansen. 

You can even cease at these bakeries, cafes, and motels, which, in accordance with Aldaz-Grife, Hansen, and different locals, serve among the greatest cookies within the state.

Albuquerque biscochitos 

Celina’s Biscochitos

Flavors at this store embody purple chili, inexperienced chili, pecan, cocoa, and chocolate chip, in addition to seasonal biscochitos, corresponding to cranberry walnuts throughout Christmas and candied maple bacon for Father’s Day. Celina’s Biscochitos stamps the standard cookies to rejoice birthdays, graduations, and different milestones. 

Golden Crown Panaderia

An old-school, family-owned bakery in enterprise since 1972, Golden Crown gives conventional, cappuccino, chocolate, and cornmeal biscochito varieties.

Indian Pueblo Kitchen

The acclaimed restaurant on the Indian Pueblo Cultural Middle serves Indigenous specialties, together with pueblo cookies, which visitors can eat on-site or order to go.

Santa Fe biscochitos

Candy Santa Fe

An award-winning confectionary, Candy Santa Fe sells hand-dipped goodies, truffles, and conventional biscochitos.

Santa Fe Biscochito Firm

A restaurant close to the plaza, Santa Fe Biscochito Co. sells do-it-yourself, small-batch biscochito ice cream and biscochito cookies.

Plaza Café

A retro diner, Plaza Café has two Santa Fe places and serves biscochitos shakes and cookies, which prospects can ship to their properties.

Inn of the Governors

One of many perks of staying at this centrally situated lodge is the day by day afternoon sherry and biscochito welcome hour. 

New Mexico biscochito flavors

Simply Peachy Biscochitos

Situated half-hour from Albuquerque and 45 minutes from Santa Fe within the San Felipe Pueblo, the Native woman-owned Simply Peachy grows purple and inexperienced chiles, blue corn, pumpkin, and wheat to taste the cookies. 

Loteria Palenteria

A dessert cafe in Taos, New Mexico, Loteria Palenteria sells biscochito-flavored paletas, or popsicles.

Pinon Espresso Home

A well-liked espresso store, Pinon Espresso Home sells biscochito-flavored espresso and doughnuts at its three (quickly to be 4) Albuquerque places.