Biscochitos appears as a signature dish in 2 United States cities. See each city's local variant and where to eat it.
Biscochitos · Albuquerque
Anise and cinnamon shortbread cookies, lightly buttery, the official New Mexico state cookie since 1989. Peak season December for Christmas tins, but baked year round.
Biscochitos arrived with Spanish colonists in the 1600s and adapted to New Mexico ingredients over centuries. The recipe traditionally uses lard, anise seed and a hint of brandy. In 1989, the New Mexico legislature designated the biscochito the official state cookie, making it the first US state to do so. Celina's Biscochitos and ABC Cake Shop are the canonical Albuquerque bakers.
Where to eat in Albuquerque:
- Celina's Biscochitos
- ABC Cake Shop and Bakery
- Golden Crown Panaderia
- The Frontier Restaurant
Biscochitos · Santa Fe
New Mexico's state cookie: a crumbly anise-and-cinnamon shortbread cut into stars and fleur-de-lis, made with lard. Christmas without biscochitos in Santa Fe does not happen.
Biscochitos descend from Spanish colonial bunuelos and southern European butter cookies, adapted in Northern New Mexico with lard (instead of butter) and anise seed. The cookie became the official state cookie of New Mexico in 1989, the first state cookie in the United States, and is a Christmas, baptism and wedding fixture across Hispano families.
Where to eat in Santa Fe:
- Dolina Bakery & Cafe
- Sage Bakehouse
- Clafoutis French Bakery