The name comes from the Spanish word bizcocho used in its diminutive form, biscochito. But there is nothing “diminutive” about these spicy, anise-flavored cookies. They are utterly satisfying, and, like so many delicious treats, loaded with carbs. Their main ingredients are flour, sugar, baking powder, and lard.

Story originally published in Taos News

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 16^th century and were quickly adopted in America under different names, depending on the region. In Cuba, a similar kind of cookie is known as tortica de Moron.

The French connection

Another story about the biscochitos’ origin places it in Mexico. Biscochitos are said to have been baked for the first time after Battle of Puebla in 1862, when the Mexicans overthrew Emperor Maximilian—their victory is celebrated today as Cinco de Mayo.

The biscochito, then, became a “commemorative cookie” for the Mexican troops.

Shapes and colors

Traditionally, biscochitos are shaped like a fleur-de-lis, but they can also be cut to look like bells, hearts, stars, ovals, and even chiles. Inspired bakers may even use food coloring to paint them red or green.

They are sugared by hand and then dusted with cinnamon. Soft and sweet, biscochitos melt in the mouth and are perfect to dunk in coffee or hot chocolate.

No Christmas without biscochitos

In the Southwest, biscochitos reign supreme among holidays’ sweets. They are often offered to the posadistas—the people who participate in Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration that re-enacts Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging in Bethlehem.

“There is no Christmas without biscochitos,” says Yolanda Ochoa, who bakes up at least three batches from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. “We share them with family, friends and strangers… Sometimes several of us make biscochitos the same week. Then, of course, we have to compare flavors and exchange recipes and tips. You always learn something new.”

Biscochitos are also served at weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays and graduations. They are all-purpose and all-season treats.

The Taos Herb biscochito contest

Every year in December Taos Herb Company sponsors a biscochito contest. The winner gets a $100 gift card to the store and two runner-ups receive gift bags.

Rob Hawley, Taos Herb Company owner, wants to keep the biscochitos tradition alive. He has been running the contest for five years now. There are usually ten judges who take into consideration the cookies’ texture, flavor and appearance to determine the winner. Some come from the Taos County Senior Program, and others, like Robert Graham, are professional bakers. They share a love for all things sweet.

Patricia Barela-Rael, a Talpa-based artist and the granddaughter of renowned santero Patrociño Barela, was the winner of last year’s contest.

“Making biscochitos always reminds me of my grandparents,” she said. “My grandma had her own recipe, but I added a few twists that my foster abuelas at the Senior Center taught me.”