Bizcochito facts for kids
A fresh batch of biscochitos
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| Alternative names | Biscochito |
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| Type | Cookie |
| Place of origin | Nuevo México, New Spain |
| Region or state | New Mexico, USA |
| Associated national cuisine | New Mexican cuisine |
| Main ingredients | Butter or pork lard, anise, cinnamon, flour |
Biscochitos or bizcochitos are a New Mexican cuisine crisp butter cookie, flavored with sugar, cinnamon, and anise. The dough is rolled thin and traditionally cut into the shape of fleur-de-lis, or sometimes crosses, stars, and moons.
The cookie was developed by residents of New Mexico over the centuries from the first Spanish colonists of what was then known as Santa Fe de Nuevo México. The recipe for making the cookie has been greatly influenced not only by local and indigenous customs but also by recipes brought to New Mexico by immigrants from other Hispanic countries.
Biscochitos are served during special celebrations, such as wedding receptions, baptisms, and religious holidays (especially during the Christmas season). It is commonly served along with hot chocolate. The cookie is seldom known outside the boundaries of the original Spanish province, although Spanish speakers may recognize the association with bizcocho, from the name, and may have some idea of what they must be, even if they have not encountered them before. The name is a Spanish diminutive form of the word bizcocho.
State cookie
In 1989, the U.S. State of New Mexico made the biscochito its official state cookie. This act made New Mexico the first U.S. state to have an official state cookie. It was chosen to help maintain traditional home-baked cookery.
