chocolate tequila sandwich cookies

vanillacookies

Tequileras

It is getting close to Father’s Day and, yes, I am thinking about mi padre.

My dad is not your typical guy. No, no, no.

In order to prepare my sisters and me to start going out on dates, he wanted to teach us how to hold our liquor. Let no man ever get us drunk!

He taught us how to play Backgammon. And cards.  And Dominoes and Blackjack and Rummikub and Crazy Dice.

He taught me how a single taco, made with a fresh corn tortilla and a sprinkle of the right amount of salt, can be the best meal of your life.

But, maybe most importantly of all, he taught me to get up no matter how many times life whirls you around and throws you down.

PatiwFather

A few years ago, he came to visit and stayed with my boys, while my husband and I went on a trip. After three nights away, I came back to find boys who knew how to play Backgammon, cards, Dominoes, Blackjack, Rummikub and Crazy Dice.

And, also, boys who started swearing in Spanish at bad drivers (which I reversed right back!). He knew better than to teach them how to hold their liquor…He knows that, just like him, I am an Aries who can show my temper. Or maybe he just didn’t have enough time.

I know my dad would love to have these Tequileras on the Backgammon table. Or as he plays cards, Dominoes, Blackjack, Rummikub or Crazy Dice.

These Tequileras, as I baptized them, are a grown up sandwich cookie with deep chocolate flavored biscuits that aren’t too sweet, and the gentle bitterness of the cocoa comes through the slightest bit. Between the two crunchy, chocolatey biscuits is a rich, sweet buttercream made sophisticated by a dash of orange tequila liquor.

These cookies are sweet, complex, and full of life…kind of like the guy I had in mind when I was creating them.

Pati's Dad
One of hundreds of weekends I spent with my dad in Valle de Bravo, getting some serious Backgammon training!

This one is for you, Pa, I know you read all my blog posts by now.

chocolate and tequila sandwich cookies

Tequileras

Galletas Tequileras

Recipe Yield

20 to 24 sandwich cookies

Cooking time

1 hour

Rate this recipe

5 from 4 votes

Ingredients

For the cookies:

  • 9 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar plus 1 tablespoon
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar plus 2 tablespoons for sprinkling
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt

For filling:

  • 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate cut into chunks
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Agavero Orange Liqueur

To Prepare

To make the cookies:

  • In the bowl of a mixer, beat the butter with the brown sugar and ¼ cup of the granulated sugar at medium speed until soft. Add the vanilla and the egg, reduce the speed, and incorporate the cocoa powder. Scrape the sides of the bowl if need be, add the salt and the flour, and continue beating until it is all thoroughly combined. The dough should be soft and a bit cakey. Gather into a ball, wrap in plastic and place in the fridge anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set the oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven.
  • Flour the countertop and a rolling pin generously. Roll out the dough into a rectangle of about 1/8” thick. Cut into rectangles of about 2” by 1½”. With the help of a metal spatula, place on the baking sheets. With the tip of a pencil or a toothpick, mark a “T” with 3 to 4 dots going up and then 1 to 2 on each side of the top of the line to mark a T. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. You can reuse any scraps of dough and roll out again.
  • Bake anywhere from 7 to 8 minutes, until firm. Remove from the oven and let cool.

To make the filling:

  • Place the chocolate in bowl in a double boiler over simmering water until it melts.
  • In the bowl of a mixer set with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until creamy. Incorporate the confecioners’ sugar and beat until completely mixed. Add the melted chocolate and the Agavero and continue beating until completely mixed and very creamy.
  • To assemble: Turn half the cookies upside down so sugar coating is on the bottom, cover with a dollop of filling, and top with half of cookies upside down. Store covered at room temperature.

Comments

39comments inTequileras

  1. DC

    Oct 28

    Hi Pati, If I make these how long will they stay crispy. Wanting to make them a day ahead, but don’t want them to get squishy due to the filling.
    Thank you!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 03

      If you keep them in an airtight container, 24 hours should be OK, enjoy!

  2. Mike Kneffel

    May 15

    Pati,

    Best chocolate cookies EVER! It’s graduation season and when we get invited to the parties I don’t even ask what to bring…we bring a plate of Tequileras. So unique and so delicious. Keep the great recipes coming.

    1. Pati Jinich

      May 18

      Aw! Thanks so much for sharing these cookies with your friends Mike, so glad you love them so much!

  3. Mary

    Dec 20

    Pati,
    My husband and I love watching your show . His love language is making me tour recipes. He will love these cookies for Christmas. Any recommendations for a drink recipe to use the rest of the orange tequila?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Dec 21

      I have a good recipe for you Mary, just use the orange tequila instead of the silver, enjoy! http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/fish-with-plums-pasilla-and-tequila-2/

      1. Anonymous

        Dec 23

        Thank you!

  4. David McLeod

    Sep 29

    I made these today with my oldest son. I had to switch the flour to gluten free 1 to 1 flour as he’s a Type 1 Diabetic with Celiac Disease. They turned out fantastic!
    I’m just wishing it had the Nutritional Value so that bolusing for them isn’t a guessing game, lol.
    I just recently found your show here in Ontario, Canada and I really enjoy it. You can see that you really enjoy cooking and the story behind the meals you create by the huge smile on your face😊 I’ve never seen that reaction by another chef/ cook on a show before and it is one of the things that keeps me tuning in to your wonderful show. Keep up the great work and never lose your passion for cooking! Thank you.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Oct 03

      Oh thank you so much, David! I’m so glad you found me…and I hope you and your son enjoy many more recipes.

  5. Rayna

    Dec 12

    Your dad sounds like a swell guy. You’re a lucky girl!! I cannot wait to try this and serve alongside the next game of Rummikub (my mom is always “bugging” me and the hubs to play when we visit – don’t tell her I secretly love something she loves 😂🤫) Now I just have to hunt down some orange tequila 🍊 🥃

    1. Pati

      Dec 13

      Oh I’m so lucky! I hope you and your mom love the cookies, Rayna.

  6. MarceaB

    Aug 16

    Would orange juice or orange syrup work instead of the liqueur?

    1. Pati

      Aug 17

      Sure! Or you can just skip the liqueur all together. They will still be delicious…I always leave a few without the liquor for those who don’t want it.

  7. Mike Kneffel

    Oct 07

    Love your show! Decided to make Tequileras this weekend. They look awesome! Also, you gave me some good ideas by talking about how your dad teaches. We take care of my nephew’s 7 year old son sometimes. I taught him how to play poker, but I need to teach him to play backgammon and crazy dice. I think he’s a year or two away from learning how to hold his liquor!

    1. Pati

      Oct 11

      Hahaha!

  8. Yolanda Carley

    Aug 17

    Just saw a commercial on Channel 21PBS that they’ll be having a Patti’s Mexican Table marathon; so excited about watching all the episodes, love her show and since I love Mexican food, I really appreciate her recipes for real, authentic and delicious food.

    1. Pati

      Aug 18

      YAY!!!!

  9. MikeF

    Jul 25

    What brands of cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate should we look out for?
    So many traditional Mexican recipes use chocolate, but local Latino markets only seem to carry the hot chocolate drink mixes (with the disgusting ingredient list :-().
    TIA, Mike

    1. Pati

      Jul 26

      Whatever you find at an American grocery store works!

  10. RMK

    Jul 06

    This is the very first time I have ever posted anything on someone’s blog-but I had to tell you, watching your show brings back so many memories of my mom and dads cooking. And the beautiful places you visit, oh my, it makes me want to visit each one! What I love about your dishes, is that they are so authentic! The traditional ones are so much like my parents cooking! Sweet memories! It’s been many years since I last visited Mexico, watching your show makes me long for a visit. I’m sorry I missed going to see you when you were recently in Las Vegas! I wish you continued success!

    1. Pati

      Jul 07

      Oh my goodness… this is so touching! Thank you so much for your kind words. I am glad you like my recipes, and I am even happier that my show reminds you of your family. All my best to you!

  11. Diana Mejia de Quaintance

    Jul 02

    Is there a Roku channel where we can watch your show?

    1. Pati

      Jul 05

      I am currently just on Create TV and public television!

  12. psc

    Jun 24

    great cookie , made 2 batches, second one small squares to serve as tea cakes, big hit at afternoon book club!!!!!

    1. Pati

      Jun 30

      YAY!

  13. GreatPaige

    Jun 18

    Pati!! Gracias for the Photos!! Of course you are adorable & I remember first seeing your Cool Padre on an episode of your show. WoW! He was hot & handsome with his beard & cool sunglasses. I’m going to t r yyyyyyy to make these, they are so beautiful!! Thank You again, Pati??
    Paige

    1. Pati

      Jun 30

      Haha! Thanks Paige!

  14. Leslie Sansone Williams

    Jun 18

    Loved reading some of the things your father taught you, Pati. And this dessert looks so delicious and perfect for us chocaholics!

    1. Pati

      Jun 30

      Thank you, Leslie!

  15. bill evans

    Jun 17

    Nice pictures…. you were cute even as a little girl……:)…..

  16. mike drijanski

    Jun 16

    guerita chula, what an honor to be your guest in this recipe. i am most proud of you. i send you a 1000 blessings,…dad

    1. Pati

      Jun 30

      =)

  17. Tanvel

    Jun 16

    They sound scrumptious, I’m going to buy the liqueur

    1. Pati

      Jun 16

      Yay!

  18. jpmonte

    Jun 16

    What a nice tribute to her Dad! And the cookies look yummy!

    1. Pati

      Jun 16

      I hope you like them!

      1. jpmonte

        Jun 16

        Hi Pati! Never expected you to reply! I’ve watched you on Public Television for a long time, but I’m new to your blog. I love it!

  19. Jeff Gardiner

    Jun 16

    these look soooo good.. I’m gonna have to substitute Gran Marnier for the Agavero Orange Liqueur as I’ve never seen this in Canada…won’t be quite the same without the tequila back flavour.. maybe just add a teaspoon of tequila or split 1 tablespoon of each?

    1. Pati

      Jun 16

      You can just substitute for the Grand Marnier, they will be great as well!

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