Enjoy making this easy Mazapan recipe at home! This crumbly, sweet & delicious Mexican candy is made with only two ingredients: peanuts & confectioners sugar.
🗒️ In This Post
***This post was originally published on Dec 2015. It has been updated to be more helpful.
Mazapan Mexican Candy
This Mazapán recipe couldn’t be easier to make. A quick look through your pantry is all it takes to gather the ingredients, and in just minutes you’ll have a batch ready. They’re the kind of treat you can whip up on short notice, crumbly, sweet and salty, melt-in-your-mouth, and absolutely irresistible.
Mazapanes are one of the most beloved candies in Mexico and such a big part of our culture that they even have their own national day: January 12th, Día del Mazapán!
While this Mexican peanut candy is enjoyed around the world thanks to its popularity, the best part is that it’s also incredibly simple to make at home. All you need are roasted peanuts and powdered sugar, just pulse them together in a food processor and shape into little round patties.
With only two ingredients, homemade mazapanes are perfectly balanced in flavor, free of preservatives, and so much more delicious than anything store-bought.
🩷 xoxo, Ana
**This post was originally published on June 2021. It has been updated to be more helpful.
Ingredients
This recipe is so easy, you won’t believe it! The original Mazapan recipe only requires two ingredients:
- Roasted unsalted peanuts
- Powder sugar
- Melted Chocolate (optional)
The traditional flavor is made with peanuts although you can also make it with other nuts like pistachios, almonds or any other nut high in fat. Or you can mix and match!
How To Make Mazapan
The most popular brand is De La Rosa Mazapan and their new flavor is covered in chocolate. I had them not too long ago, and I knew right then I had to make them myself! It tastes so good and I think you need to try them too 😉
Once you make these Mazapanes, go ahead and make this Atole De Mazapan. A thick Mexican drink made with this peanut & crumbly treat.
- In a food processor (preferred method) or blender, add the peanuts and the confectioners sugar.
2. Puree until you reach a fine and powdery texture. Stop frequently to scrape down the sides and bottom for an even consistency.
3. Scoop the ground peanut mixture to a cookie mold and begin pressing it down with your fingers, the back of a spatula or spoon.
Don’t be afraid to press very hard! The more compact the mixture is the better it’ll keep its form.
Remove the molds very gently as the mazapan breaks very easily. Tip: Push from the sides of the mold and not from the center. Do it a little bit at the time to avoid breaking it.
Recommended molds
The easiest mold to use is a round cookie cutter or even a small mason jar lid (with a removable top). Use whatever shape you want it to look like and have fun with it! Make them into a heart, star, square or whatever you have at hand.
However, the round mold is easier to use as it doesn’t have any corners and will be easier to un-mold once you press it down.
Store bought Mazapan’s shape is traditionally round and it comes wrapped in a clear plastic paper. The goal is to always open the wrap without crumbling the candy since it has a very fragile texture. You can pat yourself on the back if you open it and it’s whole!
Storage
- Store at room temperature – Store this peanut candy at room temperature wrapped in cling film or in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezer – If you prefer a mazapan to be available at any time— the cravings are real!—freeze them individually. Just place them in a glass or plastic container in a single layer then cover that layer with wax or parchment paper. Top with another layer of mazapanes and repeat until the container is full.
More Mexican Desserts
Print Recipe:
Easy Mazapan Recipe
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups roasted unsalted peanuts
- 1 cup Powder sugar for a more firm texture.
Instructions
- In a food processor (preferred method) or blender, add the 1 ½ cup of peanuts and the 1 cup confectioners sugar. Puree until you reach a fine and powdery texture.
- Scoop the ground peanut mixture to a cookie mold and begin pressing it down with your fingers, the back of a spatula or spoon.
- Don't be afraid to press very hard! The more compact the mixture is the better it'll keep its form.
- Remove them very gently as they break very easily. Tip: Push from the sides of the mold and not from the center. Do it a little bit at the time to avoid braking it.
Notes
Your Private Notes
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
Marzipan is more of a sweet paste (similar to fondant), made with ground almonds, powdered sugar, almond extract and egg white. The predominant flavor is almond. Mazapan on the other hand, is made with grounded peanuts & powdered sugar only. It tastes more like Reese’s peanut butter cup and used as a candy and not as a paste.
It’s not considered a healthy treat since it’s higher in fat content due to the peanuts and high in sugar that is full of empty calories. However, if you have one here and there, it won’t cause any harm! It should be enjoyed as a treat occasionally and not feel guilty about.
Yes it is! The ingredients are only peanuts and powdered sugar. No animal products are used to make this recipe.
We Loved this Easy Simple Recipe,Thank you for sharing it!
This is certainly Mexican marzipan. I had no idea it was culturally significant in Mexico. It’s origin is actually generally thought to be German, and is traditionally made with almonds, not peanuts. I was rather surprised and found it a bit odd all the marzipans in Mexico use peanuts, but they’re still tasty.
In many countries, you can find peanut flour, and so can buy this to skip the process of having to grind up the peanuts to a powder.
Great idea on using peanut flour! I have never seen it but will look for it when I visit. Thanks for the input Jack!
I hadn’t heard of Mazapan before but now I cannot wait to make these delicious cookies! I know my kids will love them too!
This recipe is totally new to me. Looks so delicious. I would love to try this soon.
I love, love, love how easy this recipe is and that I have all the ingredients on hand! Very tasty, I’ll make these again – thank you!
Such a simple and tasty candy. I love how quick it is to make.
When I first read the title, I thought of marzipan. They seem very similar! Peanuts instead of almonds though. Going to try this new-to-me treat!
These mazapanes came out so perfect! Just like how I used to eat them in Mexico. Thanks for the receta!
Perfect! Just like I remember. My dad loves these little treats and he introduced them to me when I was a little kid. He’s super happy that I can now make my own at home! Thank you for sharing this classic.
I made these and tried it with different nuts as well and gave them out as little christmas gifts! I loved it and never knew how easy it would be! thank you for the recipe!
How fun that you made Mazapanes for Christmas gifts! I’m so happy you liked this recipe. Have a happy new year!
Oh my goodness! My teens are going to flip when I tell them I found this recipe! Mazapan is one of my daughter’s favorite Mexican treats. I can’t wait to make these!
yummy! I love marzipan but I didn’t know it was soo easy to make! delicious!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe. I love easy desserts like this. I am looking forward to making it.
I had no idea this Mexican candy is made with only two ingredients!! Love it.
This was really good! My kids loved it! Can’t wait to make it again!
Wow! I can’t wait to try this one. I happen to have the ingredients on hand!
You’ll love it Sandra! They are a hit with my family!.
enjoy friend!
Ana
Making mazapan at home is so much fun! Plus delicious too. Thanks for the recipe!