Enjoy making this easy Mazapan recipe at home! This crumbly, sweet & delicious Mexican candy is made with only two ingredients: peanuts & confectioners sugar.
***This post was originally published on Dec 2015. It has been updated to be more helpful.
Mazapan Mexican Candy
This Mazapan recipe is so easy to make. Just rummage through your pantry for the ingredients and you’re good to go! They are the easiest treat to make on short notice. They’re crumbly, sweet and salty, they melt in your mouth and 100% delicious!
Mazapanes are a very popular candy in Mexico and they are a huge part of our culture. It is so popular that even has its own national food day! January 12th – Dia Del Mazapan.
This Mexican peanut candy is exported to all over the world due to its popularity but lucky for us, is also very easy to make at home. The recipe comes together in 10 minutes by grounding roasted peanuts and powdered sugar using a food processor.
Why this is so good
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 😉
- In a food processor (preferred method) or blender, add the 1 1/2 cup of peanuts and the 1 cup confectioners sugar. Puree until you reach a fine and powdery texture. Stop frequently to scrape down the sides and bottom for an even consistency.
2. 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.
3. 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 breaking it.
Recommended molds
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!
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.
More fun Mexican treats you will love!
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.
Is Mazapan and Marzipan the same thing?
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.
Is Mazapan healthy?
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.
Is Mazapan vegan?
Yes it is! The ingredients are only peanuts and powdered sugar. No animal products are used to make this recipe.
MORE delicious…
Mexican Desserts
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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.
Muy Delish Notes:
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Nutrition
The nutritional information and US conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data. If this is important to you, please verify with your favourite nutrition calculator and/or unit conversion tool.
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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!