Coyotas

Coyotas are traditional Mexican cookies that were invented in Hermosillo, Sonora in the 19th century. They are made from flour dough and filled with piloncillo – unrefined Mexican sugar. The name coyotas is literally translated to a female coyote, but it is also a Sonoran colloquial term for a female of mixed Indian and Spanish heritage. Coyotas are said to taste the best when paired with coffee or tea, and can be topped with a scoop of ice cream or dipped in milk like a cookie. Variations abound, so in addition to piloncillo, coyotas can be filled with caramel, dates, guava, figs, peaches, or pineapples.