Spanish Mantecado: 4 Irresistible Tips to Perfect it
Mantecados are a traditional Spanish shortbread cookie that is typically enjoyed during the Christmas season. They are rich, crumbly, and delicious. Here's a basic recipe for making mantecados:
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 cup Lard or vegetable shortening
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp Ground cinnamon (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lard (or vegetable shortening) and powdered sugar. You can use a hand mixer or wooden spoon to cream them together until well combined and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. If you like, you can also add a 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to give the mantecados a hint of spice.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring well after each addition. Continue mixing until the dough comes together and is smooth.
- Once the dough is ready, use your hands to shape it into small, round cookies. You can make them as small or as large as you like. A common size is about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place the shaped mantecados on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each cookie. Add the sesame seeds If you like.
- Bake the mantecados in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are just starting to turn golden around the edges. Be careful not to overbake, as mantecados should remain pale in color.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They will be delicate when warm, so handle them with care.
- Once the mantecados have cooled slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the mantecados are completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container. They will become crumbly and delicious as they age.
Notes
Mantecados are a delightful treat, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a glass of Spanish sherry. They are a holiday favorite, but you can enjoy them any time of the year.