Description
Conchas are traditional Mexican sweet breads characterized by their fluffy texture and signature crunchy topping that resembles a seashell. This recipe offers a homemade version that is soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for topping)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)
- Food coloring or cocoa powder (optional, for topping design)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix to combine.
- Gradually add flour, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- For the topping, mix flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla until a paste forms. Add coloring or cocoa powder if desired.
- Divide the topping and flatten into disks. Place one disk on each dough ball and score with a knife to create the shell design.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake conchas for 18–20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- You can use cocoa powder or food coloring to make decorative toppings.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
- Serve with coffee or hot chocolate for an authentic experience.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 concha
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
