Mallorca Bread is a delightful treat that hails from Puerto Rico, and it has won the hearts of many with its irresistible, buttery flavor. Picture this: soft, fluffy rolls that swirl beautifully, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. Doesn’t that sound heavenly? Imagine sharing these warm rolls with family over a leisurely breakfast or enjoying them solo with a steaming cup of coffee in the afternoon. This bread is not just food; it’s an experience, a little slice of cultural history. It’s fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat. So, if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of fresh-baked bread, let’s get started!
Why This Recipe Works
This Mallorca Bread recipe combines simple ingredients and techniques to create an irresistibly buttery and flavorful roll. By using warm milk and water, you effectively activate the yeast, resulting in a fluffy texture that is both light and rich. That beautiful balance of softness and flavor is what makes this bread so special.
Why You’ll Love This Mallorca Bread
You will fall in love with the swirly, golden appearance of Mallorca Bread. Its look is only the beginning, as the taste is equally delightful. The bread’s flavor perfectly complements coffee, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat. So whether you’re sharing these with friends or enjoying a quiet moment alone, you’ll appreciate the simple joy they bring.
Ingredients for Mallorca Bread
- ¼ cup warm water (105°F)
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
- ½ cup melted butter (plus 2 tablespoons more for brushing)
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
The Process of Making Mallorca Bread
Prepare the Yeast Mixture
Begin by heating the water and milk until just warm, aiming for about 105°F. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, and yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture bubbles. This bubbling indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Combine Ingredients
Next, mix the remaining sugar and ½ cup of melted butter into the yeast mixture. Then, incorporate the egg yolks and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well combined. The warm, buttery mixture smells wonderful and already hints at the delicious bread to come.
Knead the Dough
Gradually stir in 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour along with ½ teaspoon salt. Continue mixing until the dough comes together. If it feels sticky, add a little more flour until you achieve a soft, manageable dough. This process helps develop the gluten, resulting in a wonderful texture.
Let the Dough Rise
Once your dough is ready, cover it with a towel and place it in a warm area. Let it rise until it doubles in size, which takes around 1 hour. This rising time is essential for fluffy bread, as it allows the yeast to do its job.
Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has risen, dust a clean surface with flour. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, ideally measuring around 14×18 inches. This shape will help you create those lovely spiral shapes.
Brush and Cut the Dough
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it generously over the surface of the rolled-out dough. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips. These strips will become the spirals of your Mallorca Bread.
Form the Rolls
Prepare a large cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Now, take each strip and roll it into a spiral. Place the rolls on the cookie sheet, making sure to leave about 3 inches of space between each one. They will expand during the second rise and baking, so give them room to breathe.
Second Rise
Brush the tops of the rolls with any leftover melted butter, then cover them lightly with a tea towel. Allow these beauties to rise in a warm environment until they nearly double in size, which should take about 45 minutes to an hour. Watching them rise is quite satisfying!
Bake the Mallorca Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the rolls have risen, place them in the oven and bake until they are lightly browned, which takes about 12 to 18 minutes. When done, remove them from the oven and dust with powdered sugar to give them that classic look.
Serving Suggestions
Mallorca Bread is perfect when served warm and pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra treat, think about adding fresh fruit preserves or a light cream cheese spread. These combinations elevate your bread from ordinary to extraordinary.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your liquids are warm, not hot. This helps protect the yeast and ensures it activates properly.
- Dust your work surface generously to prevent sticking while rolling out the dough. A little extra flour goes a long way.
- Allow your dough plenty of time to rise. This will lead to maximum fluffiness and an airy texture.
Variations
You can spice up your Mallorca Bread by adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough or filling for an aromatic twist. For a fruity delight, consider incorporating dried fruits like raisins or cranberries into the dough before rolling. This gives a unique flavor profile and makes it even more enjoyable.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover Mallorca Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option—up to 2 months. To serve again, let it thaw at room temperature, and you’ll hardly notice the difference.
FAQs
1. Can I make Mallorca Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your dough the night before, refrigerating it after the first rise. Shape and let it rise again before baking in the morning.
2. What can I serve with Mallorca Bread?
It pairs nicely with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit preserves. You can’t go wrong with these comforting combinations.
3. Is it necessary to use powdered sugar on top?
While traditional, if you prefer a less sweet option, you can completely omit the powdered sugar on top.
4. Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes, feel free to use dairy-free milk and butter substitutes for a vegan-friendly version. The taste remains delightful!
5. How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Look for a lightly browned top and listen for a hollow sound when tapping the bottom. These are clear signs that your bread is perfectly baked.
Mallorca Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition that evokes warmth and love in every bite. Remember, the process of creating these beautiful rolls brings joy, filling your kitchen with delightful smells and smiles. Each time you bake this treat, you not only create something delicious but also share the rich culture it represents—one roll at a time. Enjoy your baking adventure!
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Mallorca Bread
Mallorca Bread is a delightful treat from Puerto Rico, known for its soft, fluffy rolls and irresistible buttery flavor. With a beautiful swirl and sweet aroma, it’s perfect for sharing over coffee or enjoying alone.
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Ingredients
- ¼ cup warm water (105°F)
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
- ½ cup melted butter (plus 2 tablespoons more for brushing)
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Heat warm water and milk to about 105°F and combine with yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Mix remaining sugar and melted butter into the yeast mixture, then add egg yolks and vanilla extract.
- Stir in 3 ½ cups of flour and salt until dough comes together and is soft.
- Cover and let dough rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a 14×18 inch rectangle, and brush with melted butter.
- Cut into 1-inch strips, roll each strip into a spiral and place on a lined cookie sheet.
- Let rolls rise, covered, until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake until lightly browned, 12 to 18 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure liquids are warm but not hot to protect the yeast.
Dust the work surface to prevent sticking.
Allow sufficient time for the dough to rise for maximum fluffiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
