Conchas Mexican Sweet Topped Buns

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Mexico with Conchas, the iconic Mexican sweet bread known for its soft, fluffy texture and signature shell-shaped topping. These decadent buns are made from a rich, buttery dough infused with a hint of vanilla, creating the perfect base for the sweet, crumbly topping that can be customized with vanilla or cocoa powder for added flavor. The conchas are lightly scored to form the classic seashell pattern, giving them an eye-catching appearance that's as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Perfectly golden and slightly crisp on the outside, each bun is a tender masterpiece, ideal for pairing with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as an indulgent snack, these authentic conchas bring a touch of traditional Mexican bakery flavor right to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and a balance of patience and skill, this recipe is your guide to creating a truly special treat.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:180 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.25 cups Granulated sugar
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.75 cups Warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 0.25 cups Unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 units Large eggs
• 1 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 0.75 cups All-purpose flour (for topping)
• 0.75 cups Powdered sugar
• 0.5 cups Unsalted butter (softened, for topping)
• 1 tablespoons Vanilla or cocoa powder (optional, for topping flavor)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Mix well.

Step 2

Add the warm milk, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough starts to come together.

Step 3

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5

While the dough is rising, make the topping by creaming together the topping flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter until a paste forms. Divide the topping into two portions if you want to add flavors like vanilla or cocoa powder. Mix in the flavoring, if using.

Step 6

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced well apart.

Step 7

Flatten a small portion of the topping paste between your palms or roll it out into a thin disc that can cover the surface of the dough ball. Place the topping disc over each ball and gently press it down.

Step 8

Use a sharp knife or a concha cutter to create the shell (seashell) pattern by scoring the topping layer.

Step 9

Cover the buns loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.

Step 10

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the conchas for 18-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the bottom and cooked through.

Step 11

Let the conchas cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them fresh with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1136.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3996.0

Total Fat 165.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 98.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 778.9mg	0%
Sodium 1426.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 550.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.7g	0%
Total Sugars 149.5g
Protein 76.7g	0%

Vitamin D 278.4IU	0%
Calcium 413.0mg	0%
Iron 26.9mg	0%
Potassium 1232.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.2%

Protein: 7.7%

Carbs: 55.1%