Pan Dulces

Bring the sweet taste of Mexico to your kitchen with homemade Pan Dulces, the beloved Mexican sweet bread that combines soft, fluffy dough with a buttery, crumbly topping. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, these iconic conchas are as fun to make as they are to eat. The bread itself features a rich blend of warm milk, eggs, and a hint of vanilla, while the colorful, sugar-infused topping can be customized with food coloring and etched with intricate shell-like patterns. These baked goodies rise to perfection, with a lightly golden crust that pairs beautifully with coffee, hot chocolate, or a dollop of dulce de leche. With just 30 minutes of prep and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to recreate the comforting flavors of traditional Mexican pastries at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 0.75 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
• 0.5 cup powdered sugar (for topping)
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)
• 0 food coloring, optional (for topping)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a separate small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy.

Step 3

Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir until blended.

Step 4

Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook. Knead the dough for about 8 minutes, or until it becomes soft and elastic.

Step 5

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

While the dough rises, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract until a smooth paste forms. Divide the topping if desired, and add food coloring to create colorful toppings.

Step 7

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 8

Flatten a small piece of the topping dough into a thin disc and press it onto the top of each dough ball, covering the surface.

Step 9

Using a knife or a concha cutter, gently carve patterns (like shell designs) into the topping without cutting into the dough.

Step 10

Cover the dough balls lightly with a towel and allow them to rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until slightly puffy.

Step 11

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 12

Bake the pan dulces for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden on the bottom. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Step 13

Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful treat!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1300.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4466.2

Total Fat 168.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 99.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 962.7mg	0%
Sodium 2673.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 638.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.8g	0%
Total Sugars 174.4g
Protein 91.5g	0%

Vitamin D 254.1IU	0%
Calcium 437.1mg	0%
Iron 30.8mg	0%
Potassium 1319.3mg	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: 34.2%

Protein: 8.2%

Carbs: 57.5%