Discover the Secret to Irresistible Mantecados at Home

Introduction

If you’re looking for a delightful Spanish treat to savor with your loved ones, then mantecados should be at the top of your list. These crumbly, almond-flavored cookies have been a holiday tradition in Spain for centuries. With a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can bring the authentic flavors of Spain right into your kitchen. Let’s dive into the delightful world of mantecados and learn how to create these delectable treats at home.

Ingredients

To create these mouthwatering mantecados, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup ground almonds
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, powdered sugar, ground almonds, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and lemon zest.
3. Add the lard or vegetable shortening to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too crumbly, you can add a little more lard, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together.
4. Take a small amount of dough and roll it into a ball, then flatten it slightly to form a disc. Place the disc on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, placing the cookies about 1 inch apart.
5. Bake the mantecados in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown. The tops of the cookies should remain pale. Let the mantecados cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Once cooled, dust the mantecados with powdered sugar before serving.

FAQ

Q: Can I substitute lard with butter?

A: While traditionally lard is used to make mantecados, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vegetable shortening or butter. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly with the substitution.

Q: How should I store mantecados?

A: Once the mantecados have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months.

Q: Can I make mantecados without almonds?

A: The ground almonds contribute to the signature flavor and texture of mantecados. However, if you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can try using an equal amount of ground hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts as a substitute.

Q: Are mantecados gluten-free?

A: Traditional mantecados are not gluten-free as they contain all-purpose flour. If you require a gluten-free version, you can explore using a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour.

Q: Can I add other flavors to mantecados?

A: Absolutely! While the traditional almond-flavored mantecados are delightful, you can experiment with adding vanilla extract, orange zest, or even a hint of almond extract for variation. Remember to adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

With this simple recipe and a few tips, you can now embark on a delightful culinary journey to create your very own mantecados at home. Enjoy the process, savor the aromas, and indulge in the delightful taste of these irresistible Spanish treats. Buena suerte!