An absolute delight for the holiday season, the Coca de San Juan Sweet Festive Pastry is a traditional Spanish Christmas treat that brings joy to every table. Fluffy, sweet, and full of warm spices, this pastry is perfect to enjoy with loved ones during the festive period. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Spanish baking with this wonderful recipe!
**Coca De San Juan Sweet Festive Pastry**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/3 cup warm milk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Zest of one orange
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Sliced almonds and crystal sugar for topping
**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter.
4. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a round disc, about 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick.
9. Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet and decorate the top with sliced almonds and a sprinkle of crystal sugar.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.
Delight in the aroma of warm spices and citrus as you baked this Coca de San Juan Sweet Festive Pastry. This holiday treat is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with a cup of hot cocoa. Share the joy of Christmas with this traditional Spanish delight and bring a touch of festive cheer to your home this season. Enjoy the merry flavors and the cozy feeling that this sweet pastry brings to your holiday gatherings.
