Christmas is a time for sweet treats and cozy baking, and what better way to add a touch of Spanish flair to your holiday spread than with a traditional recipe like the Ensaimada Mallorcan Sweet Pastry. Hailing from the sunny island of Mallorca, this delightful pastry is the perfect blend of rich, flaky dough and sweet filling, making it a wonderful addition to any festive gathering. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked Ensaimadas!
**Ensaimada Mallorcan Sweet Pastry**
**Ingredients:**
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
– Optional: filling of your choice (traditional options include chocolate, cream, or apricot jam)
**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, milk, eggs, melted butter, and lemon zest. Mix well until a sticky dough forms.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the dough and knead it until smooth and elastic, about 10-15 minutes. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, and divide it into small portions.
6. Roll out each portion into a thin circle on a floured surface.
7. If you’re using a filling, spread it over the dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a long cylinder. Then, coil the cylinder into a spiral shape to form the classic Ensaimada.
9. Place the shaped pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.
10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
11. Bake the Ensaimadas for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
12. Allow them to cool slightly before dusting generously with powdered sugar.
13. Serve your homemade Ensaimada Mallorcan Sweet Pastries warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a truly festive and indulgent treat.
Enjoy the flaky layers of dough and the sweet filling, a surefire way to bring a taste of Spain to your Christmas celebrations. Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, so feel free to experiment with different fillings to suit your preferences. From our kitchen to yours, may your holiday season be filled with warmth, laughter, and of course, delicious homemade treats like these Ensaimadas. Happy baking!
