Baking during the holiday season is always filled with warmth, comforting scents, and the joy of sharing delicious treats with loved ones. If you’re looking for a delightful recipe that combines Mexican flavors with the festive spirit of Christmas, then Mantecadas Mexican Muffins are a perfect choice! These soft and buttery muffins, flavored with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, are a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack by the fireplace.
### Mantecadas Mexican Muffins
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1/3 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the wells with butter.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
4. Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the wet ingredients are fully combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins.
7. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each well about 3/4 full.
8. Bake the mantecadas in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9. Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, these delicious Mantecadas Mexican Muffins are ready to be enjoyed. You can sprinkle them with a dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
These Mantecadas Mexican Muffins are the perfect balance of rich butteriness and warm spices, making them an ideal treat for Christmas morning breakfast or an evening dessert paired with a mug of hot cocoa. Remember to share these delightful muffins with friends and family, spreading the joy and festive spirit of the holiday season through the simple pleasure of homemade baking.
