The holidays are a time filled with warmth, joy, and of course, delicious baked goods. Among the delightful traditions of a Mexican Christmas, Pan De Mantequilla, or Butter Bread, stands out as a beloved treat. This recipe captures the essence of Christmas with its soft, buttery texture and sweet aroma that fills your home with comfort and cheer. Get ready to create a delightful batch of Pan De Mantequilla to share with your loved ones or to enjoy as a cozy indulgence by yourself.
Title: Pan De Mantequilla (Butter Bread)
Ingredients:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet dry active yeast
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to be used.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can gradually add a little more flour until it comes together.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
7. Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles and shape it into a round loaf or desired shapes. Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet and cover it loosely with a kitchen towel. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Bake the Pan De Mantequilla in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Pan De Mantequilla fresh and warm!
Pan De Mantequilla is a delightful holiday treat that brings that cozy and inviting aroma of freshly baked bread into your home. Whether you serve it for breakfast, as a snack with a cup of hot chocolate, or as part of a festive dinner spread, this buttery bread is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Capture the spirit of Mexican Christmas traditions with this simple yet delicious recipe that celebrates the joy of the season. Happy baking!
