How to Make Almond Conchas - A Step-by-Step Guide

Almond Conchas are a delightful Mexican sweet bread, known for their crumbly, buttery texture and sweet almond flavor. These traditional pastries are popular for breakfast or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. With a crunchy, sugary topping resembling a seashell, and a soft, tender crumb inside, Almond Conchas are a favorite among those who love Mexican baked goods.

The main ingredients in Almond Conchas include all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, yeast, mi...

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Ingredients

  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup evaporated milk
  • ⅓ cup white sugar
  • ⅓ cup canola oil
  • ½ (4 ounce) package marzipan, cut into small pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, or as needed
  • ½ teaspoon canola oil
  • ⅔ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup butter, cut into small pieces
  • ½ (4 ounce) package marzipan, cut into very small pieces
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr 50 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
  • Servings: 20
  • Yield: 20 conchas

  • Combine milk, evaporated milk, sugar, 1/3 cup canola oil, marzipan, and salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 50 seconds. Mix in egg, then yeast. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  • Add 3 cups flour and mix well. Add enough of the remaining flour to bring dough together. Knead dough in the bowl until pliable, 5 to 6 minutes. Move dough to one side and grease bowl with 1/2 teaspoon oil. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and set aside until dough doubles in size, about 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, make topping. Combine sugar and butter in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on low speed for 1 minute. Increase speed to high and continue beating. Add marzipan, almond extract, and salt; beat until creamy. Add flour and beat until combined and pliable. Cover bowl and set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Cut dough into 20 pieces. Shape into semi-flat rolls. Arrange them in the baking pan.
  • Cut topping mixture into 20 equal pieces. Place each piece between 2 sheets of parchment paper and press into a 2-inch circle. Place 1 circle over each roll. Use a butter knife to score the tops in a decorative pattern.
  • Cover baking pan with plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled, 45 to 55 minutes.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until puffed and golden, about 18 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    265 cal.

    • Total Fat: 11g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 23mg
    • Sodium: 221mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 38g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 14g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 37mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 79mg