How to Make Conchas (Mexican Sweet Bread) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Conchas are a popular Mexican sweet bread characterized by its shell-like appearance and delightfully sweet taste. This beloved pastry is a staple in Mexican bakeries and is enjoyed by people of all ages. With its fluffy texture and sugary topping, conchas are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

As iconic as they are delicious, conchas are the result of a rich culinary tradition that brings together Mexican and Spanish influences. This traditional reci...

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Ingredients

  • ½ cup warm water
  • 2 ½ teaspoons yeast
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup evaporated milk
  • ⅜ cup white sugar
  • ⅓ cup butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ⅔ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr 45 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 12 conchas

  • Gather all ingredients.
  • To make the bread: Stir warm water and yeast together in a large bowl; let stand until yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.
  • Mix in 2 cups flour, milk, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt until combined.
  • Gradually mix in remaining 2 cups flour and cinnamon until dough comes together.
  • Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, 6 to 8 minutes. Place in a large greased bowl; turn dough to coat.
  • Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, make the topping: Beat sugar and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  • Stir in flour until a thick paste forms.
  • Transfer 1/2 of the paste to a separate bowl. Mix cinnamon into one half and vanilla into the other half.
  • Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place 3 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet.
  • Divide each bowl of topping into 6 balls; pat flat. Place circles of topping on top of dough balls, patting down lightly. Use a knife to cut grooves in the topping like a seashell.
  • Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Bake in the preheated oven until lightly golden brown, about 20 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    395 cal.

    • Total Fat: 15g
    • Saturated Fat: 9g
    • Cholesterol: 52mg
    • Sodium: 303mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 59g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 19g
    • Protein: 7g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 47mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 117mg