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Homemade Mantecadas – Buttery, Fluffy & Irresistibly Golden
These traditional Spanish mantecadas are rich, soft, and delightfully aromatic. With a golden dome and buttery crumb, they’re perfect for breakfast, tea time, or an anytime treat.
Tall, golden-topped, and wonderfully tender inside — a true classic straight from your oven.
Ingredients (Yields 10–12 mantecadas)
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250 g all-purpose flour
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250 g granulated sugar
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250 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
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4 large eggs
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a fragrant touch)
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep time: 15 min | Bake time: 20–25 min
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Line muffin or mantecada molds with paper liners or lightly grease with butter or oil.
2. Sift the Dry Ingredients
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In a bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter & Sugar
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
4. Add the Eggs
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
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5. Add Flavorings
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Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using).
6. Combine the Batter
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Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet mixture.
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Mix with a spatula or on low speed just until well combined — avoid overmixing.
7. Fill the Molds
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Fill the prepared molds ¾ full, leaving room for the batter to rise.
8. Bake
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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9. Cool & Enjoy
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Let cool in the molds for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
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Enjoy with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
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Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with citrus glaze.
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Serve warm with a bit of fruit jam or butter for an extra treat.
Tips & Variations
Want extra buttery flavor?
Use European-style butter for a richer taste.
Try orange zest instead of lemon
Adds a slightly sweeter citrus note.
Make it chocolatey
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Stir in chocolate chips or a spoonful of cocoa powder to the batter.
FAQs
1. How long do they stay fresh?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
2. Can I freeze them?
Yes! Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.
3. Are mantecadas the same as muffins?
Not quite — they’re softer and more buttery, with a finer crumb and less dense texture than typical muffins.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these Homemade Mantecadas, you’ll never want to buy store-bought again. Rich, fluffy, and packed with flavor, they’re a true bakery-style treat straight from your kitchen.
