Traditional Spanish Mantecados Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 3/4 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon anise seeds
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Zest of one lemon
  • Zest of one orange
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white sugar, baking soda, anise seeds, ground cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Add in the vegetable shortening. Using your hands, mix the ingredients together until you achieve a crumbly texture.
  4. Stir in the lemon and orange zest.
  5. Take a small amount of dough and shape it into a ball, then slightly press it down to form a disk. Repeat this step until all the dough is used.
  6. Place the dough discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about an inch of space between each one.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
  8. Remove the mantecados from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Once the mantecados are completely cooled, dust them with powdered sugar.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl to combine and mix the ingredients.
  • Baking sheet - A flat sheet used for baking the mantecados.
  • Parchment paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
  • Wire rack - A rack used to cool the baked mantecados.
  • Measuring cups - To measure the flour, sugar, and shortening accurately.
  • Measuring spoons - To measure the baking soda, anise seeds, cinnamon, and salt precisely.
  • Grater - To zest the lemon and orange.
  • Oven - To preheat and bake the mantecados at the appropriate temperature.
  • Sifter or sieve - To sift the powdered sugar for dusting.
  • Kitchen towel or oven mitts - To handle hot baking sheets and trays safely.

Recipe variations

  • Use almond flour or cornmeal instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
  • Replace the anise seeds with ground cardamom or vanilla extract for different flavors.
  • Add chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios to the dough for added texture.
  • Mix in chocolate chips or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a twist.
  • Experiment with different citrus zests such as lime or grapefruit to vary the flavor profile.
  • Try using butter instead of vegetable shortening for a richer taste.
  • Dust the mantecados with cocoa powder or ground cinnamon instead of powdered sugar.
  • Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
  • For a savory version, omit the sugar and anise seeds, and instead include herbs like rosemary or thyme.
  • Create a chocolate version by adding cocoa powder to the dough and using chocolate extract.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the delightfully crumbly and aromatic Spanish cookies known as Mantecados. These festive treats are a staple during Christmas in Spain and are perfect for any cookie lover looking to try something new. Using simple pantry ingredients such as flour, sugar, and vegetable shortening, you'll create a dough that's infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and anise seeds, and brightened with zests of lemon and orange. The dough is then shaped into disks and baked until slightly golden. Once cooled, they're dusted with powdered sugar, adding a soft sweetness that complements the delicate, crumbly texture of these delightful cookies. Expect a mildly sweet, melt-in-your-mouth experience with an enchanting aroma and a festive feel. Enjoy this exquisite taste of Spanish tradition right in your own kitchen.

Common questions

  1. Can I use butter instead of vegetable shortening?
    Yes, you can substitute equal amounts of butter for the vegetable shortening in this recipe. However, keep in mind that it may slightly affect the texture and flavor of the mantecados.
  2. Can I skip the anise seeds?
    While anise seeds contribute to the traditional flavor of mantecados, you can omit them if you prefer or if you don't have any on hand. The cookies will still be delicious.
  3. Can I use a different type of citrus zest?
    Absolutely! If you don't have lemon or orange zest, you can try using lime or grapefruit zest instead. It will add a unique twist to the flavor of the mantecados.
  4. Can I make the dough in advance?
    Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking the mantecados.
  5. Can I freeze the baked mantecados?
    Yes, you can freeze the baked mantecados. Once they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking Sheet - Used to place the mantecados in the oven for baking.
  • Parchment Paper - Provides a non-stick surface for the mantecados to bake on.
  • Wire Rack - Used for cooling the baked mantecados and allowing air circulation.
  • Sifter - Helps to evenly dust the powdered sugar over the cooled mantecados.
  • Mixing Bowl - Used to combine the dry ingredients and shortening.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Grater or Zester - Needed to zest the lemon and orange.
  • Oven - Used to bake the mantecados.

Origin stories

Originating from Andalusia in southern Spain, mantecados have been a beloved holiday treat since the 16th century. The name 'mantecado' comes from 'manteca', meaning lard, which was the original type of fat used in the recipe. Lard was abundant in Spain's pig-farming regions, so incorporating it into baking made perfect sense. However, over the years, the recipe has evolved and many modern versions, like ours, opt for vegetable shortening. These sweet, crumbly cookies are traditionally enjoyed during Christmas, but their delightful flavor and easy preparation have made them a year-round favorite in many Spanish households.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.