SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. While you purchase by means of hyperlinks on our web site, we could earn an affiliate fee at no additional price to you.
If you happen to’re a fan of Puerto Rican delicacies, you’ve in all probability come throughout some pleasant Puerto Rican cookie recipes.
Two fashionable ones that come to thoughts are Mantecaditos and Polvorones Shortbread.
These scrumptious treats are a staple in the course of the vacation season and are cherished by many for his or her pleasant flavors and distinctive textures.
Let’s dive into the journey of creating these yummy treats, exploring their elements, methods, and traditions.
Understanding Puerto Rican Cookies
Puerto Rican cookies, particularly Mantecaditos and Polvorones Shortbread, are extra than simply scrumptious cookies.
They’re part of the tradition, usually made for particular events and handed down by means of generations.
Mantecaditos are little butter cookies, usually topped with a maraschino cherry or guava jelly, whereas Polvorones are almond-flavored shortbread cookies, loved with a cup of scorching cocoa or café con leche.
Getting Began with the Cookie Dough
One of many first steps in making these cookies is making ready the cookie dough. Substances like unsalted butter, sugar, and objective flour are mixed in a big bowl.
The butter ought to be at room temperature for greatest outcomes.
The dough is then blended till it varieties a lightweight, fluffy texture.
Almond flour or floor almonds could be used within the Polvorones for that distinct taste, whereas Mantecaditos might need a touch of almond or rum extract.
The Position of Leavening Brokers
In contrast to most cookies, Puerto Rican cookie recipes usually don’t include leavening brokers.
It’s because the specified texture is extra dense and crumbly, somewhat than gentle and fluffy.
This could be a little difficult to realize, particularly in case you’re used to creating sugar cookies or different forms of cookies that require a leavening agent.
Shaping the Cookies
As soon as your dough is prepared, it’s time to form these scrumptious cookies.
Utilizing a small scoop or your arms, the dough is rolled into small balls and positioned on an un-greased cookie sheet or a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
For the Mantecaditos, a small indentation is made within the middle of every cookie, which is able to later be stuffed with guava paste or a maraschino cherry.
Baking to Golden Brown Perfection
The cookies are then baked in a preheated oven till they’re golden brown.
It’s vital to control them as they bake, as the proper cookies are usually not too smooth and never too exhausting, however excellent.
As soon as carried out, they’re transferred to a wire rack to chill.
Including the Toppings
As soon as the cookies have cooled, it’s time for the thrilling half – including the toppings!
A dollop of guava paste or a maraschino cherry is positioned within the middle of the cookie, including a pop of coloration and a burst of taste.
For the Polvorones, they’re historically left plain however might be dusted with a little bit powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Storing and Serving
These cookies retailer effectively in an hermetic container at room temperature.
You should definitely maintain them in a single layer to forestall them from sticking collectively.
On the subject of serving, these cookies make a fantastic addition to a cookie swap or as a yummy deal with together with your afternoon espresso.
Exploring Different Puerto Rican Cookie Recipes
Whereas Mantecaditos and Polvorones are fairly fashionable, there are different Puerto Rican cookie recipes value exploring.
Coconut Macaroons, for instance, are a scrumptious mix of coconut milk, sugar, and some different elements baked till golden.
They are often drizzled with chocolate or left plain, relying in your desire.
Last Ideas
Making Puerto Rican cookies is a superb method to discover the wealthy culinary tradition of the island.
Whether or not you’re making them for a vacation season, a cookie swap, or simply as a result of, these scrumptious cookies are positive to deliver a style of Puerto Rico into your kitchen.
Comfortable baking!
Puerto Rican Mantecaditos (Butter Cookies) Recipe
Yield:
24 Servings
Prep Time:
quarter-hour
Cook dinner Time:
20 minutes
Complete Time:
35 minutes
Mantecaditos are conventional Puerto Rican cookies that soften in your mouth with a pleasant crunch of almond and a touch of guava. These butter cookies are good for any event, from a vacation dinner to a day snack with espresso.
Substances
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup almond meal
- Guava paste, minimize into small cubes
- Maraschino cherries, halved
- Powdered sugar (optionally available)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a big bowl, cream collectively the softened butter, granulated sugar, and almond extract till the combination is gentle and fluffy.
- Combine within the all-purpose flour, salt, and almond meal till the dough comes collectively. It will likely be a bit crumbly, nevertheless it ought to maintain collectively when pressed.
- Scoop out a few tablespoon of dough and roll it right into a ball. Place it on the ready baking sheet and press down barely to flatten it. Repeat this course of till all of the dough is used.
- Press a small dice of guava paste into the middle of every cookie, then high it with a half maraschino cherry.
- Bake the cookies within the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or till the perimeters are flippantly golden brown.
- Enable the cookies to chill on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes earlier than transferring them to a wire rack to chill fully.
- As soon as cooled, mud the cookies with powdered sugar if desired.
- Get pleasure from these pleasant Mantecaditos with a cup of espresso or tea!
Notes
The cookies might be saved in an hermetic container at room temperature for as much as every week.
Vitamin Info:
Yield: 24
Serving Measurement: 1
Quantity Per Serving:
Energy: 150Complete Fats: 9gSaturated Fats: 5gTrans Fats: 0gUnsaturated Fats: 4gLdl cholesterol: 20mgSodium: 25mgCarbohydrates: 15gInternet Carbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 2g
