Mexican Bread

Discover the delightful charm of Mexican Bread, or Conchas, a traditional sweet bread known for its soft, fluffy interior and signature crumbly topping. Perfectly enriched with whole milk, butter, eggs, and a hint of vanilla, this bread boasts a rich, tender dough that rises to perfection. The unique topping, made of buttery sweet dough with the option to include cocoa powder for a chocolate twist, is scored to mimic a seashell pattern, giving the bread its iconic look. Whether enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, these conchas are a must-try treat for fans of authentic Mexican pastries. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a touch of creativity in decorating, this easy-to-make recipe turns your kitchen into a Mexican panadería.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.33 cups granulated sugar
• 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.75 cups whole milk
• 0.25 cups unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter (for topping)
• 0.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
• 1 teaspoons vanilla extract (for topping)
• 1.5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for topping variation)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.33 cups of granulated sugar, and 2.25 teaspoons of instant yeast.

Step 2

In a saucepan over low heat, warm 0.75 cups of whole milk and 0.25 cups of unsalted butter until the butter is melted. Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm.

Step 3

Add the milk mixture, 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 4

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a stand mixer for 5–6 minutes.

Step 5

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Meanwhile, prepare the topping. In a medium bowl, mix 0.5 cups of unsalted butter, 0.5 cups of powdered sugar, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. If desired, divide the topping in half and mix 1.5 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder into one half for a chocolate variation.

Step 7

Once the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Place the dough balls onto a greased or lined baking sheet, leaving space for expansion.

Step 8

Flatten a small piece of the topping mixture into a disk and place it on top of each dough ball. Score the topping lightly with a knife to create shell-like designs.

Step 9

Cover the conchas loosely and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 10

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 11

Bake the conchas for 18–20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and cooked through.

Step 12

Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy with coffee or hot chocolate!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1194 grams (1194.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4067

Total Fat 143.20g	184%
Saturated Fat 82.70g	414%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 714mg	238%
Sodium 2605mg	113%
Total Carbohydrate 607.60g	221%
Dietary Fiber 21.30g	76%
Total Sugars 136.60g
Protein 86.30g	173%

Vitamin D 219IU	1095%
Calcium 411mg	32%
Iron 31mg	172%
Potassium 1313mg	28%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.7%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 59.8%