Conchas (Mexican Sweet Bread) recipe

Name: Conchas (Mexican Sweet Bread)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ cup evaporated milk; ⅔ cup white sugar; ½ cup warm water; ⅜ cup white sugar; ½ cup butter or margarine; ⅓ cup butter or margarine, melted; 2 ½ teaspoons yeast

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, stir together the yeast and warm water. Mix in the milk, 3/8 cup sugar, 1/3 cup melted butter, salt, egg and half of the flour. Gradually mix in the remaining flour, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Turn the dough out onto a floured counter to knead as soon as it pulls together enough.

Step 2

Knead for 6 to 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a large greased bowl, and turn the dough to coat. Cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Step 3

Make the topping while the dough rises. In a medium bowl, beat 2/3 cup sugar and 1/2 cup butter until light and fluffy. Stir in the flour until the mixture is the consistency of thick paste. Divide into two parts, and place one part in a separate bowl. Mix cinnamon into one half, and vanilla into the other half.

Step 4

When the dough is done rising, cut into 12 even-sized pieces. Shape into balls, and place on a greased cookie sheet, spacing about 3 inches apart. Divide each bowl of topping into 6 balls, and pat flat. Place circles of topping on top of the dough balls patting down lightly. Use a knife to cut grooves in the topping like a clam shell. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.