Caramel-Pecan Mantecadas Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer
- 2 baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- 2-inch round cookie cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
5. Add vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
6. Add flour mixture and mix until just combined.
7. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Cut out 2-inch rounds with a cookie cutter and place on prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
10. Let cool completely before topping with caramel sauce and chopped pecans.

Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes 24 mantecadas

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 130
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter: can be substituted with salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half.
- Granulated sugar: can be substituted with light brown sugar or coconut sugar.
- Pecans: can be substituted with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Caramel sauce: can be substituted with melted chocolate or a fruit jam.

Variations:
- Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dough for a spiced version.
- Add 1/2 cup dried fruit to the dough for a fruity version.
- Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate version.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature before creaming with the sugar.
- Roll the dough out to an even thickness for even baking.
- Let the mantecadas cool completely before topping with caramel sauce and pecans.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve on a platter with fresh fruit and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh fruit, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Pairings:
Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
- If the mantecadas are not baking evenly, make sure the dough is rolled out to an even thickness.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.

Food History:
Mantecadas are a traditional Spanish pastry that originated in the city of Seville. They are usually served as a snack or dessert.

Flavor Profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and buttery.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a snack or dessert.

Related Categories

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Region: Spanish

Taste: Sweet, Rich, Nutty, Caramelized, Buttery