Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Nutella or other chocolate-hazelnut spread
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- 2-inch round cookie cutter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cubed butter and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract.
5. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
6. Add the Nutella and mix on low speed until just combined.
7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until it comes together.
8. Roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness.
9. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts over the top of the mantecadas.
11. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Let cool completely before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 mantecadas
Nutritional Information: Per serving (1 mantecada): Calories: 100; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 25mg; Sodium: 40mg; Carbohydrates: 10g; Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 2g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter: Can be substituted with salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half.
- Nutella: Can be substituted with peanut butter or any other nut butter.
- Hazelnuts: Can be substituted with almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Add 1/2 cup of dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or cherries to the dough.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or other spices to the dough.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is cold when adding it to the dough.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Use a light touch when rolling out the dough to prevent it from sticking to the surface.
Storage Instructions:
Mantecadas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Mantecadas can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Mantecadas can be served as-is or dusted with powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
Mantecadas can be garnished with chopped hazelnuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of Nutella.
Pairings:
Mantecadas pair well with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Mantecadas can be served with a side of fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it comes together.
- If the dough is too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it comes together.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before using.
- Wash your hands before and after handling the dough.
Food History:
Mantecadas are a type of Spanish pastry that originated in the region of Castilla-La Mancha. They are traditionally made with lard, but this recipe uses butter instead.
Flavor Profiles:
Chocolate-hazelnut mantecadas have a rich and nutty flavor with hints of chocolate.
Serving Suggestions:
Mantecadas are best served warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Spanish
Taste: Rich, Nutty, Sweet, Chocolatey, Moist