Delicious Mantecados: A Traditional Spanish Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Mantecados are a popular Spanish Christmas treat, known for their crumbly and buttery texture. This recipe will guide you through the process of making these delicious shortbread cookies, which are typically enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can recreate this traditional Spanish recipe in your own kitchen. The preparation time for these mantecados is approximately 30 minutes, making them a quick and easy dessert option for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup lard or butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)
• Additional powdered sugar, for rolling

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the lard or butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. If using, pour in the brandy or rum and mix until the dough comes together.
5. Shape the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Gently press down on each ball to flatten it slightly.
7. Bake the mantecados for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the bottom.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
9. Once cooled, roll the mantecados in powdered sugar until fully coated.
10. Store in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Interesting Facts