Mantecados, spanish christmas cookies recipe
Travel to Spain for Christmas with these Mantecados! These little cinnamon-flavored cookies are thick and delicious :-) An easy recipe to make at home with the kids. Perfect to round off your Christmas meal with a steaming cup of tea. Follow the steps of this preparation step by step in written, photo, and video format :-)
Ingredients
Materials
- Food processor and flat beater
- Frying pan
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- 2 inches/5 cm diameter cookie cutters
Preparation
Fry the flour in a pan over medium heat. When it changes color slightly, set aside and let cool.
Do the same with the powdered almonds (caution: they will toast more quickly). Set aside to cool.
Once cold, sift the flour into a bowl. Add the cooled almond powder, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Mix well and set aside.
In a food processor fitted with a flat beater, sift the powdered sugar, add the lard (at room temperature), and mix.
When the texture becomes creamy, add the almond powder flour mixture and mix until smooth.
Flour the work surface and shape the dough into a ball. It should be 0.8 inches/2 cm thick. Using a round cookie cutter, shape the mantecados.
Place your shapes on parchment paper and add sesame seeds on top.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 370°F/190°C in traditional heat mode. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
And now your Spanish mantecados are ready!
Observations
What are Mantecados and why are they popular during Christmas?
Mantecados are traditional Spanish cookies flavored with cinnamon, often enjoyed during the Christmas season. Their rich, crumbly texture and delightful taste make them a festive favorite in Spain.
Can I substitute lard in the Mantecados recipe?
Yes, you can substitute lard with unsalted butter or a plant-based alternative, but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.
How can I make Mantecados gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Mantecados, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What is the best way to store Mantecados?
Store Mantecados in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients to Mantecados?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding vanilla extract, orange zest, or even chocolate chips to customize the flavor of your Mantecados.
Nutrition
- Carbo: 54.6g
- Total fat: 30.3g
- Saturated fat: 8.8g
- Proteins: 7.7g
- Fibers: 3.4g
- Sugar: 22.7g
- ProPoints: 15
- SmartPoints: 21




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