How to Make Soft and Fluffy Pan de Mallorca at Home Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible charm of Pan de Mallorca—a sweet, buttery Puerto Rican bread that’s as cloud-soft as a dream. These golden spirals are delicately sweet, enriched with eggs and butter, and finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. They’re perfect with a hot cup of coffee in the morning or served warm as a cozy afternoon treat. And the best part? You can make them right at home with simple ingredients and a little bit of kneading love. No fancy equipment needed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbelievably Soft: These rolls are light, fluffy, and pillowy—the kind of texture you’d expect from a professional bakery.
• Perfectly Sweet: Not overly sugary, just the right touch of sweetness that makes them perfect with coffee or hot chocolate.
• Freezer Friendly: You can make a batch ahead of time and freeze them. They reheat beautifully and still taste fresh!
• Versatile Treat: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls fit in effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create that authentic Pan de Mallorca flavor and texture:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough. Make sure to sift it for the fluffiest texture.
• Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives the rolls that signature lightness.
• Milk: Warmed to activate the yeast and create a soft, tender crumb.
• Butter: Lots of it! It’s what makes these rolls so rich and delicious. Use unsalted butter and let it soften before mixing.
• Eggs: Enrich the dough and add that beautiful yellow hue to the rolls.
• Sugar: A bit in the dough for sweetness and plenty on top for that classic Mallorca finish.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough without making it salty.
• Powdered sugar: The finishing touch. Don’t skip it—it’s part of the experience.

Variations

Want to mix it up? Here are a few fun twists:

• Filled Pan de Mallorca: Spread guava paste, Nutella, or cream cheese before rolling the dough for a sweet surprise inside.
• Cinnamon Sugar Mallorca: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar before rolling for a warm spiced version.
• Savory Spin: Skip the powdered sugar and serve them with ham and cheese—this is a popular variation in Puerto Rico!

How to Make Soft and Fluffy Pan de Mallorca

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk slightly (not too hot!) and stir in the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it starts to foam. This tells you the yeast is alive and ready to go.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the eggs and the foamy yeast mixture, then stir in the softened butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you prefer.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once risen, roll the dough out into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Cut into long strips, roll each one into a spiral, and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes. This is what makes them super airy and soft.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 15–20 minutes or until golden on top and baked through.

Step 8: Dust with Sugar

Once they’re slightly cool, dust generously with powdered sugar. That snowy top is iconic and oh-so-satisfying.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use warm—not hot—milk: Too much heat can kill the yeast. Think bath water warm.
• Knead well: A properly kneaded dough makes all the difference in achieving that pillowy texture.
• Let it rise in a warm place: Cold kitchens can slow the process, so pop the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off!) if needed.
• Avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on the oven; you want a light golden color, not brown.

How to Serve

Pan de Mallorca is delicious all on its own, but here are a few favorite ways to enjoy it:

For Breakfast:

Serve warm with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy morning treat.

As a Sandwich:

Slice in half and stuff with ham and Swiss cheese. A quick toast on a griddle turns it into a Puerto Rican classic!

For Dessert:

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave for about 20–30 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warm. Dust with more powdered sugar after reheating if needed.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can! Just dissolve it in the warm milk with sugar and let it sit until bubbly before adding to the flour. It may take slightly longer to rise, but it works just as well.

Why is my dough not rising?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the milk wasn’t too hot. Also, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment. Cold kitchens can slow or stop the rising process.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Is it necessary to use so much butter?
Yes—it’s part of what makes Pan de Mallorca so rich and tender. If you reduce the butter too much, the texture and flavor will be affected.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Pan de Mallorca before, now’s the time to dive in. These soft, buttery, sweet rolls are a true treat—comforting, nostalgic, and easy enough for any home baker to master. Make a batch, share with friends or family (if you’re feeling generous), and enjoy the pure joy of homemade goodness.

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