Homemade Mantecadas (Mantecadas Caseras)
Ingredients:
– 200g (7 oz) all-purpose flour
– 150g (5.3 oz) sugar
– 150g (5.3 oz) butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions:
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest, if using.
5. **Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Fill Muffin Tin:** Spoon the batter into the lined muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
7. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the mantecadas comes out clean.
8. **Cool and Serve:** Allow the mantecadas to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve at room temperature.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12 mantecadas
