If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a cloud of buttery, sweet, and fluffy bread that feels like a warm hug, then this Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These Puerto Rican-inspired rolls are so irresistibly soft and tender, infused with fragrant vanilla and finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar that elevates them into pure breakfast magic. Whether you serve them fresh from the oven or enjoy them with a cup of coffee, these rolls will quickly become your new favorite way to start the day or sweeten any snack time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients come together to create the most unforgettable flavors. Each item here works in harmony to give these rolls their characteristic softness, gentle sweetness, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Whole milk (¾ cup, warm): Warm milk helps activate the yeast while adding richness to the dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): This is what makes your dough rise perfectly fluffy and airy.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds sweetness that balances beautifully with the vanilla.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs enrich the dough, boosting softness and structure.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup melted + 2 tbsp for brushing): Butter adds moisture, flavor, and that gorgeous golden crust when brushed on top.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): The star flavor that makes these Pan de Mallorca rolls truly special.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups + more for dusting): Provides the body of the dough, ensuring just the right chewiness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): The final touch for that signature sweet finish you’ll love.
How to Make Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Patience here is key—wait for 5 to 10 minutes until you see a foamy layer. This bloom means your yeast is alive and ready to give your dough that perfect rise.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining sugar, melted butter, and the vanilla extract that will give these rolls their signature flavor. Then carefully stir in your bubbly yeast mixture, blending everything into a smooth, fragrant base.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
Slowly add flour and salt to the mixture, stirring as you go, until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. This is where the magic of kneading begins.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and bounces back when pressed. If you’re using a stand mixer, 5 to 6 minutes with a dough hook does the trick.
Step 5: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, cozy spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial to develop that airy texture you’ll fall in love with.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Punch down the risen dough to release excess air, then divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope and coil it into a spiral. Placing them neatly on a parchment-lined baking sheet gets them ready for their second rise.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the coiled rolls and let them rest for 30 to 45 minutes, allowing them to puff up and become even more tender and luscious before baking.
Step 8: Bake and Finish
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the tops of your beautifully risen rolls with melted butter, then bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn a gorgeous light golden brown. When they come out, brush with more melted butter and sprinkle generously with powdered sugar for that iconic Pan de Mallorca touch.
How to Serve Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic powdered sugar is unbeatable, you can get creative! Try brushing with a thin glaze of honey or drizzling a vanilla icing to enhance sweetness even more. Fresh fruit slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon add lovely contrast for a gourmet feel.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy hot chocolate. They also complement fresh fruit salads or creamy yogurt for a balanced breakfast or brunch experience that feels both comforting and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls warm stacked on a pretty plate, or slice them horizontally to make sweet sandwich buns filled with cream cheese, strawberry jam, or Nutella. For a party, arrange them in a basket lined with a vibrant cloth napkin to bring a cheerful vibe to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any rolls left (though it’s hard to resist eating them all!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep their soft texture.
Freezing
These rolls freeze wonderfully. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their deliciousness frozen for up to 3 months—perfect for quick breakfasts on busy days.
Reheating
To enjoy your rolls fresh again, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then warm them up in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. A quick brush of butter after reheating revives that fresh-baked glow.
FAQs
Can I use milk other than whole milk in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with 2% or even plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, but whole milk enriches the dough best and helps achieve that tender crumb typical of Pan de Mallorca rolls.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
Instant yeast can be used as a substitute in the same quantity, but skip the activation step; mix it directly with your flour and wet ingredients.
Is there a way to make these rolls sweeter?
Absolutely! Adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey to the dough gives a lovely extra touch of natural sweetness without overpowering the delicate vanilla flavor.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking the rolls.
Are these rolls suitable for kids?
Definitely! These soft, sweet rolls make a fantastic treat for children’s breakfasts, snacks, or lunchboxes. The mild vanilla flavor is usually a big hit with little ones.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls Recipe is like inviting a delightful piece of Puerto Rican home baking into your kitchen. They fill your space with warm vanilla aromas and treat you to a tender, buttery bite every time. These rolls are simple enough to make for any day but special enough to savor for occasions or when you just want to brighten your morning. So go ahead, give this recipe a whirl—you’re in for a sweet, soft surprise that will have you baking again and again!
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Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 90 minutes rising time)
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls are soft, sweet, and fluffy Puerto Rican breakfast bread rolls infused with warm vanilla and coated in butter and powdered sugar. These homemade rolls are perfect for enjoying with coffee or making sweet sandwiches, offering a deliciously tender texture and subtly rich flavor.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- ¾ cup whole milk, warm
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Add Flour and Salt: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment on medium speed for 5–6 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope approximately 12 inches long, then coil each rope into a spiral shape.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and allow them to rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the second rise.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and bake for 15–18 minutes or until the rolls are lightly golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven, brush again with melted butter, and generously dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- For a sweeter dough, you can add 1–2 tablespoons of honey to the recipe.
- These rolls pair wonderfully with coffee and can also be used as sweet sandwich buns.
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Use a kitchen towel or plastic wrap to cover the dough while rising to maintain moisture.
