Ensaïmada de Mallorca

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 47g, 15g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix everything together until a sticky dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin rectangle.
7. 7.
   Brush the surface of each rectangle with softened butter, then tightly roll it into a spiral shape.
8. 8.
   Place the ensaïmadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
9. 9.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the ensaïmadas for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature before incorporating it into the dough. This will ensure easy mixing and a smooth texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of indulgence, you can sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the ensaïmadas before baking.
• If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the powdered sugar.
• To achieve a more pronounced vanilla flavor, you can scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean pod and add them to the dough.

Serving advice

Ensaïmada de Mallorca is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when it is still warm. Serve it as a delightful breakfast pastry or as a sweet treat with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee.

Presentation advice

To showcase the beautiful spiral shape of the ensaïmadas, serve them on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also place them in individual paper molds for an elegant touch.