Mantecadas de Astorga

Ingredients

• 200g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
• 200g (1 cup + 2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened 200g (1 cup + 2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp lemon zest 1 tsp lemon zest
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 15g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 26g (15g sugars)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease the mantecadas molds with butter or cooking spray.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. 4.
   Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl and mix until just combined.
5. 5.
   Stir in the lemon zest, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. 6.
   Spoon the batter into the prepared molds, filling each about ¾ full.
7. 7.
   Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the mantecadas are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool in the molds for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
   Serve the Mantecadas de Astorga dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
• Lemon zest — Use a fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to the batter.
• Ensure the mantecadas are completely cooled before dusting them with powdered sugar to prevent it from melting.

Serving advice

Serve the Mantecadas de Astorga as a delightful breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or as a dessert accompanied by a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Mantecadas de Astorga on a platter, dusted with powdered sugar, and garnish with a twist of lemon zest for an elegant touch.