Mantecados de Estepa with a Chiapas Twist

Ingredients

In this Chiapas-inspired version of Mantecados de Estepa, we incorporate the flavors of Chiapas cuisine by adding cinnamon and vanilla to the traditional Spanish butter cookie recipe. These additions infuse the cookies with a warm and aromatic taste that is characteristic of Chiapas' culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Mantecados de Estepa, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 14g, 7g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, and salt.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. 6.
   Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Gently press down on each ball with the back of a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
8. 8.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10.
    Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
• Ground cinnamon — Use freshly ground cinnamon for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of Chiapas flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cardamom to the cookie dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of granulated sugar to 1 1/4 cups.
• These cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of Mexican hot chocolate or a warm cup of Chiapas coffee.

Serving advice

Serve these Chiapas-inspired Mantecados de Estepa as a delightful treat alongside a hot beverage or as a sweet ending to a Mexican-inspired meal. They can also be beautifully presented in a decorative tin or gift box for special occasions or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the cookies with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. You can also place them on a decorative platter or serve them in colorful Mexican-inspired ceramic plates.