Mantecadas Recipe - Sweet Mexican Muffins with a Buttery Crumb

What if you could bring the magic of a Mexican bakery right into your kitchen? Enter mantecadas, the iconic sweet muffins found in every panadería across Mexico. Light, buttery, and bursting with flavor, these muffins are a staple in Mexican households and pair perfectly with a warm café con leche or a rich hot chocolate.

Ready to create a little slice of Mexico at home? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

What Are Mantecadas?

Think of mantecadas as the delightful cousin of classic American muffins, but with a uniquely Mexican twist. They’re sweet, tender, and often wrapped in vibrant red liners that instantly transport you to the heart of a bustling panadería. Traditionally made with yeast, this recipe swaps it for baking soda and baking powder, resulting in a quicker and fluffier muffin—perfect for modern kitchens.

Why You’ll Love These Mantecadas

Easy to Make: No need for fancy equipment or techniques. This recipe is beginner-friendly!
Authentic Flavors: Enjoy the buttery sweetness that makes mantecadas so beloved.
Versatile: Perfect as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or even dessert.

Mantecadas Recipe – Sweet Mexican Muffins with a Buttery Crumb

Mantecadas are classic sweet Mexican muffins with a buttery and fluffy crumb, often found in traditional panaderías. This recipe simplifies the process by swapping yeast with baking powder and soda for a lighter, flavorful result. Perfect with café con leche or hot chocolate, they’re an ideal treat for any time of day.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 16

Resting Time 2

Total Time 2 26

Course Bread, Dessert

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 15 muffins

Calories 186 kcal

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp kosher salt
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
Other Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter or lard/shortening
Red cupcake liners optional, but traditional!

Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step is key for a tender crumb!
Combine Everything
Gradually add 1/3 of the dry mixture to the butter mixture, followed by 1/3 of the wet ingredients. Repeat until all ingredients are incorporated. Mix just until smooth.
Chill the Batter
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This step is essential for a light and airy muffin top.
Bake the Mantecadas
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and fill each liner with 3 tablespoons of batter. Bake at 425°F for 8 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 400°F and bake for another 8 minutes. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Notes

Resting Time: Chilling the batter in the fridge allows the baking soda to fully react, ensuring a fluffy and airy muffin top.

Storage: Store in an airtight bag or container to maintain freshness.

Keyword Mantecadas, Mexican Muffins, Pan Dulce, Sweet Muffins, Traditional Mexican Recipes

Image Credit: Chicano Eats

Tips for Perfect Mantecadas

Chill Time Matters: Don’t skip the resting time; it allows the baking soda to work its magic for a fluffy texture.
Buttermilk Substitution: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container or a zip-top bag to keep them soft and moist.

Tips & Variations: Customize Your Mantecadas – Sweet Mexican Muffins

Buttermilk Substitute: Use 1 cup of regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 10 minutes before using.
Additional Sweetness: For sweeter muffins, add an extra ¼ cup of sugar to the batter before refrigerating.
Toppings: Sprinkle sugar on top of the batter before baking for a lightly sweet crust.
Flavor Additions: Experiment with citrus zest (like orange or lemon) or a dash of cinnamon for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

Mantecadas shine when paired with your favorite warm beverage. Try them with:

Café con Leche: The creamy coffee enhances their sweetness.
Hot Chocolate: A traditional Mexican chocolatito caliente makes for a decadent pairing.
Tea: A mild herbal or black tea balances the buttery richness.

A Sweet Taste of Mexico

There’s something magical about a batch of homemade mantecadas. They’re more than just muffins—they’re a connection to tradition, culture, and the simple joy of baking. Whether you’re making them for a family breakfast or as a thoughtful gift, these sweet treats are guaranteed to impress.

Try This Recipe Today!

Give these mantecadas a try and bring a little slice of Mexico into your home. Have fun experimenting, share them with loved ones, and don’t forget to enjoy one with a warm cup of coffee. ¡Buen provecho!

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