Are you ready to take your baking game to the next level this autumn? Forget apple pie – this Pumpkin Spice Conchas recipe is about to become your new favorite fall treat! These delightful Mexican sweet bread rolls, infused with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice, are surprisingly easy to make and offer a unique twist on a classic. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is perfect for creating a delicious and impressive homemade dessert. Get ready to enjoy the beautiful aroma and irresistible taste of these pumpkin spice-infused conchas!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
For the Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
- Add Butter: Gradually add the softened butter, kneading until fully incorporated. This will make your conchas incredibly soft and tender.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Making the Topping:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Cut in the softened butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Milk: Gradually add milk or cream, mixing until the dough comes together to form a slightly sticky topping.
Assembling and Baking the Conchas:
- Punch Down Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air.
- Shape the Conchas: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- Prepare the Topping: Roll out the topping on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛ inch thickness.
- Assemble: Place each dough ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out circles of topping slightly larger than the dough balls. Place a topping circle on top of each dough ball.
- Second Rise: Cover the assembled conchas with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool: Let the conchas cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the dough.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for added crunch.
- Experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Don't overbake the conchas, as they will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
Nutritional Information (per concha, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
These nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Pumpkin Spice Conchas! They're perfect for a cozy fall afternoon, a holiday gathering, or simply a delightful treat any time. This easy recipe offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, creating a truly unforgettable baking experience. Happy baking!