Vanilla Mallorcas, or Pan de Mallorca, are soft, fluffy Puerto Rican rolls that bring a delightful combination of sweet vanilla flavor and a light, buttery texture. These rolls, which are a staple in Puerto Rican bakeries, are perfect for breakfast or dessert. With their pillowy structure and a slight glaze, they are as comforting as they are delicious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add the flour until a soft dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

3. Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick). Brush with melted butter. Mix sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over the dough, then roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.

4. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes.

5. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.

6. Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Nutrients (Per Roll, Approximate)

• Calories: 220 kcal

• Sugar: 5g

• Fat: 9g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

• Carbohydrates: 32g

  • Fiber: 1g

• Protein: 4g

Why Vanilla Mallorcas Are So Irresistible

What makes Vanilla Mallorcas so irresistible is their combination of textures and flavors. The dough is soft, tender, and airy, with just the right amount of sweetness from the sugar and vanilla extract. As the rolls bake, they take on a golden, slightly crisp exterior, while maintaining a moist, buttery interior. The slight cinnamon-sugar topping adds a touch of warmth and spice, balancing the sweetness of the dough, while the melted butter brushed on top after baking gives the rolls a glossy, rich finish.

These rolls are versatile enough to be served at any time of day, from breakfast to dessert. Their pillowy texture and comforting flavor make them a perfect way to start your morning or enjoy a sweet treat after dinner.

The Dough: Soft, Fluffy, and Sweet

The dough for Vanilla Mallorcas is the key to their light, fluffy texture. The combination of all-purpose flour, sugar, and yeast creates a soft dough that rises beautifully during the first and second rises. The warm milk and melted butter contribute to the richness and tenderness of the dough, while the eggs help to bind everything together, giving the rolls structure and stability.

The vanilla extract adds a lovely aromatic note to the dough, making it subtly sweet and fragrant. The dough is simple to prepare, and once it’s kneaded and left to rise, it transforms into a soft and pliable base for your rolls.

Kneading the Dough: Creating a Soft, Elastic Texture

Kneading the dough is an important step to ensure the rolls have the perfect texture. As you knead the dough, you’ll notice it becoming smoother and more elastic, which is essential for achieving the light, fluffy texture characteristic of Vanilla Mallorcas. Kneading for about 8-10 minutes helps develop the gluten in the flour, which gives the dough its structure and allows it to rise properly during baking.

Once the dough is smooth and elastic, it’s placed in a greased bowl to rise. Covering it with a towel ensures that the dough stays warm and continues to rise. The dough should double in size after about 1-2 hours, which is when it’s ready to be shaped.

Shaping the Rolls: Creating the Perfect Swirl

Once the dough has risen, it’s punched down to release the air and then rolled out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This is the stage where the rolls start to take shape. Brushing the dough with melted butter ensures that each bite will be rich and flavorful. Then, the cinnamon and sugar mixture is sprinkled over the dough, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness to every bite.

The dough is then rolled tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces. This step is what gives Vanilla Mallorcas their signature swirl shape, which not only looks beautiful but also allows the filling to bake into every layer. The rolls are then arranged in a greased baking dish, where they’ll undergo a second rise to puff up and become even fluffier before baking.

Second Rise: Ensuring Fluffy Rolls

The second rise is crucial for the rolls to achieve their soft, airy texture. After shaping the rolls, cover the baking dish and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes. This allows the rolls to puff up and expand, ensuring that they’ll bake into light and fluffy rolls. It’s important to let them rise long enough so that the rolls have room to grow, but not so long that they become overproofed.

Baking the Mallorcas: Golden Perfection

Baking Vanilla Mallorcas at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes ensures that the rolls cook through and develop a golden, slightly crispy exterior. The rolls should be soft to the touch with a light golden color. The aroma of freshly baked dough with hints of vanilla and cinnamon will fill your kitchen as they bake, making it nearly impossible to wait for them to cool.

Once the rolls are out of the oven, they should be brushed with more melted butter for a glossy finish. The butter adds richness and gives the rolls that irresistible sheen. The rolls should rest for a few minutes before serving to allow them to set and cool slightly.

Topping: Sweet and Slightly Spiced

The topping for Vanilla Mallorcas adds a final touch of sweetness and flavor. The cinnamon-sugar mixture sprinkled on top of the rolls before baking adds a slight crunch and a warm, aromatic spice to each bite. If you prefer an extra layer of sweetness, you can drizzle the rolls with warm strawberry jam or a simple vanilla glaze.

To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the rolls once they’ve cooled slightly to add a sweet, creamy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Vanilla Mallorcas can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For breakfast or brunch, serve them with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of fresh orange juice for a deliciously comforting start to the day. If you’re serving them as a dessert, they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of whipped cream.

These rolls also make a great treat for gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions. Their pillowy texture and sweet flavor make them a crowd-pleaser, and they’re sure to impress with their beautiful appearance and delightful taste.

Nutritional Breakdown

Each Vanilla Mallorca roll contains approximately 220 calories, making it a relatively light treat. With 12g of fat, including 7g of saturated fat, the rolls are indulgent yet not overly rich. The 32g of carbohydrates comes from the flour and sugar, while the 1g of fiber helps to balance the sweetness. Each roll also provides 4g of protein, primarily from the flour and eggs in the dough.

With 5g of sugar per roll, the sweetness is moderate, allowing you to enjoy the flavor without feeling overwhelmed by sweetness. The sodium content is 90mg, which is relatively low for a baked good, making these rolls a satisfying treat without excess salt.

Conclusion: A Sweet and Comforting Treat

In conclusion, Vanilla Mallorcas (Pan de Mallorca) are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough, creamy vanilla flavor, and a slight cinnamon-sugar topping. These Puerto Rican rolls are a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or as a sweet dessert after dinner, these rolls are sure to become a new favorite. Easy to make and full of comforting flavors, Vanilla Mallorcas will bring a bit of warmth and sweetness to any occasion.