Pan de Mallorca is a deliciously soft and sweet bread roll from Puerto Rico, known for its fluffy texture and lightly sweetened flavor. These rolls are often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, sometimes with a savory twist. Made with simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can easily recreate this Puerto Rican classic at home.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting snack, Pan de Mallorca will bring a taste of Puerto Rican culture right to your kitchen. Here’s everything you need to know to make the perfect batch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pan de Mallorca is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. Its slightly sweet, fluffy texture makes it ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack. You can enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or even filled with savory ingredients like cheese. It’s simple to make but packed with flavor, and the dough’s light, airy texture will have you coming back for more. Plus, this recipe is easy to adapt to different dietary needs like vegan, gluten-free, or whole wheat options.

Ingredients

To make Pan de Mallorca, you will need the following ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for dusting

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast
   In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This ensures the yeast is activated and ready for use.

2. Prepare the Dough
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand.

3. Knead the Dough
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.

4. First Rise
   Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

5. Shape the Rolls
   Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal pieces, then roll each piece into a rope and coil it into a spiral shape. Tuck the end underneath and place the shaped rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Second Rise
   Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they have doubled in size.

7. Bake the Rolls
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown on top. Be careful not to overbake, as they should remain soft and fluffy.

8. Dust with Powdered Sugar
   Allow the rolls to cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 delicious rolls. Here’s an estimated timeline:

• Active prep time: 30 minutes

• Rising time: 2 hours

• Baking time: 15-20 minutes

• Total time: About 2.5 to 3 hours

Variations

Pan de Mallorca is highly adaptable. Here are some variations to consider:

1. Vegan: Replace the butter with plant-based alternatives, use flax eggs, and choose plant-based milk.

2. Whole Wheat: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier, fiber-rich version.

3. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.

4. Savory: Fill the rolls with cheese before rolling them up, skipping the powdered sugar for a savory twist.

Storage/Reheating

Pan de Mallorca can be stored in a few different ways:

• Room Temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

• Freezing: Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

How long does it take for the yeast to activate?

Typically, it takes 5-10 minutes for the yeast to become frothy when mixed with warm milk and sugar. Make sure the milk isn’t too hot, or it may kill the yeast.

Can I make Pan de Mallorca without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast without needing to proof it in warm milk.

Can I skip the second rise?

It’s best to let the dough rise twice for optimal fluffiness. However, if you’re short on time, you can reduce the second rise to about 15-20 minutes.

How can I make my rolls fluffier?

Ensure you knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. Additionally, allow the dough ample time to rise during both steps.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise, and refrigerate it overnight. Shape and bake the rolls the next day.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar?

You can use regular granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar, though the result won’t be as fine or powdery.

Can I add fillings to the rolls?

Yes! You can add chocolate, sweetened cream cheese, or even cheese before rolling them up.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be lightly golden on top and soft to the touch. You can also check the internal temperature; they should reach around 190°F (88°C).

Is there a way to make these rolls lower in sugar?

To reduce sugar, try cutting down on the granulated sugar in the dough or omitting the powdered sugar dusting.

Conclusion

Pan de Mallorca is a delightful Puerto Rican bread that is perfect for any occasion. Its fluffy texture and light sweetness are sure to please everyone, whether served for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a savory option. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can recreate this cultural classic right in your own kitchen. Customize it to your taste with variations, and enjoy it fresh out of the oven or stored for later enjoyment! Happy baking!