Pan Dulce (Sweet Bread), is a traditional breakfast food here in Mexico. Adults and children alike enjoy pan dulce with coffee and milk. This versatile recipe is flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and anise. The best part for us is that it is egg, dairy, and nut free, so the whole family can enjoy!
This yeast bread has a quick rise, so you can have fresh bread, ready to enjoy in under 2 hours. No need for special equipment, all you need is a baking sheet, measuring cups, and your hands!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rest Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
· 1 tablespoon yeast
· 1 cup warm water (keep an additional ½ cap of warm water nearby)
· 4 cups all-purpose flour
· 1 cup granulated white sugar
· 1 generous pinch of salt
· 1 teaspoon baking powder
· 1 cup vegetable shortening
· 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
· ½ teaspoon ground cloves
· ½ teaspoon ground anise
Filling (Optional):
· 4 tablespoons shortening
· 1 cup of brown sugar
· ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
· ½ teaspoon ground cloves
· ½ teaspoon ground anise
Directions:
1. In a small cup of bowl, add 1 cup of warm to hot water (approximately 110 degrees F) and 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast. Set aside to proof.
2. In a large mixing bowl, or directly on a clean countertop, add dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and spices.
3. Create a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and add water/yeast and shortening.
4. With a clean hand, start incorporating the shortening with the water and then start incorporating the dry ingredients until a dough is formed.
5. Add warm water, a tablespoon at a time, as needed, if dough is too dry.
6. Knead for about 10 minutes.
7. Add dough to a clean, greased bowl, cover with a towel, and sit in a warm part of the home.
Pro Tip: The oven (turned off) is a great place for dough to rise. If your home is cold, turn the oven on to preheat for a few minutes, and turn off before placing the dough in.
8. Allow dough to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
9. This amount of dough makes about 16 rolls. You can make less or more depending on your preference.
10. Roll out dough and spread a thin layer of the filling on the dough.
Pro Tip: Don’t feel like rolling out individual rolls? Skip the filling and this recipe makes two medium sized loaves. You can slice the bread and eat it fresh or toasted with some butter or other toppings of your choice!
11. Roll dough up like a tortilla: no folding or crimping required.
12. Place on a baking sheet seam side down, leaving space for expansion.
13. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for approximately 30 minutes, until tops are beginning to brown.
14. Allow to cool and enjoy!
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