Puerto Rican Mallorcas - Easy Sweet Bread Rolls Recipe

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Get ready to dive into the wonderful world of baking with our incredibly easy and utterly delicious Puerto Rican Mallorcas recipe. These aren't just any rolls of bread; they're sweet, tender, and the perfect start to any day, whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your journey into making bread dough. Forget complicated pastry and baking techniques – we’ve simplified everything so you can whip up these golden, fluffy delights right in your own kitchen. We're talking about simple ingredients like all purpose flour, active dry yeast, butter, and sugar, all coming together to create a magical breakfast treat. We'll guide you through every step, from activating your yeast to baking them to golden perfection and drizzling them with a dreamy powdered sugar glaze. So, let's get that oven preheated and make some unforgettable sweet bread rolls!

Ingredients

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar (plus 1 teaspoon for yeast activation)
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Directions

1. Activate the yeast : In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the packet of active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it gets foamy and bubbly on top – that means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic for your making bread dough!
2. Make the dough : In a large mixing bowl, add the 3 cups of all purpose flour, the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, and the 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together briefly. Now, pour in your activated yeast mixture, the melted butter, the large egg, and the vanilla extract. Stir everything with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough : Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. At first, it might be a bit sticky, but keep going! As you knead, it will become smooth, elastic, and less sticky. This is crucial for developing the gluten that gives your rolls of bread their lovely texture.
4. Proof the dough : Lightly grease a clean bowl with a little oil or butter. Place your kneaded dough into the bowl, turning it once to coat the top. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic of oven bake bread truly begins!
5. Shape the rolls : Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto your lightly floured surface again. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth, round ball.
6. Bake the rolls : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the shaped rolls of bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Cover them again with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise makes them extra fluffy. Once risen, pop them into the preheated oven and oven bake bread for 15-20 minutes, or until they're beautifully golden brown on top.
7. Make the glaze : While the rolls are baking or cooling slightly, let's get that powdered sugar glaze recipe ready! In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more a tiny bit at a time until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze consistency.
8. Glaze the rolls : As soon as the rolls come out of the oven and are still warm (but not piping hot), drizzle that glorious powdered sugar glaze over them. The warmth helps the glaze set just right. Serve them immediately and enjoy your homemade Puerto Rican Mallorcas!