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Pan Dulce (Conchas)

Mexican · Side · Dessert

A classic Mexican sweet bread known for its soft, brioche-like base and a signature crunchy, seashell-patterned sugar topping.

IntermediateVegetarian
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Pan Dulce (Conchas) — recipe cover
3 hrA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time45 min
Cook time20 min
Servings12 people
DifficultyIntermediate
Let's make something good

How to make it

8 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Combine warm milk 110°F and yeast

    In a small bowl, combine warm milk 110°F (43°C) and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

    10 min
  2. Combine the flour, sugar, and salt

    In a large stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter.

  3. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes

    Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.

    2 hr
  4. Prepare the topping

    While the dough rises, prepare the topping by mixing the powdered sugar, flour, and shortening in a bowl until a smooth paste forms. Divide into 12 equal portions.

  5. Punch down the dough

    Punch down the dough and divide into 12 balls (approx 70-80g each). Place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

  6. Flatten each topping portion

    Flatten each topping portion into a disc and press onto the top of each dough ball. Use a concha cutter or a knife to score the seashell pattern into the topping.

  7. Let the conchas rise again

    Let the conchas rise again for 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).

    45 min
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes or

    Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let cool on a wire rack.

    20 min

A little kitchen wisdom

Ensure your milk is warm but not hot (about 110°F/43°C) to avoid killing the yeast. For the topping, vegetable shortening provides the most traditional 'crumbly' texture, but butter can be used for a richer flavor.

What you'll need

Stand mixerBaking sheetParchment paperConcha cutterWire rack
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

Dough can be made and refrigerated overnight for the first rise.

Store & enjoy

Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Warm slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds to restore softness.

Allergens

Contains wheat, gluten, milk, eggs.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Pan Dulce (Conchas)
Step 1 of 8

Combine warm milk 110°F and yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm milk 110°F (43°C) and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

10 min