Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls

Soft, buttery, and delicately sweet, Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls are a Puerto Rican classic that melt in your mouth with every bite. These fluffy, coiled sweet rolls are known for their light texture, rich buttery taste, and signature dusting of powdered sugar. Adding a hint of vanilla enhances their flavor, making them even more irresistible!

These Mallorca rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Enjoy them warm with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, or even slice them open for a sweet sandwich filled with ham and cheese.

Despite their elegant look, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make! With a little patience for rising time, you’ll be rewarded with bakery-quality soft bread that’s lightly sweet and perfectly fluffy.

Why You’ll Love These Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these soft, pillowy, and sweet rolls!

First, they’re ultra-fluffy and buttery. Thanks to the egg-rich dough and slow rise, these rolls have a light, airy texture that makes them irresistible.

Second, they’re slightly sweet with a delicate vanilla flavor. Unlike overly sugary pastries, these rolls have just the right balance of sweetness, making them perfect for pairing with both sweet and savory ingredients.

Finally, they’re versatile! Enjoy them plain with powdered sugar, toasted with butter, or stuffed with ham and cheese for a classic Puerto Rican twist.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls

Nutritional Information (Per Roll)

• Calories: 230
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and ingredients.)

Ingredients for Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened

For Topping:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, warm the milk until it reaches 110°F (43°C)—not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
2. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until it becomes foamy (this means the yeast is activated).

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
2. Add the eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and activated yeast mixture.
3. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.

Step 3: Knead and Add Butter

1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth.
2. Gradually add the softened butter, kneading after each addition, until the dough becomes soft and elastic (about 8–10 minutes total).
3. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 8 minutes on medium speed.

Step 4: First Rise

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

1. Punch down the dough to release air and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
2. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 12 inches long), then coil it into a spiral shape.
3. Place the shaped rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Step 6: Second Rise

1. Cover the shaped rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, until puffy.

Step 7: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden.

Step 8: Finish with Butter and Sugar

1. While the rolls are still warm, brush them with melted butter.
2. Generously dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Ingredient Background

Each ingredient in these Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls plays a crucial role in creating the soft, fluffy texture and rich flavor that makes them so irresistible.

Flour

All-purpose flour works well for these rolls because it provides the right balance of softness and structure. If you want an extra fluffy texture, you can use bread flour, which has a slightly higher protein content.

Yeast

Using instant yeast makes the rising process faster and more reliable. If using active dry yeast, you’ll need to let it proof in warm milk for 10 minutes until foamy before adding it to the dough.

Eggs & Egg Yolks

Eggs enrich the dough, giving it a soft, tender crumb. The extra egg yolks add richness and a slight custard-like texture, making the rolls buttery and golden.

Butter

Butter is what makes these rolls soft, rich, and slightly indulgent. Be sure to knead it into the dough gradually to get the best texture.

Vanilla Extract

Adding vanilla enhances the flavor of these rolls, making them warm and aromatic. You can also use vanilla bean paste for an even deeper flavor.

Powdered Sugar Topping

A dusting of powdered sugar gives these rolls their signature sweet and delicate finish. The light sweetness pairs perfectly with the buttery, soft texture of the bread.

Technique Tips for the Best Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls

1. Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Place

Yeast dough rises best in a warm, draft-free spot. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough inside the oven with the light on, or let it rise near a warm window.

2. Knead Until the Dough is Smooth and Elastic

Proper kneading helps develop gluten, which gives these rolls their light, fluffy texture. You’ll know the dough is ready when:

• It’s soft and slightly sticky but not wet.
• It passes the windowpane test (when stretched, it should be thin enough to see light through without tearing).

3. Shape the Rolls Evenly for a Beautiful Spiral

Roll each piece of dough into a long, even rope before coiling it into a spiral shape. This ensures the rolls bake evenly and have a perfect swirl pattern.

4. Don’t Overbake

Bake just until the rolls turn light golden brown. Overbaking will make them dry instead of soft and pillowy.

5. Dust with Powdered Sugar While Warm

For the classic Mallorca look, generously dust the rolls with powdered sugar while they’re still warm, so it slightly melts into the dough.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations of these classic rolls!

1. Mallorca Sandwiches

• Slice a roll in half and stuff it with ham and Swiss cheese for a classic Puerto Rican-style breakfast sandwich.
• Toast it on a grill or panini press for a warm, melty treat.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Mallorca Rolls

• Before rolling the dough into spirals, brush it with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a delicious cinnamon roll-style variation.

3. Chocolate-Filled Mallorca Rolls

• Add a spoonful of Nutella, dulce de leche, or chocolate chips inside each roll before shaping for a sweet surprise inside.

4. Mini Mallorca Bites

• Instead of full-sized rolls, divide the dough into small bite-sized portions and bake for cute, poppable treats.

Freezing and Storing Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls

Storing at Room Temperature

• Place cooled rolls in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• To refresh them, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Refrigerating (Not Recommended)

• Storing bread in the fridge can make it stale faster, so keep it at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.

Freezing for Later

• Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise at room temperature for 2–3 hours before baking.
• Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months in a ziplock bag. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Want a lighter version of these delicious rolls? Try these easy swaps!

1. Whole Wheat Mallorca Rolls

• Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
• The texture will be slightly denser, but the rolls will still be soft and flavorful.

2. Reduce Sugar

• Cut the sugar in the dough down to ¼ cup for a less sweet version.
• Skip the powdered sugar topping and brush with honey instead.

3. Use Less Butter

• Reduce the butter in the dough to 6 tablespoons for a lighter roll.
• Substitute coconut oil or Greek yogurt for a dairy-free option.

Serving Suggestions for Events

These Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls are perfect for any occasion!

1. Brunch or Breakfast Treat

• Serve warm with butter, jam, or honey alongside coffee or tea.
• Pair with fresh fruit and scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast.

2. Holiday & Special Occasion Rolls

• Dust with extra powdered sugar for a festive look at Christmas or Thanksgiving brunch.
• Serve with hot chocolate or spiced chai for a cozy holiday treat.

3. Afternoon Tea or Café-Style Snack

• Enjoy with a café con leche, espresso, or matcha latte.
• Slice in half and spread with cream cheese and fruit preserves for a café-style pastry.

4. Kid-Friendly Lunchbox Snack

• Pack a few rolls in a lunchbox with fruit and yogurt for a fun and delicious school snack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these rolls without eggs?

Yes! Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt for a similar texture.

2. What if I don’t have powdered sugar?

You can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a food processor until fine.

3. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes! Just proof the yeast in warm milk for 10 minutes before adding it to the dough.

4. How do I keep these rolls soft?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat gently before serving.

5. Can I bake these in a muffin tin instead of a baking sheet?

Yes! This creates smaller, uniform rolls with a slightly crispier edge.

6. What’s the best way to reheat frozen rolls?

Let them thaw at room temperature, then warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

Conclusion

These Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls are the perfect combination of light, fluffy, buttery, and sweet—a true Puerto Rican classic! Whether you enjoy them plain, toasted with butter, or turned into a delicious sandwich, these rolls are guaranteed to be a favorite.

With simple ingredients, a touch of vanilla, and an irresistible powdered sugar finish, this recipe is easy to follow and worth every bite. So grab your mixing bowl, let the dough rise, and enjoy a taste of the Caribbean in every fluffy swirl!

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