Delicious Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls Recipe

If you are craving a treat that feels like a warm hug in pastry form, these Delicious Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls are exactly what you need. Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet with a comforting hint of vanilla, these rolls are an irresistible blend of buttery dough and cinnamon-sugar topping that brings a heavenly aroma filling your kitchen. Whether you’re making breakfast extra special or hosting a brunch with friends, these rolls will quickly become your favorite go-to baked delight.

Delicious Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Even though the recipe looks impressive, the ingredients are delightfully simple, each playing a key role in creating the delicate texture, buttery richness, and sweet vanilla essence that define these rolls. Let’s gather pantry staples that come together in a way that feels magical.

  • All-purpose flour (4 cups): The foundation for the dough, providing structure and a tender crumb.
  • Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for dough, 1/4 cup for topping): Adds just the right sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
  • Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons): The bubbling magic that makes the dough rise and become airy.
  • Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
  • Warm milk (1 cup, about 110°F): Gives moisture and tenderness to the dough.
  • Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup for dough + 1 tablespoon for brushing): Adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Eggs (2 large): Help bind the dough and add a lovely golden color.
  • Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dough with that signature sweet, floral aroma.
  • Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): For the topping, delivering warmth and a touch of spice.

How to Make Delicious Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy on top. This bubbling surface means the yeast is awake and ready to puff up your dough into something wonderfully fluffy.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Flour

Next, add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to your frothy yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough begins to form. This gentle incorporation is key to maintaining the dough’s tenderness while developing enough strength for kneading.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. This is where you put on your baking hat and get a little hands-on. Kneading builds gluten, giving the dough elasticity and smoothness. When it’s ready, your dough will be soft, smooth, and just a bit springy.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Find a warm cozy spot and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours, until it has doubled in size. Watching this transformation is so satisfying—it’s like your dough is alive, preparing for deliciousness ahead.

Step 5: Shape and Flavor the Rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Brush the entire surface with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly across the dough. Roll it tightly into a log and cut it into 12 equal slices. This step is what gives each roll its delightful cinnamon swirl and buttery finish.

Step 6: Second Rise

Arrange the roll slices in a greased baking dish, making sure they have enough room to grow. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise will make them beautifully soft and fluffy once baked.

Step 7: Bake and Finish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown on top. The aroma filling your kitchen by now is absolutely irresistible. When you take them out, brush the tops with melted butter right away to seal in extra moisture and add a glossy sheen.

How to Serve Delicious Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls

Delicious Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

These rolls shine on their own, but adding a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of glaze can elevate them even more. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts add a delightful crunch and pop of color, making each bite as pretty as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with fresh fruit salad, creamy yogurt, or a smooth spread of butter and homemade jam to complement their vanilla-cinnamon sweetness. They also go wonderfully alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea to create a cozy, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the rolls horizontally and turning them into sweet sliders filled with cream cheese frosting or mascarpone mixed with a hint of honey. They’re also fantastic as a base for bread pudding or French toast, where that fragrant vanilla base deepens every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Delicious Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is okay but may slightly firm up the texture, so bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. Once cooled completely, wrap them individually or in a batch in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven for fresh-baked flavor anytime you need a quick treat.

Reheating

To revive the soft, fluffy texture, warm the rolls in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, wrapped loosely in foil to avoid drying out. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave with a damp paper towel will do the trick when you’re in a hurry but craving that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can! Just reduce the amount slightly and add it directly to the flour instead of activating it in warm milk. The rise time may be a bit faster, so keep an eye on your dough during the proofing stages.

What if I don’t have unsalted butter?

Salted butter can be used, but reduce the added salt in the dough slightly to prevent the rolls from becoming too salty. The flavor will still be delicious, just keep an eye on balance.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with any plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The texture and flavor will be just as delightful, making these rolls accessible to more people.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and hold a small indentation when gently pressed with your fingertip. If it springs right back, it needs more time. This test ensures your rolls will be light and airy.

Can I add other fillings or flavors?

Definitely! While the classic cinnamon sugar topping is a highlight, you can experiment by adding raisins, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of cream cheese before rolling to create your own spin on these delicious vanilla pan de mallorca rolls.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite as satisfying as pulling a batch of these Delicious Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls fresh from the oven—soft, fragrant, and sweet with a cozy hint of vanilla warmth. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Give these rolls a try, share them with loved ones, and watch them become a treasured part of your baking repertoire.

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Delicious Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls Recipe

These Delicious Vanilla Pan de Mallorca Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweetened with vanilla and cinnamon sugar. This classic Puerto Rican pastry is ideal for breakfast or as a delightful snack, featuring a buttery dough enriched with eggs, milk, and vanilla, topped with a cinnamon-sugar sprinkle and brushed with melted butter for a golden finish.

  • Author: Joe
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Puerto Rican
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active. Then add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
  2. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it thoroughly for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free location for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  3. Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Brush the surface evenly with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Starting on the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  4. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls spaced evenly in a greased baking dish or sheet pan. Cover the rolls loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise again in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they puff up noticeably.
  5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. Immediately brush the hot rolls with melted butter to keep them soft and add flavor.
  6. Serve: Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious, comforting treat.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  • If you don’t have active dry yeast, instant yeast may be used by reducing the proofing time.
  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the butter with cream cheese or add a bit of orange zest to the dough.
  • These rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
  • Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving for best texture.
  • To make them vegan, substitute milk with almond or oat milk, eggs with flax eggs, and use vegan butter.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll (approx. 75g)
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: vanilla pan de mallorca, Puerto Rican rolls, cinnamon sugar rolls, vanilla sweet bread, homemade breakfast rolls

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