Spanish Lard Cookies (Mantecados): A Traditional Holiday cookie

If you’re looking for a traditional Spanish treat to add to your holiday baking lineup, look no further than Mantecados. These crumbly, buttery cookies are a beloved holiday treat in Spain and are sure to become a favorite in your household too. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Mantecados, the ingredients that make them so delicious, and provide a recipe for you to try at home.

History of Mantecados

Mantecados have been enjoyed in Spain for centuries, and are said to have originated in the Andalusia region of southern Spain. The name “Mantecados” comes from the Spanish word “manteca,” which means lard or fat. Originally, Mantecados were made with lard, flour, and sugar, but over time, variations of the recipe developed, with some versions including almonds, lemon zest, or cinnamon.

Ingredients in Mantecados

The key ingredient in Mantecados is lard, which gives the cookies their rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture. Other common ingredients include flour, sugar, and ground almonds. Some recipes also call for spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or citrus zest for added flavor.

Recipe for Mantecados

Here’s a recipe for traditional Mantecados that you can make at home:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup lard
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup ground almonds
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the lard and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the ground almonds, flour, cinnamon, and salt, and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the Mantecados are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
8. Dust the Mantecados with powdered sugar while they are still warm.

Enjoy!

Mantecados are a classic Spanish treat that are perfect for the holiday season. With their rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household too. Give our recipe a try and see for yourself why these cookies are so beloved in Spain.