Ultimate 10-Step Cortadillo Bread: The Traditional Spanish Delight for Every Baker

Recipe Title: Ultimate 10-Step Cortadillo Bread: The Traditional Spanish Delight for Every Baker

Summary

Cortadillo bread is a traditional Spanish pastry known for its soft, sweet, and slightly spiced flavor, often made with orange zest, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. Perfectly tender and rich in flavor, this bread is ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a delightful treat for gatherings. Made from simple ingredients like flour, yeast, sugar, and eggs, this bread brings comfort and a touch of Spanish heritage to your table. This detailed recipe walks you through every step of making Cortadillo bread, so whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll be able to recreate this masterpiece with ease.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: Approximately 220 calories per serving

Courses: Bread, Pastry

Cuisines: Spanish, European

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup milk (warm)
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking pan)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Dough scraper or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Oven

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F/43°C) and the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir it gently to dissolve. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and orange zest. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. This blend of flavors will infuse your bread with a pleasant citrusy and aromatic scent.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the flour, salt, and additional sugar. Stir gently to distribute the dry ingredients evenly. These will form the base of your dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Slowly add the flour mixture, one cup at a time, while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once the dough starts coming together, switch from a whisk to a spatula or dough scraper and knead the dough until it forms a sticky, slightly tacky ball.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface. Begin kneading the dough by folding it over itself and pressing it down with the heel of your hands. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and only slightly sticky. If it feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour, but be careful not to add too much, as this can make the bread dense.

Step 6: Let the Dough Rise

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step is essential to achieving a light and airy texture.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.