Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pan de Mallorca is a beloved Puerto Rican sweet bread known for its soft, pillowy texture and signature swirl shape. Lightly sweetened and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, these buttery rolls are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Whether enjoyed plain or filled with cheese or ham, Pan de Mallorca brings a taste of the Caribbean to your home kitchen.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flouractive dry yeastwarm milkgranulated sugareggssaltunsalted butter (softened)powdered sugar (for dusting)

directions

Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C), then mix with the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.

Add the eggs and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Add the softened butter in small amounts, kneading it into the dough until fully incorporated.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface.

Roll the rectangle into a log, then slice into individual rolls.

Place the rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

Cover and let rise again for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 15–20 minutes or until lightly golden on top.

Let cool slightly and dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10–12 rolls.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 2.5–3 hours
Baking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 3.5–4 hours

Variations

Fill the dough with slices of cheese or ham before rolling for a savory twist.

Brush with a light syrup after baking for extra sweetness and shine.

Add a touch of cinnamon to the dough for a spiced flavor.

Use plant-based butter and milk for a dairy-free version.

storage/reheating

Store Pan de Mallorca in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

What makes Pan de Mallorca different from other sweet rolls?
Its ultra-soft, buttery texture and the spiral shape set it apart, along with the powdered sugar topping.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and shape and bake the next day.

Why didn’t my dough rise?
Make sure your yeast is active and the milk wasn’t too hot or cold.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, reduce the amount slightly and skip the proofing step.

Can I bake these in a muffin tin?
Yes, for a neater shape, place each roll in a greased muffin cup before the final rise.

Can I add flavorings to the dough?
Yes, vanilla extract or citrus zest can enhance the flavor beautifully.

Conclusion

Soft and Fluffy Pan de Mallorca is a comforting, bakery-style treat that brings warmth and sweetness to any table. Whether you’re reliving fond memories or discovering it for the first time, making these rolls at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. Serve them warm with butter or enjoy them as-is—either way, they’re sure to impress.