19 Spanish Christmas Cookies Mantecados Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!

Published on: May 3, 2024

--> With the holiday season upon us, it's time to start thinking about all the delicious treats that come along with it. One popular and beloved Christmas cookie in Spain is the mantecado. These crumbly, buttery cookies have been a part of Spanish holiday traditions for centuries and are a must-have on any Christmas dessert table. In this article, we'll explore the history of mantecados, the traditional recipe, and some tips for making the perfect batch to impress your family and friends.

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Spanish Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Tapioca Flour, Almond Flour, Lard, Powdered Sugar

Polvorones (Spanish Christmas Cookies) - Food and Journeys®

Mantecados and Polvorones: Typical Spanish Christmas Cookies Recipe ...

Mantecados, a History of Spain's Christmas Cookies | Cookie recipes ...

Get ready to add some Spanish flavor to your holiday spread with these delicious Christmas cookies. Made with traditional ingredients like almonds, honey, and spices, these cookies will transport you to the streets of Spain with every bite. Serve them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a perfect holiday treat.

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Almerian Christmas Alfajores (Spanish Wafers with...

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Lemons, Raw Almonds, Ground Cinnamon, Wafer

These delicate and buttery cookies are a staple in Spanish households during the holiday season. Made with a shortbread-like dough and filled with a rich chocolate cream, these alfajores are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Try making them in different shapes and sizes for a fun and festive touch.

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Wassail Sangria

Main Ingredients: Orange Juice, Cinnamon Sticks, Fresh Ginger, Vanilla

Slow Cooker Wassail Drink Recipe | Sugar and Soul

Spiced Wassail – Boordy Vineyards Online Store

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Our Family Favorite Christmas Wassail Recipe | Wholefully | Recipe ...

Add a Spanish twist to your holiday drinks with this delicious wassail sangria. Made with red wine, brandy, and warm spices, this drink is perfect for cozying up by the fire on a cold winter night. Serve it in a festive pitcher and garnish with oranges and cinnamon sticks for a beautiful presentation.

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Italian Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Baking Powder

Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies | The Recipe Critic

Italian Christmas Cookies - Meg's Everyday Indulgence

Italian Cookies --- The View from Great Island

Bring some Italian flair to your holiday table with these delicious Christmas cookies. Made with a delicate buttery dough and topped with colorful sprinkles, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Serve them alongside a cup of espresso for a truly authentic experience.

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Best-Ever Spanish Rice

Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Red Bell Pepper

Easy Spanish Rice Recipe - Simple Joy

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The Best Homemade Spanish Rice I've Ever Made

No holiday feast is complete without a side of Spanish rice. This recipe takes the classic dish to a whole new level with the addition of flavorful ingredients like chorizo, bell peppers, and olives. The result is a hearty and satisfying dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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Spanish Rice

Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, White Onion, Jalapeno Chiles, Rice, Canola

Easy Spanish Rice (aka Mexican Rice!) – A Couple Cooks

Easy Spanish Rice Recipe - Saving Room for Dessert

If you're looking for a simpler version of Spanish rice, this recipe is perfect for you. Made with just a few ingredients, this dish is quick and easy to make, but still packed with flavor. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein and veggies to turn it into a complete meal.

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Kris Kringle Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Large Eggs, Pure Vanilla Extract, All

Roasted Butternut Squash Brown Rice Holiday Salad - Kim's Cravings

Rich and buttery Kris Kringle Christmas Cookies are the BEST! | Recipe ...

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These cute and festive cookies are perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Made with a soft and chewy dough and topped with a creamy frosting, these cookies are a hit with both kids and adults. Get creative with your frosting and decorate them with fun designs and colors.

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Spanish Tortilla

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Green Onions, Olive Oil, Salt

Spanish Tortilla (Tortilla Española) – A Couple Cooks

This classic Spanish dish is a must-have at any holiday gathering. Made with potatoes, onions, and eggs, this hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for feeding a crowd. Serve it as an appetizer or side dish and watch it disappear in no time.

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Unbelievably Easy Spanish Flan

Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Water, Sweetened Condensed Milk

Spanish Flan Recipe - Also The Crumbs Please Do you know that making ...

Easy Flan Recipe {Only 5 Ingredients!} - Isabel Eats | Recipe | Flan ...

Super Easy Spanish Flan Recipe – Cook Til Yummy

If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert that requires minimal effort, this Spanish flan is for you. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this creamy and decadent dessert is sure to impress your guests. Serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

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Typical Spanish Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Flour, Lard, Powdered Sugar, Almond Flour, Canela

Typical Spanish Christmas Dessert : Typical Spanish Christmas Sweets ...

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These cookies may be called "typical," but there's nothing ordinary about them. Made with a combination of spices and citrus flavors, these cookies are bursting with holiday cheer. Serve them with a glass of mulled wine for a truly Spanish experience.

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Cranberry Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Butter, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, Egg, Orange Juice

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Christmas Cookies ⋆ SomeTyme Place

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These bright and festive cookies are perfect for adding a pop of color to your holiday spread. Made with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, these cookies are a delicious combination of tart and sweet. They also make great gifts for friends and family.

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Spanish Style Tilapia

Main Ingredients: Tilapia, Smoked Paprika, Kosher Salt, Ground Black

Tilapia Veracruz Style - Traditional Homestyle Mexican Food Recipes ...

Easy and Savory Parmesan Crusted Tilapia - Tastefully Eclectic

Easy Baked Tilapia Recipe - Eating on a Dime

If you're looking for a lighter option for your holiday meal, this Spanish-style tilapia is a great choice. Seasoned with traditional Spanish flavors like paprika, oregano, and garlic, this dish is full of flavor and easy to make. Serve it with a side of Spanish rice for a complete meal.

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Snowball Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Butter, Confectioners Sugar, Vanilla, All Purpose

Christmas Snowball Cookies (Nut Free) – Simplistically Living

Double-Chocolate-Snowball-Cookies- | Countryside Cravings

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pecan Snowball Cookies | Savory Nothings

These adorable snowball cookies are a holiday favorite in many Spanish households. Made with a buttery dough and rolled in powdered sugar, these cookies literally melt in your mouth. They also make a great addition to any dessert platter.

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Spanish Rice And Beans

Main Ingredients: Oil, Medium Onion, Medium Red Bell Pepper, Garlic

Spanish Rice with Black Beans - The Midnight Baker

Spanish Rice & Beans | Recipe | Beef recipes easy, Recipes, Recipes ...

Spanish Rice and Beans (Mexican Rice) - Nora Cooks

This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a meatless holiday meal. Made with rice, beans, and a variety of vegetables, this dish is packed with protein and nutrients. Serve it as a main dish or as a side to your favorite Spanish meat dishes.

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Easy Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter Chips

Christmas Sugar Cookies 3 ways - Crazy for Crust

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If you're short on time but still want to impress your guests with homemade cookies, this recipe is for you. Made with just a few ingredients, these cookies are quick and easy to make, but still delicious and festive. Get creative with your decorations and make them your own.

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Easy Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Large Egg, Vanilla Extract, Baking

This recipe takes the traditional sugar cookie to a whole new level with the addition of festive sprinkles and a hint of almond extract. The result is a soft and buttery cookie that is perfect for decorating and sharing with loved ones.

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Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Sugar, Butter, Oil, Eggs, Baking Soda

Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with Icing - Drive Me Hungry

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These classic Christmas cookies are a must-have at any holiday gathering. Made with a buttery dough and topped with colorful icing and sprinkles, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Get the whole family involved in decorating for a fun holiday activity.

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Chocolate Brownie Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Nestle Toll House, Unsalted Butter, Large Eggs, Sugar

Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies. - Half Baked Harvest

Chocolate Brownie Cookies - Cooking LSL

Baked Perfection: Double Chocolate Brownie Cookies

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These rich and indulgent cookies are sure to satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings. Made with a fudgy brownie base and topped with a creamy chocolate frosting, these cookies are a decadent treat for the holidays. Serve them with a glass of milk for the ultimate indulgence.

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4 Ingredient Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Devil S Food Cake Mix, Eggs, Oil, Hershey Kisses

Make these four ingredient Christmas cookies in a flash! Delicious and ...

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If you're looking for a simple and easy cookie recipe, this one is for you. Made with just four ingredients, these cookies are quick to make but still full of flavor. Get creative with your decorations and add your own personal touch to these delicious treats.

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Funfetti Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Large Eggs, Vanilla Extract

funfetti christmas cookies - Blue Bowl | Recipe | Funfetti cake ...

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Add some fun and whimsy to your holiday spread with these colorful and festive cookies. Made with a vanilla cake mix and studded with colorful sprinkles, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone's face. Serve them with a glass of milk for a nostalgic and delicious treat.

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Spanish Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Tapioca Flour, Almond Flour, Lard, Powdered Sugar

If you're in the mood for some festive and flavorful cookies, try out this Spanish Christmas cookie recipe. These cookies are made with almonds, orange zest, and cinnamon for a unique and delicious taste. They are perfect for the holiday season or any time you're craving something sweet.

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Almerian Christmas Alfajores (Spanish Wafers with...

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Lemons, Raw Almonds, Ground Cinnamon, Wafer

Andalusian Alfajores Recipe, a Christmas Sweet with a lot of History ...

For a decadent and indulgent dessert, try making these Almerian Christmas Alfajores. These Spanish wafers are filled with a creamy and rich chocolate filling that will satisfy any sweet tooth. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season.

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Wassail Sangria

Main Ingredients: Orange Juice, Cinnamon Sticks, Fresh Ginger, Vanilla

Get into the holiday spirit with this festive and flavorful sangria recipe. Made with red wine, apple cider, and spices, this wassail sangria is the perfect drink to warm you up on a cold winter night. Serve it at your next holiday gathering for a delicious and unique twist on a classic drink.

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Italian Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Baking Powder

For a taste of Italy, try making these delicious and traditional Christmas cookies. Made with almonds, lemon zest, and vanilla, these cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. They are great for sharing with loved ones or as a gift during the holiday season.

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Best-Ever Spanish Rice

Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Red Bell Pepper

This Spanish rice recipe is a crowd-pleasing and easy side dish to add to any meal. Made with tomatoes, onions, and spices, this rice dish is full of flavor and pairs well with any type of protein. It's a great addition to your beer can chicken dinner.

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Spanish Rice

Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, White Onion, Jalapeno Chiles, Rice, Canola

Homemade Spanish Rice / Mexican Rice Recipe | BellyRulesTheMind

If you're looking for a simple and delicious side dish for your beer can chicken, try making this classic Spanish rice. Made with rice, tomatoes, and spices, this dish is easy to make and pairs well with any type of chicken. It's a great option for a quick and tasty meal.

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Kris Kringle Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Large Eggs, Pure Vanilla Extract, All

Add a little festive flair to your cookie game with these fun and flavorful Kris Kringle Christmas cookies. Made with spices, nuts, and dried fruit, these cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They also make a great homemade gift for friends and family.

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Spanish Tortilla

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Green Onions, Olive Oil, Salt

Spanish Tortilla - History and Recipe - A Family Recipe - Andaspain ...

Spanish Tortilla - Craving Home Cooked

This traditional Spanish dish is a great option for a hearty and filling meal. Made with potatoes, onions, and eggs, this dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Typical Spanish Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Flour, Lard, Powdered Sugar, Almond Flour, Canela

For a taste of Spain during the holiday season, try making these typical Spanish Christmas cookies. Made with cinnamon, almonds, and honey, these cookies are full of warm and cozy flavors. They are a great addition to any holiday dessert spread.

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Unbelievably Easy Spanish Flan

Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Water, Sweetened Condensed Milk

Health & Lifestyle Management : Simple Spanish Flan

Original Spanish Flan Recipe | Also The Crumbs Please

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Easy Spanish Flan | Lemon Blossoms

This creamy and decadent flan is a must-try for any dessert lover. Made with eggs, condensed milk, and vanilla, this Spanish dessert is rich and delicious. It's a great option for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself.

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Cranberry Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Butter, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, Egg, Orange Juice

Add a little tartness to your cookie game with these delicious and festive cranberry Christmas cookies. Made with fresh cranberries, white chocolate, and oats, these cookies are full of flavor and texture. They are a great option for a holiday cookie exchange or for enjoying at home.

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Spanish Style Tilapia

Main Ingredients: Tilapia, Smoked Paprika, Kosher Salt, Ground Black

Grill Tilapia (African Style) - Immaculate Bites

3-Ingredient Tilapia Skillet Recipe - Primavera Kitchen

If you're looking for a healthy and flavorful fish dish, try making this Spanish style tilapia. Made with tomatoes, peppers, and spices, this dish is a great option for a light and satisfying meal. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and well-rounded dinner.

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Snowball Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Butter, Confectioners Sugar, Vanilla, All Purpose

These sweet and buttery cookies are a must-try for any Christmas cookie lover. Made with pecans, powdered sugar, and vanilla, these snowball cookies are sure to melt in your mouth. They are a great option for a holiday party or for enjoying at home with a cup of coffee or tea.

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Spanish Rice And Beans

Main Ingredients: Oil, Medium Onion, Medium Red Bell Pepper, Garlic

Spanish Rice & Beans - Jar Of Lemons

Spanish Rice And Beans Recipe - All You Need Infos

This flavorful and filling dish is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Made with rice, beans, and spices, this Spanish rice and beans dish is a great option for a vegetarian dinner. It also pairs well with your beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Easy Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter Chips

If you're short on time but still want to make some delicious cookies, try out this easy and quick Christmas cookie recipe. Made with cake mix, pudding mix, and chocolate chips, these cookies are a breeze to make and taste delicious. They are perfect for a last-minute holiday treat.

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Easy Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Large Egg, Vanilla Extract, Baking

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Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Sugar, Butter, Oil, Eggs, Baking Soda

For a classic and timeless Christmas cookie, try making these delicious and simple Christmas cookies. Made with flour, butter, and sugar, these cookies are a staple in many households during the holiday season. They are perfect for decorating and sharing with loved ones.

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Chocolate Brownie Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Nestle Toll House, Unsalted Butter, Large Eggs, Sugar

Combine two delicious desserts into one with these chocolate brownie Christmas cookies. Made with brownie mix, chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles, these cookies are a chocolate lover's dream. They are a great option for a holiday party or for enjoying at home.

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Funfetti Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Large Eggs, Vanilla Extract

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Add some color and fun to your cookie game with these festive and colorful Funfetti Christmas cookies. Made with cake mix, sprinkles, and white chocolate chips, these cookies are sure to put a smile on anyone's face. They are also a great option for a holiday cookie exchange.

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4 Ingredient Christmas Cookies

Main Ingredients: Devil S Food Cake Mix, Eggs, Oil, Hershey Kisses

If you're looking for a super easy and delicious cookie recipe, try making these 4 ingredient Christmas cookies. Made with flour, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract, these cookies are simple yet full of flavor. They are a great option for a last-minute holiday treat or for enjoying at home.

The History of Mantecados

Mantecados have a long history in Spain, dating back to the 16th century. The word "mantecado" comes from the Spanish word "manteca," which means lard or butter. These cookies were traditionally made with lard, flour, and sugar, and were often flavored with almonds, cinnamon, and anise. They were originally created by nuns in convents as a way to use up leftover lard and were typically given as gifts during Christmas time.

The Traditional Recipe

The traditional recipe for mantecados is quite simple, with only a few basic ingredients. The key to making the perfect mantecado is using high-quality butter, as it is the main ingredient that gives these cookies their rich and buttery flavor. Flour, sugar, and ground almonds are also essential components, along with your choice of flavorings such as cinnamon, anise, or lemon zest. The dough is mixed, rolled into small balls, and then baked until golden brown and crumbly.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mantecados

Making mantecados may seem like a simple task, but there are a few tips that can help ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time. First, make sure to use room temperature butter to ensure a smooth and easy dough to work with. Also, be sure to chill the dough before rolling it into balls, as this will prevent them from spreading too much while baking. Another tip is to use a cookie press or mold to shape your mantecados, as this will give them a more traditional look. Finally, don't forget to sprinkle some powdered sugar over the cookies while they are still warm for a beautiful and delicious finishing touch. In conclusion, mantecados are a beloved and traditional Christmas cookie in Spain that have been enjoyed for centuries. They are easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences with different flavorings. So why not add this delicious treat to your holiday baking list this year and bring a taste of Spain to your Christmas celebrations?