Description
Passionate Mexican bakery magic brings Valentine’s Day heart-shaped conchas to sweet life. Delicate pastry curves embrace romantic flavors, inviting you to savor tender moments of culinary love with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Valentines Day Heart-Shaped Conchas
Primary Ingredients:
- 4 cups (500 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) warm milk
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) warm water
Sweeteners and Leavening:
- 1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Butter and Toppings:
- 1/3 cup (75 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red or pink food coloring
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by mixing it with warm water in a petite container. Allow the mixture to bloom and become frothy, indicating the yeast’s vitality.
- Craft the enriched dough by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate the activated yeast, tepid milk, softened butter, and eggs, blending until a cohesive mass emerges.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly dusted surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes, developing its elasticity and smoothness. Nestle the dough into a greased bowl, drape with a cloth, and permit it to rise in a cozy environment until it doubles in volume.
- Prepare the decorative topping by whipping softened butter and sugar into a creamy consistency. Fold in flour and vanilla extract, creating a malleable dough. Partition the topping and infuse with romantic red or blush food coloring.
- Deflate the risen dough and portion it into 10-12 uniform segments. Mold each piece into a spherical shape, then finesse into heart configurations by gently pinching and indenting.
- Arrange the heart-shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing.
- Roll the colored topping into delicate discs, carefully draping them over each heart. Imprint intricate designs using a sharp knife, such as romantic heart motifs.
- Allow the adorned conchas to undergo a secondary rise, covered with a pristine kitchen towel, until they become slightly puffy and voluminous.
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the conchas until they acquire a golden hue and are thoroughly cooked, approximately 18-20 minutes.
- Rest the freshly baked conchas on the baking sheet momentarily before transferring to a cooling rack. Serve these Valentine’s delicacies warm or at ambient temperature.
Notes
- Swap out regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk to transform this recipe into a vegan-friendly Valentine’s treat.
- Enhance the heart shape by carefully molding the dough with clean hands, ensuring symmetrical edges and a defined center indentation.
- Experiment with natural food colorings like beetroot powder or raspberry puree for a healthier, vibrant pink topping without artificial additives.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg