From Conchas to Churros: Explore popular Mexican Pastries

 Explore popular Mexican pastries

1.      Conchas

Conchas are one of the most iconic Mexican sweet breads. Indeed, they have a soft, fluffy texture with a crunchy, sugary topping shaped like a seashell. Moreover, they come in different colors, such as white, pink, or chocolate. As a result, many people enjoy them as a snack or breakfast, often paired with coffee or hot chocolate.

2.     Churros

Churros are fried dough sticks rolled in cinnamon sugar. Consequently, they’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Additionally, they’re a popular street food, frequently served with hot chocolate for dipping. Alternatively, people eat them plain as a sweet snack.

3.     Pan de Muerto

This traditional bread is made specifically for Día de los Muertos. In fact, it’s flavored with hints of orange blossom and sometimes anise. Furthermore, it is shaped with decorative “bones” on top, symbolizing the circle of life and death. During the celebration, people typically enjoy it with hot chocolate. To learn more, click here and discover the rich history and preparation of Pan de Muerto.

4.     Bolillos

A bolillo is a type of Mexican bread that looks like a small, long roll. Specifically, it has a crispy crust on the outside and a soft, fluffy inside. Therefore, bolillos are often used to make sandwiches or served with meals. In comparison, they are similar to French baguettes but shorter and slightly wider. As a result of their popularity, many bakeries in Mexico offer this bread.

5.     Rosca de Reyes

Rosca de Reyes is a large, ring-shaped sweet bread served on January 6th, Three Kings’ Day. Notably, it’s decorated with colorful dried fruits and often contains small hidden figurines. According to tradition, whoever finds a figurine is expected to host a party on February 2nd, Día de la Candelaria.

6.     Empanadas

Bakers fill these versatile pastries with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, including fruits, jams, or even sweet cream. As a result, Mexicans enjoy them as snacks or desserts throughout the country.

7.     Cuernitos

Bakers shape these flaky and buttery pastries like horns, similar to croissants. Moreover, people enjoy them plain or filled with chocolate or cream, offering a delightful range of flavors.

8.     Cochinitos

Also known as puerquitos, bakers shape these cookies like pigs and flavor them with piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), cinnamon, and other spices. Consequently, many regions in Mexico have embraced them as a popular treat.

9.     Orejas

Bakers create these puff pastry cookies, also known as palmeras, by rolling dough in sugar and folding it to resemble an ear. Their crispy and sweet nature has made them a favorite snack among many.

10.   Cortadillos

Bakers top these square slices of cake with bright pink frosting and sprinkles. Therefore, people often enjoy them as a festive dessert, adding color and joy to celebrations.

11.    Buñuelos

Bakers fill these flaky pastries with fruit jams or cream and shape them in various ways. Furthermore, people delight in them as treats suitable for both breakfast and dessert.

 12.   Mantecadas

These muffin-like pastries offer a soft, moist texture with a buttery flavor. Additionally, many people choose them for breakfast or snacks and pair them well with coffee. Despite their simplicity, bakers create rich flavors and often bake them in small paper cups.

13.   Elote bread

Bakers make this sweet and moist cornbread with fresh corn kernels for a rich, natural corn flavor. Consequently, many people choose it for breakfast or a snack, often enjoying it with coffee or tea.

14.   Pan de Mantequilla

This soft, fluffy, and subtly sweet buttery bread melts in your mouth. In addition, many people choose it for breakfast and enjoy it with jam, cream cheese, or plain.

15.   Bisquet

Bakers create the Mexican version of a biscuit with a soft, flaky texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Furthermore, people commonly enjoy them with butter or jam, making them a perfect addition to any breakfast or afternoon coffee.

16.   Semitas

Bakers in Puebla create these round, slightly sweet buns and top them with sesame seeds. Moreover, people often fill them with savory ingredients like avocado, meats, and cheese, thus making them perfect for sandwiches.

17.   Gorditas de Nata

Street vendors make these thick, soft pancakes with cream, resulting in sweet and fluffy treats with a rich, buttery flavor. In fact, people eat them as a snack or dessert, sometimes filled with jam or sweetened condensed milk.

18.   Birote

Bakers in Guadalajara specialize in this salty, crusty bread roll. Due to its hard, crunchy crust, people often use it to make tortas ahogadas (a famous local sandwich), which they then drown in spicy tomato sauce.

19.   Telera

Bakers create this flat, soft bread roll as a close relative of the bolillo but with a softer texture. As a result, people commonly use it to make tortas, providing a soft base for sandwich fillings.

20.  Capirotada

Cooks make this traditional Mexican bread pudding with layers of toasted bread, raisins, nuts, cheese, and a sweet syrup flavored with cinnamon and cloves. Consequently, many people enjoy it as a popular dessert during Lent, often serving it as a comforting, warm dish.