If you’ve never tried Pan de Mallorca, get ready to fall head-over-heels for this unbelievably soft and buttery Puerto Rican sweet bread. These golden spirals are gently sweet, melt-in-your-mouth fluffy, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. Think of them as the tropical cousin of brioche, kissed with a dusting of powdered sugar and bursting with that irresistible bakery-fresh aroma. Best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make at home—yes, even if you’re new to baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra-Soft Texture: These rolls are tender and pillowy thanks to a rich dough that’s beautifully enriched with eggs, milk, and butter.
Lightly Sweet Flavor: Just the right amount of sweetness, making them perfect as-is or with savory fillings like ham and cheese.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dough ahead of time, let it rise overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.
Versatile Treat: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with coffee, or slice and stuff for a sweet-and-savory sandwich. They’re a hit any time of day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these pantry staples and a little bit of time, and you’ll be on your way to soft, fluffy, sweet perfection:

All-purpose flour: The base of the dough—strong enough to give structure but soft enough to stay tender.
Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives it that airy, cloud-like interior.
Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Eggs: Essential for a rich dough—these help bind everything and contribute to the soft crumb.
Unsalted butter: Loads of it. This is what gives Pan de Mallorca its signature softness and decadent flavor.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the dough without making it overly dessert-like.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances out the sweetness.
Powdered sugar: For dusting—don’t skip it! This is the final touch that gives these rolls their classic look and gentle sweetness.

Variations

Looking to put your own twist on these dreamy spirals? Go for it!

Filled Pan de Mallorca: Spread a thin layer of guava paste, Nutella, or dulce de leche before rolling up the dough.
Savory Style: Skip the powdered sugar and stuff the rolls with ham and Swiss cheese for a sweet-savory combo that’s classic in Puerto Rico.
Cinnamon Swirl: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar inside before rolling to give it a cinnamon roll vibe.
Mini Mallorcas: Make smaller rolls for a bite-sized version—perfect for brunch spreads or snacking.

How to Make Soft and Fluffy Pan de Mallorca

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, warm the milk until just lukewarm—not hot. Stir in the sugar and yeast, and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it’s foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Knead by hand or using a dough hook for about 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a touch more flour—but keep it soft.

Step 4: First Rise

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

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Brush lightly with melted butter. Roll the dough into a log and slice into thick rounds (about 1-inch wide). Place on a baking tray lined with parchment.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the shaped rolls loosely and let them rise again for about 45 minutes to an hour, until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes, or until just golden on top.

Step 8: Finish with Powdered Sugar

Let the rolls cool slightly, then dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t over-flour: The dough should be soft and a little sticky. Too much flour will make the rolls dense.
Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps the yeast activate properly and ensures even mixing.
Brush with butter before baking: Adds richness and helps create that soft, golden crust.
Let them cool slightly before dusting: If they’re too hot, the powdered sugar will melt instead of staying light and fluffy.

How to Serve

These rolls are made for versatility. Here’s how to enjoy them:

Breakfast Bliss

Pair with strong coffee or café con leche for a classic Puerto Rican breakfast.

Sweet Sandwich

Slice them open and fill with ham and cheese—then press for a warm, melty panini-style sandwich.

Brunch Favorite

Serve with fruit, eggs, or even as part of a pastry board.

Dessert-Style

Drizzle with honey, or add whipped cream and berries for a light, sweet dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. Freeze after baking (before adding powdered sugar) for up to 2 months. Reheat and dust with sugar just before serving.

Reheating

Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes to refresh their softness.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Do I need a stand mixer to make these?
Nope! While a mixer helps, you can knead the dough by hand—just give it about 10 minutes of good kneading until smooth and elastic.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely. Skip the blooming step and mix it right into the flour. Just watch your rise times—they may go a bit quicker.

Why are my rolls not fluffy?
The usual culprit is too much flour or not enough rising time. Make sure the dough is soft and you allow it to rise fully before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Soft and Fluffy Pan de Mallorca rolls are the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. They’re comforting, slightly indulgent, and totally satisfying whether you enjoy them sweet, savory, or somewhere in between. Try them once, and they might just become your new favorite way to start the day.

Soft and Fluffy Pan de Mallorca Recipe