Traditional Mexican bread enjoyed during Día de los Muertos. Soft and fluffy with subtle anise and orange flavors, decorated with bone-shaped dough pieces and topped with sparkling sugar.
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Adapted from a video by Cooking Con Claudia
How to Make Traditional PAN DE MUERTO Easy Recipe for SOFT & FLUFFY Mexican Bread of the Dead!
butter (for topping)room temperature, melted for brushing4 tbsp
sanding sugar or granulated sugar (for topping)~3 tbspest.
Steps
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1
In a stand mixer bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, ground anise, and orange zest. Mix briefly, then add instant yeast (if using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the milk first).
2
Add Mexican vanilla blend, orange blossom water or orange extract, then add the three whole eggs and egg yolk one at a time.
3
Slowly pour in the warm milk, ensuring the flour is fully hydrated. Scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate all dry flour.
4
Mix on low speed for about 3 minutes. If the dough is too dry, add a bit more milk.
5
Begin adding the cubed room-temperature butter, a few pieces at a time, allowing each addition to fully incorporate before adding more.
6
Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Test by gently stretching it—you should be able to see light through it when ready.
7
Remove the dough from the mixer, shape into a ball, and place in a greased bowl. Brush the top with oil, cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
8
Once doubled, gently press the dough to release air. Divide the dough into 4 to 8 equal portions depending on desired bread size (demonstration shows 4).
9
Cut off a small piece of dough from each portion to use for bone decoration. Shape each main portion, brush with butter, and place on a baking sheet.
10
Roll the remaining small pieces of dough into about 20 small balls for decoration.
11
Cover the bread portions and let them rest and rise for 30 to 45 minutes at room temperature until puffy.
12
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the egg wash by whisking together 1 egg, 1 tbsp milk, 1 tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt.
13
Roll the small dough balls into long strands and crisscross them on top of each bread to form bone shapes—each loaf should have about 4 bones.
14
Brush the egg wash over all the bread and decorations.
15
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
16
Let the bread cool for a few minutes. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle generously with sanding sugar or granulated sugar.
17
Serve warm with your favorite beverage such as coffee, hot chocolate, or milk.
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