Traditional Mexican Conchas (Sweet Bread Rolls)

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Cuisine

American

Servings

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Calories

280

Conchas are one of Mexico’s most iconic baked goods, instantly recognisable by their seashell-like sugar topping. Found in nearly every panadería across the country, these soft, lightly sweetened rolls are a staple of Mexican breakfasts and afternoon snacks.

The name “concha” means shell in Spanish, a reference to the scored topping that resembles seashell ridges. They come in a variety of colours and flavours—vanilla, chocolate, pink, and sometimes even bright yellow or green—each as inviting as the next.

The beauty of conchas lies in their versatility. They’re delicious eaten plain, paired with a steaming mug of café de olla or Mexican hot chocolate, or split open and filled with butter, jam, or even savoury fillings.

Baking them at home allows you to enjoy their fluffy interior and crumbly topping at peak freshness, something store-bought versions rarely achieve. Whether you’re rediscovering a childhood favourite or tasting them for the first time, homemade conchas capture the comforting essence of Mexican baking traditions.

Image of Traditional Mexican Conchas (Sweet Bread Rolls)

Ingredients

For the dough

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for chocolate topping)

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Directions

Dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 teaspoon sugar and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Knead until dough is smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes).
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
For topping: Cream together butter, powdered sugar, flour, and vanilla until thick and spreadable. Divide in half if making chocolate variation and mix cocoa into one half.
Flatten a tablespoon of topping into a disk and place on top of each dough ball. Score the topping with a knife into shell-like patterns.
Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
per serving: Calories; 280

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Fat: 10 grams; 13%
Saturated Fat: 6 grams; 30%
Cholesterol: 55 milligrams; 18%
Sodium: 180 milligrams; 8%
Carbs: 42 grams; 15%
Protein: 6 grams
Sugar: 14 grams
Fiber: 2 grams; 7%

10 Tips for Making Perfect Conchas

Use warm (not hot) milk to activate yeast.
Knead until smooth and elastic for the fluffiest bread.
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot.
Don’t rush the second rise—the topping can crack if under-proofed.
Keep the topping soft enough to spread but firm enough to hold shape.
Score the topping lightly—too deep and it will crumble.
For variety, add cocoa powder or food colouring to the topping.
Bake until lightly golden; overbaking makes them dry.
Store in an airtight container to keep soft.
Enjoy with coffee, hot chocolate, or even ice cream for a treat.

Serve it with Suggestions

Café de olla (Mexican spiced coffee)
Mexican hot chocolate
Fresh fruit and yogurt
As part of a breakfast platter with eggs and beans
Split open and filled with butter or jam

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze conchas?
A: Yes, freeze baked conchas in airtight bags for up to 2 months. Warm in the oven before serving.

Q: Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, bread flour will give a slightly chewier texture, while all-purpose flour keeps them softer.

Q: Why did my topping crack too much?
A: This can happen if the topping is too dry or the dough under-proofed.

Q: Are conchas very sweet?
A: They are lightly sweet bread rolls—the sweetness mainly comes from the topping.

Q: Can I make conchas without eggs?
A: Yes, substitute with a flaxseed egg or use egg-free enriched dough recipes.

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Traditional Mexican Conchas (Sweet Bread Rolls)