How to make Mantecados de Estepa

Why cooks start here

Mantecados de Estepa belongs to the everyday cooking of Estepa in Sevilla, where it is made often enough that nobody needs the recipe written down. This home version keeps the seasoning direct and the portions generous, the way a Spanish family cook puts it on the table.

Mantecados de Estepa is a cherished staple in the everyday cooking of Estepa, a town in Sevilla where its presence is as familiar as the Andalusian sun. This is a dish of humble origins, crafted often enough that few locals bother to write down its recipe. Instead, it is passed from hand to hand, with each family adding their own generous twist, embodying the simplicity and warmth of Spanish home cooking. These shortbread-like treats are defined by their crumbly texture and rich, buttery flavor, thanks to the use of pork lard. The subtle sweetness from confectioners' sugar perfectly balances the fragrant ground cinnamon and nutty sesame seeds, while a pinch of sea salt elevates the flavors. Best enjoyed with a cup of strong coffee, they offer a taste of Estepa itself with every bite.