Molletes

Directions

1. 1
   Stir together yeast, 1 cup warm water, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a 2-cup liquid measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes.
2. 2
   Stir together 6 tablespoons sugar, bread flour, 1/3 cup shortening, eggs, and salt in bowl of a heavy-duty electric stand mixer. Add yeast mixture to flour mixture, and beat at medium speed with mixer, using dough hook attachment, 6 minutes.
3. 3
   Combine remaining 3 tablespoons sugar and all-purpose flour in a bowl, and cut in remaining 3 tablespoons shortening with a fork until blended to form a paste.
4. 4
   Divide dough into 12 equal portions; shape into balls, and place on 2 lightly greased baking sheets (6 balls per baking sheet). Spread 2 teaspoons flour paste on top of each ball. Slightly flatten each ball using a dulce marker dipped in flour or a kaiser roll stamp dipped in flour. Cover dough with wax paper or plastic wrap.
5. 5
   Preheat oven to 170° to 200°; turn off oven, leaving oven door open 1 minute. Place dough, covered, in oven; let rise, with oven door closed, 2 hours and 10 minutes or until doubled in bulk. Remove dough, and preheat oven to 425°.
6. 6
   Bake molletes at 425° for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool molletes on baking sheets on wire racks.
7. 7
   Chocolate Molletes: Stir 2 tablespoons cocoa into paste mixture. Makes 1 dozen.
8. 8
   Pink Molletes: Stir 3 drops red liquid food coloring into paste mixture. Makes 1 dozen.
9. 9
   Red Molletes: Stir 6 drops red liquid food coloring into paste mixture. Makes 1 dozen.
10. 10
    Yellow Molletes: Stir 6 drops yellow liquid food coloring into paste mixture. Makes 1 dozen.