Making Conchas (Mexican pan)

Well yesterday I got bored so I have been eye balling these Mexican Pastry's for a while now and I finally got brave and made them. They are called Conchas...I almost forgot to tell you that conchas are shells in Spanish.....

                                                         CONCHAS.................
Dough
1 package dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (115-120 F)
1/2 cup warm evaporated milk (115-120 F)
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
1/2 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
In a large bowl stir together yeast and warm water, let stand for ten minutes. Stir in evaporated milk, 1/3 cup sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir on 2 cups flour. Gradually stir in remaining 2 cups flour and the 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to make the dough.
Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Knead 3-5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball and transfer to a greased bowl, turn he dough to coat. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 60-75 minutes.

Meanwhile, for the topping, in medium bowl, beat softened butter with mixer on medium for 30 seconds. Add 2/3 cup sugar, beat until well mixed. Stir in 1 cup flour, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and vanilla.
Punch down the dough then cover an let stand ten minutes. Divide dough into 12 pieces.

 

 Roll each piece into a ball and place 3 inches apart on a parchment lined  baking sheet. press balls down slightly. Divide topping into 12 balls, pat each ball flat. Place one round of topping onto each dough ball.
use a sharp paring knife to cut grooves in the topping to resemble a scallop shell.

 Cover rolls and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 F.  rolls 18-20 minutes, or until light golden brown. Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire racks.

 I hope that you give these a  try, I had a blast making them...was a challenge for me. And I have to say they came out pretty darn good....Hoping that your week has been great so far...Mine has and I will soon tell you about my most lovely morning I had....Meeting a new bow.... 
           Here's to a great day and afternoon with love Janice.