Miniature Pan de Muerto Recipe

I searched and searched for a recipe to make miniature pan de muerto - also known as bread of the dead - loaves for our class. Since I couldn't find one, I just had to make my own. (This is one of the awesome resources you'll find in my online Day of the Dead class that you can take at your own pace.)

Looking for a fun evening or weekend activity? Grab a trusty assistant or two and try your hands at making our delicious miniature pan de muerto! The recipe below makes 12 miniature loaves. It's perfect for a small class or party.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 packets of active yeast
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of cinnamon
• 1 tsp of orange zest
• 5 1/2 cups of flour (divided)
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 4 eggs

Directions:

1. Combine the first 5 dry ingredients plus 1 1/2 cups of flour in a large bowl.

2. In a small sauce pan, stir the milk, water, and butter over medium heat until all the butter is melted. Pour the mixture into your dry ingredients and mix well with a wooden spoon (or use a mixer).

3. Add the four eggs and mix well.

4. Then slowly add the remaining 4 cups of flour, constantly stirring to combine the ingredients.

5. Once the dough is only slightly sticky, place it on a floured surface and knead until smooth.

6. Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel and set aside in a warm place for approximately an hour and a half to allow the dough to rise.

7. Prepare two cookie sheets by covering them with aluminum foil.

8. Once the dough has doubled in size, place it on a floured surface and punch it back down. Then spread the dough and divide it into four or five equal portions.

9. Take one portion and divide it again into four equal parts and begin shaping each one into a round loaf.

10. Repeat until you have 12 small loaves, placing six on each cookie sheet.

11. Divide the remaining dough into 12 equal parts and begin creating the top design. Use each part to roll out the bone-shaped pieces and lay across the top of the loaf, criss-crossing them. Top each loaf with a smaller round piece of dough.

12. Set the loaves aside for another hour to rise again. I just placed them on top of the stove while the oven was heating up. Be sure to cover them with cling wrap or a hand towel.

13. Place both cookie sheets in a 350 degree oven for 15 - 18 minutes.

While the loaves are baking, you can prepare your simple, sweet glaze.

Glaze Ingredients:

1/2 cup of sugar
1/3 cup of orange juice

Directions:

1. Combine the ingredients in a sauce pan and boil for approximately 2 minutes, stirring constantly. 
2. Remove and set aside.
3. When the loaves have finished baking, brush the glaze over them while they are still warm.

And you're done! Be sure to give your sweet assistants a little taste to reward them for all their help!

Click on the image below to print the recipe!