HOMEMADE MEDIALUNAS

🥐 HOMEMADE MEDIALUNAS: SOFT, FLUFFY, AND DELICATELY SWEET

There’s nothing quite like enjoying freshly baked medialunas. With their tender texture, fluffy interior, and glossy golden finish, they’re perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cup of coffee. This recipe will help you make irresistible homemade medialunas with bakery-quality results.

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 10 g (2¼ tsp) instant dry yeast (or 30 g fresh yeast)
  • 80 g (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 200 ml (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) warm milk
  • 80 g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Egg Wash

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon milk

For the Sugar Syrup

  • 100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) water
  • 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.

Add the yeast, eggs, warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead for 10 to 12 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and uniform.

2. First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Shape the Medialunas

Gently press down the dough to release the air.

Roll it out into a large circle about 5 mm (¼ inch) thick.

Cut the dough into long triangles, just as you would slice a pizza.

Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle toward the tip to create the classic crescent shape. Gently curve the ends inward to give each pastry its traditional look.

4. Second Rise

Arrange the medialunas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one.

Cover and let them rise for 30 to 40 minutes, or until noticeably puffy.

5. Bake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Mix the beaten egg with the tablespoon of milk and gently brush each medialuna.

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until beautifully golden and shiny.

6. Prepare the Sugar Syrup

While the pastries are baking, combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan.

Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.

7. Finish

Remove the medialunas from the oven and, while they’re still warm, brush them generously with the sugar syrup.

This gives them their signature glossy finish and a delicate sweetness.

Tips

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother, more even dough.
  • Avoid adding too much extra flour while kneading to keep the pastries soft and tender.
  • For a delicious variation, fill the dough with dulce de leche, pastry cream, or chocolate before rolling.
  • The sugar syrup is the secret to achieving the beautiful shine found on the best bakery-style medialunas.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or traditional mate.

They are also delicious filled with ham and cheese or simply spread with butter and your favorite jam.

Recipe Information

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Rising Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Baking Time: 15–18 minutes

Yield: 16–18 medialunas

Golden, soft, and filled with an irresistible buttery aroma, these homemade medialunas are perfect for sharing any time of the day.

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