As Christmas approaches, the unmistakable scent of “mantecados” (shortbread) fills the streets of Andalucia, creating a magical and festive atmosphere. These typical seasonal sweets have become one of the main tourist attractions of winter in southern Spain, and their production is a true art that has been perfected over generations. In particular, the cities of Estepa, Antequera, and Rute are considered genuine epicenters of this tradition, where “mantecado” factories have kept an ancestral culinary heritage alive.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of mantecados, one of the most iconic culinary treasures of the Christmas festivities in this region of southern Spain.
ESTEPA (SEVILLA)
If you visit Estepa, you can smell mantecado from the road itself. The entrance to the city is flanked by Christmas sweets factories, and you can visit the one you prefer. Although Andalucian mantecado was born in Antequera, Estepa was the first city to produce industrially. Currently the town is best known for this reason.
One of the industries you must visit is La Estepeña. The property is huge and it has a giant Christmas tree. The boxes where the sweets are kept have traditional designs, turning them into the most delicious and elegant Christmas gifts. Besides, from one of the factory rooms you can follow Estepa mantecado’s traditional manufacturing process through moving figures which represent each one of the manufacturing stages. Across the factory we find the Museum of Chocolate, where different figures are made with this ingredient every year. The children specially enjoy the visit.
On the other hand, if you traditional things you must visit “The Colchona”. Already in 1870, Micaela Ruiz started commercialising these products. Her husband being a driver was also helping, as he would sell the products throughout Cordoba. Over the years it has evolved into an institution in Andalucia, specialised in this sweet Christmas art.
Today there are 30 factories in Estepa, 20 of them are grouped in the “Cream Manufacturers Association of Estepa” AFAMES. The aims of this association include: searching for official support, advise, improving the image of products and promoting them.
ANTEQUERA (MÁLAGA)
Antequera is the home of mantecados and the place where they are still traditionally manufactured. If you approach this beautiful inland city of Malaga you will find several options to satisfy your sweet palate.
It is a must if you come to this city to visit La Perla. This factory is one of the oldest in the area and also continue to make shortbread traditionally. So, if you visit the area you will be able to see how the women knead by hand, you will enjoy the warmth of wood stoves and the manual packaging of the finished candy. An experience that takes you back to the nineteenth century and rewards you with the wonderful taste of the final product.
On the other hand there is La Antequera, a very respected factory in the city. For this winter season, the company has launched a novelty that has been quickly accepted by the customers who have already tried it. This is the pistachio mantecado, a delicious variety that adds to the wide range of flavours this establishment has to offer.
You should definitely visit Antequera as part of the Mantecado route, and don’t forget to get a large bag of these sweets for your Christmas table.
RUTE (CORDOBA)
La Flor de Rute houses one of the most important exhibitions of Andalucia mantecado. In addition to all its products, the company has sugar sculptures which are very popular within the region. Do not hesitate to stop by this spot, not only to get some mantecados, but also to try other local Christmas sweets you will love such as turrolate (a mixture of nougat and chocolate).
Moreover, it is worth mentioning a very traditional drink of this season: anise. Here in Rute you can find a museum of this traditional drink for winter and you can take home a bottle to complement your Christmas dinner. Do not leave town without visiting the crib of chocolate, a lovely exhibition for sweet and chocolate lovers.
THE ORIGIN OF MANTECADOS
The origin of mantecado dates back to the sixteenth century, caused by the surplus of cereals and lard which flourished in the heart of Andalucia. The debate between those who think that this sweet was born in Antequera or Estepa still remains, however, it appears that it was in the city of Malaga. Antequera Town Council keeps a fresco located in the plenary hall portraying mantecados manufactured there.
TYPES OF MANTECADOS
As happens with all candy, soon enough there was a huge variety of mantecados, which to this day are produced with different flavours. It’s just a matter of choosing your favourite.
1. Crafted mantecado: molded by hand. It can include sesame and cinnamon essence.
2. Cinnamon and sesame mantecado: with sesame and cinnamon essence, but industrially manufactured.
3. Almond mantecado: with crushed almonds or almond powder.
4. Double cinnamon mantecado: Antequera traditional mantecado.
5. Chocolate mantecado: Chocolate flavoured.
6. Lemon mantecado: with the flavour of lemon zest.
7. Puff pastry mantecado: made of thin sheets of pastry and sprinkled with icing sugar.
8. Pistachio mantecado: with crushed pistachio or pistachio powder
Curiosities about Mantecados
Andalucian mantecados have a long history and a series of interesting curiosities:
- Historical Origin: Mantecados date back to the 16th century when the monks of Andalucian convents began using surplus pig fat, wheat flour, and sugar to create these delicious morsels.
- Basic Ingredients: The fundamental ingredients of mantecados are lard, wheat flour, sugar, and ground almonds. The quality of these ingredients is essential to achieve high-quality mantecados.
- Shapes and Decoration: Mantecados are often shaped into various forms, such as cylinders, spheres, or decorative figures. They are typically wrapped in colored paper and decorated with festive designs.
- Aromas and Flavors: Andalucian mantecados often have characteristic flavors and aromas, such as cinnamon, lemon, orange, or almond. This makes them especially popular during the holiday season.
- DOP and IGP: Some varieties of Andalucian mantecados, such as those from Estepa and Antequera, have obtained the status of Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) and Protected Geographical Indication (IGP), ensuring their authenticity and quality.
- Export: Although mantecados are a typical Andalucian sweet, they have become an internationally exported product, especially during the holiday season.
- Christmas Tradition: In Andalucia, mantecados are an important part of Christmas festivities and are consumed during Christmas Eve and Christmas celebrations. They are often served with sweet wine, known as “anís dulce.”
- Variety of Flavors: In addition to traditional mantecados, there is a wide variety of flavors available on the market, such as chocolate, coconut, coffee, cinnamon, etc.
- Pairing: In Andalucia, it is common to pair mantecados with a glass of sweet wine, such as Pedro Ximénez, to enhance their flavor and enjoy a more complete gastronomic experience.
- Family Businesses: Many Andalucian companies that produce mantecados are family-owned and have been passed down through generations, maintaining traditional recipes and production methods.
- Fairs and Celebrations: Several Andalucian localities host fairs and events dedicated to mantecados, where different varieties can be tasted, and more can be learned about their production.
Andalucian mantecados are a symbol of the region’s rich gastronomic tradition and a delight that both visitors and locals particularly enjoy during the holiday season.
If you decide to spend a few days in southern Spain do not hesitate to take the Mantecado Route, definitely the sweetest route in Andalucia.
Typical Christmas sweets in Andalucia
WHERE TO STAY
El Fuerte Marbella
If you decide to visit Andalucia and enjoy the Route Mantecado, there is nothing better than staying in a prestigious hotel. El Fuerte Marbella offers all kinds of services and facilities in the heart of Marbella city. Moreover, if you decide to visit the east, you can stay at Olée Holiday Rentals, between Torrox and Nerja, typical Andalucian villages with the best climate in Europe.
This leading chain of hotels has more than 60 years experience. Holidays for couples, family or friends, either way you choose to travel, these hotels will adapt to your needs, and they are the perfect starting point to begin your Mmantecado route.