Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽 Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a warm, sweet treat that wraps you in a cozy hug, then you absolutely need to try Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽. These traditional pastries from Sonora are the perfect blend of soft, tender dough and luscious cajeta filling, offering a delightful caramel flavor that feels like a celebration in every bite. What makes them truly special is their simplicity paired with a depth of taste that keeps you reaching for one more, whether it’s with your afternoon coffee or as a sweet ending to your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these coyotas comes from a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that perfect texture and rich flavor. From the flours that give the dough its lovely softness to the cajeta that fills them with a heavenly sweetness, every component is essential.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾: Provides structure and tenderness to your dough.
• 1 cup whole wheat flour 🌾: Adds a hearty texture and a subtle nuttiness that complements the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 🥄: Helps the dough rise slightly, ensuring a light bite.
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈: Gives richness and a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
• ½ cup vegetable shortening 🥥: Keeps the coyotas tender with a flaky finish.
• 1 cup brown sugar 🟤: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cajeta.
• ½ cup water 💧: Binds everything together and helps form the perfect dough consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌼: Adds warmth and a fragrant hint that elevates the entire pastry.
• 1 cup cajeta (goat milk caramel) 🍮: The star ingredient — luscious, gooey, and bursting with caramel flavor inside every coyota.

How to Make Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it perfectly warm and ready. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. This blend forms the base of your dough, so whisking it well ensures an even rise and smooth texture in your final coyotas.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Shortening, and Brown Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable shortening, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and invitingly smooth. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the fats, giving your cookies a tender crumb and a subtle richness that’s truly irresistible.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into your creamed mixture, alternating with water and vanilla extract. Mix gently and steadily until you achieve a smooth, cohesive dough that’s soft but not sticky. Taking your time here makes sure every bite has that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Step 4: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thickness — just the right thickness for a delicate yet satisfying chew. Use a cookie cutter or any glass with a round edge to cut out circles. These will be the canvases of your delicious Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽.

Step 5: Fill and Seal the Coyotas

Place a generous tablespoon of the warm, velvety cajeta right in the center of half of your dough circles. Then top each filled circle with one of the remaining circles and seal the edges carefully by pressing with a fork. This ensures the caramel stays wonderfully inside as they bake, ready to ooze with that signature flavor when you take a bite.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange your sealed coyotas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until you see a beautiful golden brown color that signals they’re perfectly baked. Let them cool just a little so the filling thickens slightly but remains decadently warm inside.

How to Serve Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽

Garnishes

While Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽 are delightful on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a hint of extra sweetness. You can also try sprinkling a bit of cinnamon for a warm, spicy twist that complements the caramel wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These pastries pair beautifully with a hot cup of Mexican coffee or a smooth chai tea. For a refreshing contrast, a small bowl of fresh sliced fruit, like mango or orange segments, balances the rich sweetness with bright, juicy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive look, arrange your coyotas on a colorful platter lined with vibrant papel picado or fresh edible flowers. You can even serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side to create a Mexican-inspired dessert experience that friends and family will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (and that’s a big if!), store your Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽 in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready for another indulgent snack.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the baked coyotas in a sealed freezer bag for up to two months. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To bring the coyotas back to their warm, gooey best, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the oven method helps keep the dough from becoming soggy.

FAQs

What is Cajeta and how does it differ from regular caramel?

Cajeta is a traditional Mexican caramel made from goat’s milk, cooked slowly until it thickens into a luscious, slightly tangy caramel sauce. It differs from regular caramel (often made with cow’s milk) by its rich, distinct flavor and creamy texture, which gives Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽 their unique taste.

Can I substitute the flours used in this recipe?

While all-purpose and whole wheat flours provide the best texture combination here, you can experiment with gluten-free blends if needed. Keep in mind, though, the flavor and texture may shift slightly, and the dough might be a bit more delicate to work with.

Is it necessary to use both butter and vegetable shortening?

The combination of butter and shortening creates a tender, flaky dough that holds the cajeta filling perfectly. Butter adds flavor, while shortening contributes to tenderness. Using only one might change the texture, but you could try all butter for a richer taste or all shortening for a softer dough.

How do I prevent the cajeta from leaking during baking?

Sealing the edges firmly with a fork is key to keeping the cajeta inside. Also, avoid overfilling your coyotas and handle them gently when transferring to the baking sheet. Chilling the filled dough discs briefly before baking can also help maintain their shape.

Are Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽 traditionally served warm or at room temperature?

Traditionally, they’re enjoyed warm to fully appreciate the gooey caramel center. However, they’re delicious at room temperature too, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

Final Thoughts

Making Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽 at home is not only a joyful baking adventure but also a wonderful way to bring a piece of Mexican tradition into your kitchen. Their warm, caramel-filled charm is sure to win over anyone lucky enough to try them, so don’t hesitate to dive in and treat yourself and your loved ones to these sweet little treasures.