Mallorcan Rubiols: Typical Sweets of the Island

If there’s one sweet treat that’s part of Mallorcan tradition and a must-have during Holy Week, it’s Mallorcan rubiol. It’s a delicious sweet pastry filled with various ingredients such as angel hair, jam, cottage cheese, or chocolate. Its crispy pastry and mild flavor make this dessert a true gem of Mallorcan pastries.

Although they’re especially prepared during the holidays, Mallorcan rubiols are so delicious that you can enjoy them any time of year. Fancy making them at home? Below, we’ll share a traditional recipe so you can enjoy this typical island dessert.

Ingredients for preparing Mallorcan rubiols

To make homemade Mallorcan rubiols, you will need the following ingredients:

For the dough:

• 500 g wheat flour
• 125 g sugar
• 125 g lard (or butter)
• 1 glass of light olive oil
• 1 glass of milk
• 2 egg yolks
• Zest of one lemon
• A pinch of salt

For the filling (choose your favorite):

• Angel hair
• Apricot or strawberry jam
• Cottage cheese with sugar and a little cinnamon
• Chocolate cream or Nutella

To decorate:

• Icing sugar (optional)

How to make Mallorcan rubiols step by step

Step 1: Prepare the dough

1. Sift the flour into a large bowl and add the sugar and a pinch of salt.
2. Add the lard (or butter) and mix well with your hands until smooth. sandy.
3. Add the olive oil, milk, and egg yolks, and continue kneading until the dough is smooth and manageable.
4. Add the lemon zest for a touch of aroma and freshness.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll out and cut the dough

1. After the rest time is over, roll the dough out on a floured surface with a rolling pin.
2. Leave a thickness of about 3 mm so the rubiols are crispy but not too thin.
3. Cut out circles 10-12 cm in diameter using a mold or a large glass.

Step 3: Fill and seal the Rubiols

1. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle.
2. Fold the dough in half, forming a half-moon shape.
3. Seal the edges by pressing with your fingers or a fork to ensure they don’t open during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Rubiols

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Place the Rubiols on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, leaving a little space between them.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until lightly golden.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool before handling, as they will be fragile when removed.

Step 5: Decorate and serve

1. Once cooled, you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a sweeter touch.
2. Ready to enjoy! Pair them with a coffee, a tea, or a glass of Mallorcan herbal liqueur.

Tips for perfect rubiols

• Choose the filling carefully: Although the most traditional are angel hair and cottage cheese, you can experiment with other flavors such as chocolate, jam, or custard.
• Don’t add too much filling: If you add too much, the rubiols may split during baking.
• Knead patiently: The more even and well-worked the dough, the better the final result will be.
• Store them correctly: You can store the rubiols in an airtight container for 4-5 days to maintain their freshness.

Origin and tradition of Mallorcan rubiols

Mallorcan rubiols have their roots in the traditional cuisine of the The Rubiols are a traditional dessert from the island and are usually made especially during Holy Week. It is believed that their origins come from Jewish pastries, as similar recipes appear in ancient Sephardic traditions.

Along with panades and crespells, Rubiols are among the typical delicacies of this time of year, when families gather to prepare large quantities and share them with friends and neighbors.

Over time, they have evolved and new versions with more modern fillings have appeared, but the essence of this dessert remains intact: a soft, crispy pastry with a sweet and juicy interior.

A Mallorcan dessert you must try

Mallorcan rubiols are a jewel of Balearic pastries, a dessert that combines tradition, simplicity, and flavor in every bite. Although their preparation requires patience, the result is worth it. Whether celebrating Easter or simply enjoying a special dessert, this recipe is perfect to share with the family.

Want to make your own rubiols at home? Try this recipe and discover the authentic flavor of Mallorca in every bite. Bon profit!