Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽 Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth craving a delightfully rich and nostalgic treat, then Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽 are here to brighten your day. These traditional Sonoran pastries are little pockets of tender dough filled with luscious cajeta, that gorgeous goat milk caramel that melts in your mouth with just the right hint of caramelized sweetness. Each bite feels like a warm hug infused with culture and comfort, making them an irresistible dessert or snack to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽 lies in their simple yet essential ingredients. Every item in this list plays a vital role—whether it’s the flours that provide that perfect crumbly texture, or the cajeta filling that delivers the signature caramel goodness. Let’s dive into the pantry staples that will bring this recipe to life.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾: The main structure of the dough, offering softness and tenderness.
• 1 cup whole wheat flour 🌾: Adds a subtle nuttiness and a wholesome bite to balance the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 🥄: Helps the dough rise just enough for a light, fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈: Provides rich flavor and buttery flakiness to the crust.
• ½ cup vegetable shortening 🥥: Ensures tenderness and creates that perfect crumbly finish.
• 1 cup brown sugar 🟤: Sweetens the dough with a deep molasses note that complements the cajeta.
• ½ cup water 💧: Binds the dough together smoothly without making it too sticky.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌼: Adds warmth and depth to the dough’s flavor profile.
• 1 cup cajeta (goat milk caramel) 🍮: The star filling that infuses every coyota with creamy, caramel bliss.

How to Make Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready once your dough is prepared. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt—this dry mix forms the base that will give the pastries their nice texture. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable shortening, and brown sugar until you get a light and fluffy mixture—this step ensures a rich, tender dough that will melt in your mouth.

Step 2: Mixing the Dough

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the water and vanilla extract. This slow combination helps you avoid lumps and creates a smooth dough that’s just right—not too sticky, nor too dry. Once combined, give the dough a gentle knead and set it aside to rest while you prepare for shaping.

Step 3: Shaping the Coyotas

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough to about ¼ inch thickness—a perfect thickness for that delicate crunch on the outside and tender inside. Using a cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough. Spoon a generous tablespoon of creamy cajeta onto the center of half of the circles. Carefully place the remaining circles on top and gently press the edges together with a fork to seal the filling inside. This sealing step is key for keeping the caramel in place during baking!

Step 4: Baking the Coyotas

Transfer your filled coyotas to a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they have enough space to expand slightly. Bake them for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until they develop a golden brown hue that signals they are perfectly baked. Once out of the oven, let them cool just enough to handle—this is when their caramel filling is still wonderfully soft and inviting.

How to Serve Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽

Garnishes

Though Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽 are spectacular on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and a little extra sweetness without overpowering the natural caramel flavor. Alternatively, a sprinkle of cinnamon can bring a warm spice note that pairs beautifully with the cajeta filling.

Side Dishes

Pair your coyotas with a cup of rich Mexican hot chocolate or a strong coffee to complement the caramel’s depth. For a refreshing twist, serve alongside a cold glass of horchata, which adds a creamy, cinnamon-infused contrast to the warm pastries.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or want to spice things up, consider stacking a few coyotas on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra cajeta for dipping. You can also drizzle warm cajeta over the top or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽 keep beautifully for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This preserves their tenderness and keeps the filling soft. Just make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources to avoid melting the cajeta filling.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freezing these coyotas works wonderfully. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. When frozen, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to two months.

Reheating

To enjoy your coyotas after storing or freezing, simply warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their soft, fresh-baked feel and revives the lusciousness of the caramel filling.

FAQs

What is cajeta and can I substitute it?

Cajeta is a delicious Mexican caramel made from goat’s milk, distinguished by its rich, slightly tangy flavor. If you can’t find cajeta, dulce de leche is a reasonable substitute and will give a similar caramel flavor, though it lacks the unique goat milk notes.

Can I make Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽 vegan?

While the traditional recipe uses butter and shortening, you can experiment by swapping butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, and ensuring your shortening is plant-based. The cajeta filling is tricky to veganize since it is dairy-based, but you could try using a vegan caramel spread instead.

How long does it take to make these pastries?

The entire process, from mixing to baking, takes about 38 minutes, including 20 minutes of prep and up to 18 minutes of baking time. They come together quickly, making them a perfect homemade treat even on a busy day.

Are Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽 traditionally served on special occasions?

Yes, these pastries are especially popular during Mexican festivities and family gatherings, but their comforting flavor makes them delightful any day. Sharing them with loved ones brings a touch of tradition and warmth to any occasion.

Can I use only all-purpose flour?

You can, but mixing all-purpose with whole wheat flour adds a pleasant nuttiness and texture that enhances the overall flavor profile. If you prefer, using only all-purpose flour will still yield delicious coyotas, just a bit lighter in taste.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Cajeta Coyotas 🇲🇽 are truly a treasure of Mexican culinary tradition, combining simple ingredients with love and care to create something utterly special. Whether you’re baking for a festive crowd or just yourself, these caramel-filled pastries never fail to bring smiles and satisfied sighs. Give this recipe a try, and get ready to fall in love with every sweet, buttery bite.

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