Spanish Conversation · Level 105
60 words
Spanish word
mantecado
Pronunciation
IPA/manteˈkaðo/
Meaning
- masculine nounshortbread
Example
¿Probaste el mantecado que hizo Ana?
Did you try the shortbread Ana made?
More examples
En Navidad mi familia siempre compra una caja de mantecados.
At Christmas my family always buys a box of shortbreads.
Core concept
Dense, sandy cookie that breaks into a tender crumble.
Common phrases
mantecado navideño
Christmas shortbread
mantecados caseros
homemade shortbreads
caja de mantecados
box of shortbreads
Similar words
galleta: Thin, baked sweet biscuit or cookie often eaten by hand as a snack.
pastel: Sweet layered cake often baked with fillings or frostings and cut into slices.
polvorón: Powdery, very crumbly traditional shortbread that breaks into fine dust-like crumbs.
bizcocho: Light, airy sponge cake made with eggs and flour that rises to a soft texture.
Definition in Spanish
Pastelito seco típico de España elaborado con manteca, harina y azúcar, de textura quebradiza y asociado a celebraciones como la Navidad.
Word origin
Built from manteca 'lard' + -ado, the name highlights the fat used to create the cookie's characteristic crumbly texture.
Usage tips
- Often confused with polvorón; polvorones are usually drier and powderier, while mantecados remain more compact in their sandy crumble.