Rosquillas are delightful and ring-shaped pastries. It is described as a Spanish or Latin American doughnut. It has been enjoyed for generations, especially during festivals like San Isidro in Madrid, where locals line the streets to celebrate with boxes of rosquillas in hand. The word itself comes from the Spanish Catalan word, meaning little wheel. It has the characteristics of a circular shape.
It has a wide range of variations in ingredients, texture and preparation method. It depends on the region that is baking these. All flavours are full of charm and a little less fuss. It is deeply rooted in a Spanish culinary tradition. History is related to the ancient Roman Empire. Every version gives its classic twist.
In this blog post, you will learn how to make authentic Rosquillas at home by knowing the tips and tricks. It is something sweet and homemade. You will soon crave this. I am so excited to share this baking preparation with you. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Are Rosquillas?
Rosquillas are traditional and highly varied types of ring-shaped pastry or Spanish pastries shaped like small rings. It is similar to doughnuts but with a distinct character of its own. They have deep roots in Spanish culture and are very famous in Madrid.
Traditionally, it has a crispy crust and a very soft, slightly chewy interior. It is lighter and less oily, with a golden, cake-like texture. It is comforting and has a wholesome flavour. It is perfect for snacking or breakfast with a Spanish twist. In Spain, there are so many variations of rosquillas.
There are several types of rosquillas, each with its twist:
- Rosquillas tontas (silly): They have a plain and simplest version, made without any coating or glaze.
- Rosquillas listas (smart): They are topped with a sweet glaze, often flavoured with lemon, sugar and egg white.
- Rosquillas fritas: These are fried rosquillas, golden and crisp on the outside, soft inside.
- Other regional versions may include aniseed, orange zest, or even wine in the dough.
Basic Ingredients
Making baked rosquillas is so easy at home. All you need a good ingredients, and the list is given as:
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 60 ml (¼ cup) olive oil (or mild vegetable oil)
- 60 ml (¼ cup) milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 250–300 g (2–2½ cups) all-purpose flour (as needed for a soft dough)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Optional Flavour Additions:
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (for a citrusy aroma)
- 1 tsp ground anise or a splash of anise liqueur (for traditional flavour)
- Ground cinnamon (for dusting or adding to the dough)
“Start your morning the Spanish way—simple, soulful, and always delicious.”
Step-by-Step Instructions
Baking rosquillas at home is simple and fun! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a tray of golden, sweet Spanish treats ready to enjoy.
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and slightly frothy. Add the oil, milk, vanilla extract, and any optional flavourings like citrus zest or anise. Mix well.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt gradually, mixing with a spatula or your hands until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Start with 2 cups of flour and add more if needed. The dough should be soft but not too wet.
4. Shape the Rosquillas
Lightly flour your hands and pinch off small pieces of dough (about the size of a walnut). Roll each piece into a rope about 12–15 cm (5–6 inches) long, then join the ends to form a ring. Gently press the ends together so they don’t separate while baking. Place the rings on the prepared tray, leaving space between each one.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the rosquillas are lightly golden and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them—they can brown quickly.
6. Add the Final Touch
Once baked and slightly cooled, you can:
- Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
- Dip in a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a splash of milk or lemon juice.
- Or leave them plain—they’re delicious either way!
Tips for Perfect Rosquillas
- Never overwork the dough. Mix until it comes together. Over-kneading can make rosquillas tough or dry.
- Add the flour gradually. Start with less or as much as needed. Too much flour can make the dough dense and dry.
- Baking powder should be fresh and puff nicely in the oven. Have the best rise and light texture.
- Test your oven because every oven is different. Lower the temperature slightly or move the tray to a lower rack.
- Lemon zest, anise, or vanilla adds that authentic Spanish taste. Don’t skip these.
- Please keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Add a slice of bread or a sugar cube in the container.
Serving Suggestions
Rosquillas are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many delightful ways. These sweet treats are perfect with:
- Spanish coffee or café con leche
- Mug of hot chocolate
- Dessert wine like Moscatel or Pedro Ximénez for a festive touch
Enjoy Any Time of Day
Rosquillas are a wonderful addition to:
- Breakfast, served warm or at room temperature
- Merienda (the classic Spanish afternoon snack), alongside fruit or yoghurt
- Celebrations and gatherings, like birthdays, holidays, or traditional fiestas
Serve Them Your Way
- You can keep them plain for a rustic feel.
- You can dust with powdered sugar for a classic bakery-style look.
- Drizzle with glaze for a more indulgent finish.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about rosquillas is how easy they are to customise. It is incredibly diverse. This is one of the mastered recipes I have shared with you. Feel free to get creative with flavours, shapes, and toppings!
1. Flavour Twists
- Orange Zest: Swap lemon for orange zest for a warmer, citrusy note.
- Cinnamon: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for extra spice and aroma.
- Aniseed or Liqueur: Mix in ground anise or a splash of anise liqueur for a more traditional, old-fashioned flavour.
2. Fun Toppings and Coatings
- Powdered Sugar
- Cinnamon Sugar
- Simple Glaze
Conclusion
Baking rosquillas at home is far more than just making a sweet snack or a simple sweet pastry. It’s a way to connect with a beloved Spanish tradition that has been passed down for generations. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and that unforgettable aroma filling your kitchen make this recipe one you’ll come back to again and again. It has a wide array of textures. A unique taste of corn and cheese is found in the Central American varieties.
You can enjoy this at breakfast, a get-together or share with a batch of friends. It is a little piece of Spain on your table. We’d love to see your version! If you try this recipe, share your results in the comments below. We will be very happy.
