Homemade Traditional Spanish Rosquillas Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon anise extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup icing sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
  3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter until it is smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the eggs to the butter one at a time, ensuring each one is incorporated before adding the next.
  5. Stir in the anise extract and lemon zest to the butter and egg mixture.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring until a dough forms.
  7. Divide the dough into small pieces and roll each piece into a rope shape, then connect the ends to form a ring.
  8. Place the rings onto the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the rosquillas are lightly golden.
  10. Allow them to cool, then dust with icing sugar before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl to combine the dry ingredients and wet ingredients.
  • Whisk - Used to mix the dry ingredients together and ensure they are well combined.
  • Electric mixer - To cream the butter and mix the eggs with the wet ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Used to measure the precise amounts of flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and anise extract.
  • Zester - For zesting the lemon to add flavor to the rosquillas.
  • Baking sheet - A flat sheet used to place and bake the rosquillas in the oven.
  • Parchment paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent the rosquillas from sticking.
  • Cooling rack - To allow the rosquillas to cool evenly after baking.
  • Sifter - Optional, but useful for sifting the dry ingredients to ensure there are no lumps.
  • Fine-mesh sieve - Optional, but can be used to dust the icing sugar evenly on the rosquillas.

Recipe variations

  • Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
  • Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a subtle spice flavor.
  • Replace butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
  • Try using almond extract instead of anise extract for a different flavor profile.
  • Add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the dough for added texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Experiment with different citrus zest like orange or lime for a unique twist.
  • Add a tablespoon of rum or brandy to the dough for a boozy kick.
  • Drizzle the cooled rosquillas with a glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra sweetness.
  • Sprinkle the tops of the rosquillas with colored sugar or sprinkles for a festive touch.

Recipe overview

Rosquillas are traditional Spanish biscuits often associated with holidays and celebrations. This simple and delicious recipe brings a taste of Spain straight to your kitchen. Made with everyday ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs, these biscuits are elevated with the addition of anise and lemon zest, giving them a distinctive and delightful flavor. The recipe involves creating dough rings that are baked until golden and finished with a dusting of icing sugar. In just a few steps, you'll be enjoying these sweet, aromatic treats with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute the anise extract with a different flavor? Yes, you can substitute the anise extract with vanilla extract or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
  2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter if that's what you have on hand. Just omit the additional salt from the dry ingredients.
  3. How do I store rosquillas? Store the cooled rosquillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  4. Can I freeze rosquillas? Yes, you can freeze rosquillas. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  5. What can I use instead of parchment paper? If you don't have parchment paper, you can use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease the baking sheet.
  6. Can I add any additional toppings to the rosquillas? While traditionally dusted with icing sugar, you can also dip the cooled rosquillas in melted chocolate or drizzle a glaze over them for added flavor and decoration.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Rosquillas, these delightful sweet treats, are widely enjoyed in Spain, particularly during the festive season of Easter. Intriguingly, their beginnings trace back to the Roman Empire. Romans made their version of rosquillas to honor the gods during their annual spring festival. Over time, as Christianity spread through the empire, these sweet tokens were seamlessly incorporated into Easter traditions. As one bites into a rosquilla, it's a humble reminder of a culture and its millennia-old traditions, passed down generations and standing the test of time simply by virtue of their delectable taste. Now, these doughnut-like treats are not only a symbol of Spanish heritage, but also a token of long-lasting celebration, carrying the flavor of history in every bite.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.