National Dish Spain: Rosquillas (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to Rosquillas, the little ring-shaped doughnuts that have been gracing Spanish tables on feast days for centuries. Lightly scented with lemon zest and a whisper of anise, these sweet, golden rings are fried until crisp and then rolled in sugar while still warm. They strike that lovely balance between rustic and indulgent — simple enough to whip up on a lazy afternoon, yet special enough to bring a little Spanish celebration to your kitchen.
About Rosquillas
Rosquillas are a traditional Spanish pastry that often appears at festive occasions. These small, ring-shaped treats are hugely popular across Spain and vary in flavour and preparation from one region to the next. They are classically made in two styles: the sweet Rosquillas de Anís, scented with anise, and the more robust Rosquillas de Vino, made with wine. Whichever version you choose, the result is always a genuine treat. As a beloved corner of Spanish cuisine, they reward you with crisp edges and a tender, fragrant crumb.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 egg
- 100g flour
- 50g sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ½ lemon (zest, finely grated)
- 1 tsp anise liqueur (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Oil, for frying
- Sugar, for dusting
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for rosquillas, it pays to focus on the quality of the basics. Fresh eggs, good flour and a decent olive oil make all the difference to the finished result. If you would like to use anise liqueur, pick one whose flavour you genuinely enjoy. Take care, too, to choose fresh lemons for the grated zest, as this is where much of the fragrance comes from.
Preparing the dish
Before you start making the rosquillas, have all of your ingredients ready and to hand. Make sure the flour is sifted and the lemon is zested. The oil should be warming gently over a medium heat while you prepare everything else. Once it is all in place, you can turn your attention to the dough and work at a relaxed, steady pace.
Step-by-step instructions
- Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk it with the sugar until the mixture turns pale and frothy.
- Add the olive oil, lemon zest and anise liqueur (if using), then mix well to combine.
- Sift the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt into a separate bowl, then add this to the egg-and-sugar mixture.
- Knead everything into a smooth dough, taking care that no lumps form.
- Divide the dough into small portions, roll each into a little ball, then shape into rings.
- Lower the dough rings into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, then lift out and drain on kitchen paper.
- Roll the finished rosquillas in sugar and leave to cool on a wire rack.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version, you can simply use a gluten-free flour blend. Bear in mind that the texture of the dough may change slightly, so you might need to adjust it a little. Rosquillas contain no dairy ingredients as standard, so they are naturally lactose-free and generally need no further changes on that front — good news for anyone avoiding milk.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
To make rosquillas vegan, the egg can be replaced with an egg substitute such as apple purée, mashed banana or soaked chia seeds. Take care to blend the substitute thoroughly with the other ingredients so the dough keeps the right consistency. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same and remains entirely plant-based, much like the crêpe-style Filloas you can easily adapt for vegans too.
More tips and tricks
For especially crisp rosquillas, it helps to fry them in hot oil, with the optimal temperature sitting at around 175°C. Another way to deepen the flavour is to let the finished dough rest overnight in the fridge, giving the aromas time to develop and settle. A reliable kitchen thermometer is well worth using here, as oil that is too cool will leave the rings greasy rather than light.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Rosquillas are easy to tailor to your own preferences. If you are fond of vanilla, you can add a little vanilla extract for warmth. For extra fragrance, reach for warm spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. Feel free to experiment with different flavour combinations until you land on your perfect version — the basic dough is forgiving and welcomes a personal touch.
Ingredient substitutions
Instead of anise liqueur, you can use other liqueurs such as rum or orange liqueur to ring the changes. If you would rather not use refined sugar, swap it for coconut sugar or maple syrup. These alternatives shift the flavour of the rosquillas and lend them a distinctive character — a playful approach you might also bring to a citrus-scented Bizcocho de Naranja.
Drink pairing ideas
A variety of drinks pairs beautifully with rosquillas. The classic choice is a Spanish café con leche, whose milky warmth offsets the sweetness perfectly. Hot chocolate also works a treat, as does a glass of sweet wine such as sherry. For an after-dinner pairing with a little more punch, a small glass of anise liqueur rounds things off nicely.
Serving and presentation ideas
Serve the rosquillas on a pretty platter and dust them lightly with icing sugar. A garnish of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or orange segments, can lift the dish visually and add a fresh contrast. For an extra special touch, you might dust the rosquillas with a cinnamon-and-sugar mixture just before they reach the table.
A bit of history
Rosquillas have a long tradition in Spanish cookery and are particularly cherished at celebrations. Their origins reach back to the Middle Ages, when they were prepared as a festive pastry. Different regions have developed their own variations over time, each with its own special character — much like the regional baking that gives Spain its rich repertoire of sweets, from the Pastel Vasco of the Basque Country to its many holiday breads. Today they remain a fixture at countless Spanish festivities.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Rosquillas
In short, rosquillas are a wonderfully versatile Spanish pastry that can be enjoyed in both sweet and more robust styles. With the right ingredients and a little patience during preparation, this is a recipe that is sure to succeed. Try out different variations and discover your own favourite version along the way. Whichever style you settle on, rosquillas are always a delicious treat worth sharing.
