Go Back
+ servings
A slice of Rosca de Reyes (or Roscón de Reyes) on a decorative blue plate with the cake in the background.
Print Recipe
5 from 57 votes

Rosca de Reyes

Rosca de Reyes (Roscón de Reyes) is an oval-shaped Mexican dessert & Spanish dessert, celebrating the Three King's visit to the Baby Jesus. A delicious treat with a special surprise inside.
Prep Time2 hours
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time2 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 12
Calories: 433kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small container, mix the yeast, sugar, flour, and warm milk.
  • Mix until smooth and set aside.
  • Note: Do not use HOT milk. Warm milk only.
  • In a large mixer, add the flour, sugar, salt.
  • Mix together to combine.
  • If you are using a KitchenAid, use the hook attachment.
  • Add the eggs, egg yolks, and orange zest.
  • Start mixing slowly.
  • Gradually add the butter.
  • Once the butter is fully combined, add the yeast mixture.
  • Mix for a few minutes.
  • On a clean surface, dust with flour.
  • Add the dough.
  • The dough will be very sticky.
  • Start working the dough by hand.
  • It will take roughly 20 minutes to get the dough to come together.
  • It will look sticky. Have faith. The dough will come together.
  • When your hand no longer sticks to the dough, it is ready.
  • Butter a bowl.
  • Add the dough to the bowl.
  • Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
  • Proof for 1 ½ hour.
  • Note: if you live in colder climates, you might need to proof longer.
  • Dust a clean surface with more flour.
  • Roll out the dough as far as it can go.
  • It will look like a long baguette.
  • You can use a rolling pin.
  • Make a hole on one end of the dough.
  • Connect one end of the dough to the end with the hole.
  • Shape the dough into an oval.
  • Eyeball the size of the oval dough in comparison to your cookie sheet.
  • If it's too big, cut the dough and make two Rosca de Reyes
  • Carefully place the dough onto a buttered cookie sheet.
  • Shape again into an oval form.
  • Cover and set aside.
  • Make the sugar topping by combining the powdered sugar, butter, 1 cup flour, cinnamon, and vanilla.
  • Mix until a small ball forms.
  • Dust a clean surface again with flour.
  • Roll out the sugar topping.
  • With a knife, cut into small equal-sized rectangles.
  • Make the egg wash by mixing an egg with water.
  • Brush the dough with the egg wash.
  • Be sure to brush the sides of the dough.
  • Add the sugar toppings and desired decorations.
  • Cover while heating the oven.
  • Heat an oven for 350 degrees F.
  • Uncover the dough and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Let cool before serving.
  • Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Only use the flour necessary to bring the dough together. Too much flour will result in a denser cake. 
It can take up to 2 hours for the dough to rise. 
The toppings vary depending on your taste. 
Some people will add yellow or green food coloring to the sugar dough for a more festive dough. Two to three drops is all you need.

Nutrition

Calories: 433kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 195mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 633IU | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg