Description
This Traditional Rosca de Reyes is a light, buttery sweet bread flavored with orange and anise, decorated with candied fruit, and baked to celebrate Mexico’s Three Kings Day. Authentic, aromatic, and festive — it’s a true cultural classic!
Ingredients
**For the Dough**
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
½ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
½ cup sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp orange zest
1 tbsp anise seeds (optional, or ½ tsp extract)
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
**For the Topping (Pasta Dulce)**
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg yolk
**For Decoration**
Candied fruits (figs, cherries, citron, or guava strips)
1 small baby figurine (optional, traditional)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit 10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, orange zest, and anise seeds. Mix well.
3. Add yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter. Mix and knead until smooth (about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer).
4. Form dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1½–2 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down dough and shape into a large ring (about 12–14 inches in diameter). Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Insert the small figurine underneath from the bottom if using. Cover and let rise again for 45 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. **Make the topping:** In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, butter, and yolk until a soft dough forms.
9. Roll into flat strips and place over the ring in several spots.
10. Brush bread with egg wash and decorate with candied fruits.
11. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
12. Cool slightly, slice, and enjoy this traditional festive bread — soft, buttery, and full of meaning!
Notes
Traditionally eaten on January 6th (Día de Reyes), whoever finds the figurine must host *Día de la Candelaria* (Candlemas Day) on February 2nd.
Add a splash of orange blossom water for an authentic bakery aroma.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.