Rosca de Reyes Recipe: A Delicious Family Tradition

After a long break from social media, I'm finally back! It's been a while since I last shared a recipe, and I think it’s time to get back into the swing of things. When I first started this blog, my goal was not only to share recipes with others but also to create a digital record of the dishes my kids grew up eating. That way, whenever they leave the nest, they’ll always have access to the recipes that are part of their heritage.

Looking back at the recipes I’ve shared and the ones my kids keep asking for, I realize there’s so much more to share. To ease back into blogging, I’ve decided to post a new recipe each week. So let’s start this week’s post with something special: the scrumptious Rosca de Reyes I made for Three Kings Day. Trust me, this recipe is a must-try!

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What You’ll Need:

For Proofing the Yeast:

• 1 tbsp dry yeast
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp flour

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs (set an egg white on the side to brush the rosca at the end)
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup sugar
• 9 tbsp butter (room temperature)

For the Sugar Paste:

• 200 grams vegetable shortening
• 200 grams all-purpose flour
• 200 grams powdered sugar
• Food coloring (I used pink and yellow)

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Instructions:

1. Proof the Yeast:
   Start by microwaving the milk for about 30 seconds until it’s warm. Add 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp flour, mixing well. Sprinkle in the yeast and stir until it’s fully dissolved. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes so the yeast can begin rising.

2. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large bowl or stand mixer with a hook attachment, combine the 4 cups of flour and eggs. Mix until well combined. Add the ¾ cup sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix. Then, add the butter and blend it thoroughly into the dough.

3. Incorporate the Yeast:
   Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the dough. The dough will be sticky at first. If you’re mixing by hand, knead until the dough is no longer sticky and can stretch thin without tearing—this should take about 15-20 minutes. If using a stand mixer, scrape the sides occasionally until the dough forms a smooth, cohesive ball.

4. Let the Dough Rise:
   Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. I placed mine near a sunny window. This usually takes about an hour.

5. Make the Sugar Paste:
   While the dough is rising, prepare the sugar paste. In a bowl, mix together the vegetable shortening, all-purpose flour, and powdered sugar until smooth. Divide the paste into three portions. Keep one white, color the second pink, and the third yellow (or any colors you prefer). You could even add cocoa powder to one batch for a chocolate flavor! Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and roll them into squares, about 1/8 inch thick. Refrigerate.

6. Shape the Dough:
   Once the dough has doubled in size, punch a hole in the center and gently stretch it into an oval shape, similar to making bagels. Place the dough on a greased baking sheet and cover it again. Let it rest for 45 minutes to an hour.

7. Preheat the Oven:
   While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

8. Decorate the Rosca:
   Brush the dough with the egg white you set aside before you start decorating. Then, take the sugar paste out of the fridge and cut it into strips. Arrange the strips on top of the dough. You can also sprinkle sugar on top of the paste for extra sweetness. My kids love the sugar paste, so I use more of it than the traditional dried fruit topping, but you can also add candied fruit like pineapple, cherries, mango, apricots, and figs.

9. Bake:
   Once the rosca is decorated, bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown.

10. Let it Rest:
    After baking, let the rosca rest for a few minutes before slicing and enjoying. If you like, you can hide a small figurine (traditionally a baby) inside the bread, but be sure to warn your guests beforehand!

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Enjoy the Tradition:

I hope you enjoy making this Rosca de Reyes as part of your family’s tradition, just as my kids look forward to it every year. It’s more than just a delicious treat—it’s a way to bring the family together and celebrate special moments.

Happy baking, and stay tuned for more weekly recipes!