This Easy Rosca de Reyes recipe brings the traditional Mexican Three Kings bread to your kitchen without complicated steps. Soft, lightly sweet, and scented with orange, this festive ring bread is perfect for celebrating Epiphany or adding something special to a winter brunch table.
If you enjoy baking cozy holiday treats, you might also like whipped shortbread cookies or these French salted butter cookies .
Why You’ll Love It
- Beginner-friendly: Simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients.
- Festive: Colorful fruit topping makes it table-ready.
- Soft texture: Tender crumb with a light citrus aroma.
- Make-ahead: Great for holidays and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Assorted candied fruit and maraschino cherries
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add sugar, eggs, butter, orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Shape dough into a ring and transfer to a lined baking sheet.
- Brush with egg wash and decorate with candied fruit.
- Let rise again for 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown.
For more baking inspiration, check out this cheese-filled bread recipe or the garlic parmesan focaccia .
Tips & Variations
- Add a small porcelain figurine after baking, if desired.
- Use dried fruit if candied fruit is unavailable.
- Brush with a light sugar glaze for extra shine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices with hot chocolate, coffee, or warm milk. This bread also pairs well with a light breakfast spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store Rosca de Reyes tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, bake it the day before and store it covered.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze without decorations for up to 2 months.
More to Try
Conclusion
This Easy Rosca de Reyes recipe keeps tradition alive while staying approachable for home bakers. It’s festive, soft, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Print
Easy Rosca de Reyes Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Rosca de Reyes recipe brings the traditional Mexican Three Kings bread to your kitchen with simple steps. Soft, lightly sweet, and scented with orange, it’s perfect for Epiphany celebrations or a cozy winter brunch.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Assorted candied fruit and maraschino cherries
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Combine warm milk and yeast in a large bowl and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add sugar, eggs, butter, orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt and mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape dough into a ring and transfer to a lined baking sheet.
- Brush with egg wash and decorate with candied fruit.
- Let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Use dried fruit if candied fruit is unavailable. A light sugar glaze can be brushed on after baking for extra shine.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: easy rosca de reyes recipe, three kings bread, mexican sweet bread, epiphany bread