Rosca de Reyes - Christmas Recipes

Rosca de Reyes is a traditional Mexican sweet bread that is widely enjoyed during the Christmas season and Three Kings Day, January 6. This exquisite recipe, rich in flavor and symbolism, brings families and friends together around the table to celebrate Epiphany and share special moments.

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The Meaning of the Rosca de Reyes

The Rosca de Reyes has its roots in the religious and cultural tradition of Mexico. It is prepared to celebrate the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem to worship the Child Jesus. The circular shape of the bread symbolizes the crown of the Kings, and the decoration of dried fruits and sugar represents the jewels and precious stones that these gifts brought to the Child Jesus.

Inside the Rosca, a surprise is hidden: a ceramic figurine that represents the Child Jesus. Whoever finds this figurine in their portion of Rosca becomes the godfather or godmother of the Child God and has the responsibility of celebrating a party (Candelaria) on February 2, the date that marks the end of the Christmas season.

Ingredients

The Rosca de Reyes is a soft and spongy bread, with a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor. The basic ingredients you will need to prepare this delight are:

• 500 grams of wheat flour
• 100 grams of sugar
• 100 grams of butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup of milk
• 25 grams of fresh yeast or 10 grams of dry yeast
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 pinch of salt
• Dried fruits (figs, walnuts, almonds, etc.)
• Sugar and water for the glaze
• Beaten egg to glaze

Preparation of the Rosca de Reyes

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast dissolved in warm milk and start mixing. Add the eggs one by one, the melted butter, the vanilla essence and the orange and lemon zest. Continue kneading until you get a homogeneous and smooth dough.

Step 2: Rest the Dough

Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Thread

Divide the dough into two equal parts and form two long cylinders. Join the ends of the cylinders to form a large bagel and place it on a previously greased and floured baking sheet.

Step 4: Decoration and Surprise

Decorate the Rosca de Reyes with the dried fruits, gently pressing them onto the dough. Hide the figure of the child Jesus in the dough and surprise.
The Three Wise Men have visited your home and the Epiphany celebration is complete!

Tradition and Celebration of the Rosca de Reyes

The Rosca de Reyes is not only a sweet bread, but also a symbol of family union and celebration. On the morning of Three Kings Day , families gather around the table to cut the Rosca and share this delicious delicacy. Each member takes a piece and, with excitement and anticipation, searches for the Baby Jesus figurine. Whoever finds the figure in their portion becomes the godfather or godmother of the Child God and has the responsibility of organizing the Candelaria party.

The Fiesta de la Candelaria , held on February 2, marks the end of Christmas celebrations in Mexico. The godparents of Baby Jesus offer tamales to their friends and family to share the blessing received on Three Kings Day. This tradition reinforces family and community ties, keeping alive the essence of the Rosca de Reyes as a symbol of love and generosity.