Rosquillas de Nata Recipe: Easy Spanish Cream Doughnuts 2026

Rosquillas de nata are one of those traditional homemade sweets that take you straight back to grandmother's kitchen. Their soft, lightly spongy texture makes them a genuine delight for any occasion, and this recipe shows you how to make them easily at home.

They are made from a simple dough of cream, egg, lemon zest, sugar and flour, then fried or baked and rolled in sugar while still warm. The dough comes out very soft, and that is precisely the secret of their success, so resist the urge to add more flour or the rosquillas will turn out hard.

You can enjoy them on their own or alongside a coffee, a hot chocolate or simply a glass of milk. This time we fried them, though as explained below they can also be baked for a less greasy finish.

Ingredients for Rosquillas de Nata

This recipe makes about 20 rosquillas.

• 120 ml heavy whipping cream (at least 35% fat)
• 1 medium egg
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 pinch of salt
• 50 g sugar
• 250 g wheat flour
• Plenty of sunflower oil (for frying)
• Sugar to taste (for coating)

How to Make Rosquillas de Nata Step by Step

1. Mix the cream and egg

Start by mixing in a bowl 120 ml of heavy whipping cream with 1 medium egg, the zest of 1 lemon, 1 pinch of salt and 50 g of sugar.

2. Add the flour

Add 250 g of wheat flour and fold it in with the help of a spatula.

3. Let the dough rest

Once the flour is well incorporated, let the dough rest for about 15-20 minutes so it gains consistency and becomes easy to work with.

4. Divide and shape the rosquillas

Divide the dough into 20 portions, roll each portion into a log by rolling it with your hands, and finally join the ends to form your rosquillas.

5. Fry the rosquillas de nata

Heat plenty of sunflower oil to 180 ºC and fry the rosquillas in small batches so the oil does not cool down, turning them until they are golden brown to your liking on both sides. If you prefer a less greasy finish, they can be baked once shaped. To do this, simply arrange them apart on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake them in an oven preheated to 180 ºC for about 15 minutes, until golden brown to your liking. In this case, add the coating sugar before baking, because if you do it afterwards it will not stick.

6. Coat in sugar

Once golden brown to your liking, remove the rosquillas from the oil and place them on paper towels. While they are still hot, roll them in sugar to taste and wait for them to cool completely before tasting.

7. Serve the rosquillas de nata

With this, your delicious rosquillas de nata are ready to serve. If you are not going to eat them the same day, you can keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for 2 to 3 days.

Tips for the Best Rosquillas de Nata

Keep the dough soft

The dough will come out very soft, and that is exactly the secret of their success. Resist the temptation to add more flour, because if you do, the rosquillas will end up hard.

Let it rest

For the dough to reach the perfect texture and be easy to handle without sticking to your hands, let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This way the flour hydrates and you can shape the rosquillas easily.

Fried or baked

Frying gives them a classic golden crust, while baking at 180 ºC for about 15 minutes is a lighter option. If you bake them, add the coating sugar before they go in the oven so it sticks properly.

30 Best Recipes I Love Making at Home

If you’re like me, you probably enjoy keeping a mix of easy comfort food, classic international dishes, and crowd-pleasing desserts on hand.

Whenever I want something rich and indulgent, I usually go for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And when I’m craving something fruity and comforting, I always come back to this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe.

For easy breakfasts and lighter meals, I often make these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. When I need a gluten-free pantry staple, I also like preparing this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe.

When I’m in the mood for tapas and Mediterranean flavors, I usually rotate between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. I also love serving this crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe when I want something a little more special.

For hearty lunches and cozy dinners, I always recommend this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. If I want something more filling, I’ll often make this baked Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Whenever I’m craving street food or party-style dishes, I usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. I also like serving these easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe as a simple appetizer or snack.

And if I’m putting together drinks and a full menu for guests, I’ll often pair dinner with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To round everything out, I love adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing the table with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

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Over the years of testing and refining recipes in my own kitchen, I’ve learned that the best dishes combine simplicity, reliable techniques, and bold flavor.

The recipes in this collection are the ones I personally return to again and again—whether I’m cooking a quick meal for myself or preparing something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I often make when I want something elegant but easy. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, learning how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When I want something fresh and simple, I usually turn to the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often recommend the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

I also love sharing traditional dishes from around the world, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

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For anyone avoiding wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe proves that classic baked pasta dishes can still be rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying without gluten.

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