Anise-Fried Doughnuts (Rosquillas de Anís) Recipe

These Anise-Fried Doughnuts (Rosquillas de Anís Fritas) are traditional Spanish treats flavored with aromatic anise and deep-fried to golden perfection. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, these sweet rings are delightful with coffee, tea, or as a special dessert.

If you’re searching for an easy Spanish doughnut recipe, anise-flavored fried pastries, or homemade rosquillas de anís, this simple recipe brings classic Spanish flavors straight to your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love These Anise-Fried Doughnuts

✔️ Light and crispy texture
✔️ Natural anise fragrance
✔️ Simple ingredients and easy preparation
✔️ Perfect sweet snack or dessert
✔️ Great for gatherings and celebrations

These traditional Spanish rosquillas are delicious served warm or at room temperature.

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Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon anise seeds (or 1 tsp anise extract)

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup milk (adjust as needed)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Pinch of salt

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• Optional: additional sugar or powdered sugar for coating

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How to Make Anise-Fried Doughnuts (Rosquillas de Anís)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, anise seeds (or extract), lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and gradually add milk.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and mix until a firm, slightly sticky dough forms. Add a bit more flour if too wet.

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Step 2: Shape the Dough-nuts

1. On a lightly floured surface, take small portions of dough and roll them into ropes about ½ inch thick.

2. Form each rope into a ring or twist it into a loose spiral to create traditional rosquilla shapes.

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Step 3: Heat the Oil

1. In a deep, heavy skillet or frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil to reach about 1 inch deep.

2. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test by dropping a small piece of dough — it should sizzle and rise immediately.

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Step 4: Fry the Doughnuts

1. Carefully place a few shaped rosquillas into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd).

2. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.

3. Flip halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried doughnuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

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Step 5: Add Final Touches

While still warm, dust the rosquillas with granulated sugar or powdered sugar if desired.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Serving Suggestions

These Spanish anise doughnuts are perfect with:

☕ Hot coffee or café con leche
🍵 Black tea or herbal infusions
🍷 Sweet dessert wine
🍊 Fresh fruit or citrus slices

They are ideal for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or festive occasions.

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Tips for Perfect Rosquillas

✔️ Maintain consistent oil temperature — too hot burns the outside before cooking through.
✔️ Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.
✔️ Adjust milk gradually — dough should be soft but not sticky.
✔️ For deeper anise flavor, use anise extract along with seeds.

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Variations

Cinnamon-Sugar Rosquillas

Mix cinnamon into the sugar coating for a warm spice twist.

Honey-Glazed Anise Doughnuts

Drizzle honey glaze over the warm rosquillas for extra sweetness.

Orange-Anise Doughnuts

Add orange zest to the dough for a citrus-anise aroma.

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Storage & Freshness

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps up to 4 days — reheat in the oven or toaster to crisp.
Freezer: Freeze unfried shaped dough for up to 1 month and fry when needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are rosquillas?
Rosquillas are traditional ring-shaped fried pastries found in Spanish and Latin American cuisine. They can be flavored with anise, citrus, honey, or spices.

Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes — bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden. They will be less crispy but still delicious.

Can I use anise extract instead of seeds?
Absolutely. Replace seeds with 1 teaspoon of anise extract for equal flavor.