Biscuit roll

Barquillo is a delightful, crispy rolled wafer pastry originating from Spain. Crafted from simple ingredients such as flour, sugar, egg whites, and butter, these treats are rolled thin and shaped into hollow cylinders or cones. Traditionally sold by roadside vendors known as "barquilleros" barquillos boast a rich history as Christmas cookies in Spain and its former colonies. Over time, they have gained popularity in Latin America, the Philippines, and various East and Southeast Asian countries.

The name "barquillo" translates to "little boat" in Spanish, alluding to the boat-shaped molds originally used to shape these biscuits. While in English, we might refer to them by various names, they are known as "egg rolls" in Chinese—a term that is distinct from the Western concept of egg rolls. Barquillos can be enjoyed plain or flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, coconut, or lemon, and some are even dipped in chocolate for extra indulgence. In some regions, these wafers serve as delectable containers for frozen desserts.

The tradition of the barquilleros faced difficulties during the Franco dictatorship in Spain but has since experienced a robust resurgence, particularly in Asian countries. Similar recipes can be found across Europe, each with its own unique twist. For instance, in Latin America, you'll encounter variations such as "cuchuflís" and "cubanitos" while in the Philippines, barquillos are a specialty of Iloilo City and come in flavors like ube and pandan.