Cuernitos
Cuernitos are soft, buttery crescent-shaped rolls, often made with a simple dough of flour, butter or lard, yeast, and sugar, with a slightly sweet, flaky texture. They are a beloved staple in Mexican bakeries and homes, commonly enjoyed for breakfast or as a side with coffee or hot chocolate. The name 'cuernitos' translates to 'little horns,' referencing their distinctive curved shape.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
These rolls are primarily a source of carbohydrates from the refined flour, with a moderate amount of fat from the butter or lard used in the dough and for layering. A typical serving (one roll) provides roughly 150-200 calories, along with small amounts of iron and B vitamins from the enriched flour.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 230 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Potassium | 40 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 1.5 mg |
| Folate | 30 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 40 mg |
| Selenium | 8 mcg |
Per 1 roll (50 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, cuernitos are a cornerstone of Mexican pan dulce (sweet bread) traditions, often enjoyed during morning meals or as a comforting snack. Nutritionally, their high carbohydrate and fat content makes them an energy-dense food, which is why they are traditionally paired with protein-rich drinks like milk or champurrado to create a more balanced meal.