Have you heard about the secret nuns cookies in Madrid? Not only are they delicious, but its a super fun experience to add to your itinerary in the capital city. Here’s exactly where to find the door, what to say, and how to buy the nuns cookies! Even after getting careful instructions, there were a few things we were confused about before making the trip. Use our step by step guide to help you on your journey to find the hidden Madrid nuns cookies!
5 Quick Nuns Cookies Madrid Tips
- It’s cash only. Make sure to get some Euros out before you go.
- Don’t worry about having the exact amount as they do give change.
- There are specific hours for the Madrid nuns cookies. Plan your visit around them!
- The nun cookies boxes are large so plan to share or take them home with you.
- Don’t forget the magic words to open the door!
What Are the Secret Nuns Cookies in Madrid?
To be completely honest, the word is out about the Nuns cookies in Madrid! More and more people are making the trip to the hidden door at Plaza de la Villa.
While it’s not REALLY a secret anymore, we still recommended adding it to your Madrid itinerary (check out our guide). They are in a super convenient location that you would probably pass anyway and not realize it.
To make a long story short, the Monastery of Corpus Christi has been in operation since the early 17th century. However, the nuns which call it home have only been making cookies more recently for the public with their ancient recipe.
Before arriving in Madrid we didn’t even realize that secret nun cookies were even a thing! We were on an awesome Devour Food Tour when they took us down Elbow Road.
The Madrid nuns cookies were done for the day, but our guide showed us the door and what to say so we could come back! You can read all about what to expect on food tour in Madrid here.
As soon as we got word about these special cookies, we knew we needed to return the next day. We’ve spent many years traveling around Europe and eating so much delicious street food. Yet, buying cookies from cloistered nuns behind a hidden rotating door would obviously be a first!
So let’s jump right into it… How exactly do you find the Nuns cookies in Madrid??
Nuns Cookies Madrid Guide
Step 1: Check the Nun Cookie Times
The first thing to know is that there are specific times for the nun cookies in Madrid. Below is a photo from our recent visit.
Be aware that they are not always specific times, and like most stores in Spain they shut down for siesta in the middle of the afternoon.
So what time are the Madrid nun cookies open? As of now, you can visit between 9:30am to 1pm and 4:30pm to 6:15pm.
Step 2: Find the Right Door
The door to the cookies can be found on Elbow Road! This is a slender backstreet that you might easily miss if you don’t know where to look.
First you want to get to Plaza de la Villa (location), and from there you will find a sign for Elbow Road between the two buildings. There will be a small door (location) down this street on your right hand side with a photo of the Madrid nuns cookies.
Step 3: Asking for Nuns Cookies
After finding the door, you’ll want to ring the top bell and ask in Spanish if they have cookies today. Luckily you don’t have to be fluent for this as it’s just a simple phrase. With a single attempt, the nuns will understand what you’re after and buzz you in.
This is what you want to say:
“¿Tienes dulces hoy?”
If they are selling the cookies that day you’ll be let in for the nuns cookies in Madrid! Once you make it through the door, stay to the left and head back into the complex. It’s on the first level so you won’t need to go up any stairs.
When you make it to the last little courtyard go through the far door. There will be a small room with the rotating window to buy the nun cookies.
Step 4: Ordering Nuns Cookies in Madrid
On the right side of the rotating cookie door is a menu. You are only able to order cookies by the 1 kg or half kg, and unfortunately you aren’t able to mix them.
When looking at the long list of items, a voice from beyond the nun cookie wall told us that there were only two types available. Keep in mind these are cloistered nuns which is the reason why you can’t see them.
Our options on this day were Pastas de Te and Nevaditos. We decided to go with the half kg of the Nevaditos. After we placed our order, the door swung around with a bag and the cookies inside.
We then left the money and swung the door back. Quickly, we got our change, and were on our way with a massive box of sugar covered cookies!
Step 5: Eat the Madrid Nuns Cookies!
There are no shortage of amazing bakeries in Spain, and all around Europe in general. Yet, if you couldn’t tell, this is a completely unique place! Buying the hidden nuns cookies in Madrid is just as much about the cookies as it is the experience.
We ate a few right off the bat, but the box was so large we ended having plenty leftover to bring with us. They also make a great gift to take home for someone if you’re traveling. Locals even buy them around the holidays to eat in this part of Spain.
Should You Get the Nuns Cookies in Madrid?
Yes! This was a really fun thing to do right in the middle of the city. We got lucky that it wasn’t busy when we visited, but we did hear that it can be depending on when you go.
Stopping by to grab the cookies will only take a few minutes. It’s a great activity to add to your day, but won’t take up too much time.
More Madrid Travel Tips
Where to Stay in Madrid
- If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, Gran Hotel Inglés is the spot for you. This is part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection.
- Thompson Madrid has an awesome pool with a view over the city. Travelers will enjoy their classic and stylish rooms.
- We stayed at Ibis Styles Madrid Prado on our recent visit. The location was the perfect jump off point to the best Madrid food tours and more great things to do.
- Traveling on a budget? Onefam Sungate is one of the highest rated hostels in the capital.
Quick Madrid Travel Tips
- ✈️ Skyscanner and Expedia are great tools for comparing flights to and from Spain (we once paid just 15 Euros!)
- 🚂 We use Omio to book our train and bus tickets throughout Europe.
- 🌍 Consider getting a Spanish e-sim before you arrive to stay connected.
- 🌇 Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities around Spain.
- 🚗 Discover Cars is the best way to find deals on rental cars in Spain. We’ve paid as little as 7 Euros per day for a set of wheels!
- 🎒 Get inspired for your trip with our Amazon packing lists.
- 🇪🇸 Check our all our Spain articles to help plan your next adventure!
Have any questions about how to find the nuns cookies in Madrid, or want to share your own trip here? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
PIN FOR LATER ↓
I didn’t know that there are secret nuns cookies in Madrid. I went there once for vacation, and now I regret not knowing about this sooner. I’d love to return to Spain and experience these cookies, too!
Author
It was such a fun experience and the cookies were amazing! Definitely worth stopping by next time you’re in Madrid (-: