In a city full of world-class art, beautiful parks, and lively tapas bars, it’s easy to miss the little things that make Madrid truly special. This cookie adventure was one of those unexpectedly delightful moments that stuck with us. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best travel memories come from the most unexpected places. Like a hidden door on a quiet street, a spinning lazy susan, and cookies made with care by women you’ll never see.
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A Unique Food Adventure
During our recent trip, we were in the mood for something a little different. We’d done the major sights, walked through Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, and eaten all the tapas. But then I heard about something that sounded too unusual to pass up: secret nun cookies. What could that possibly mean?
So, let’s rewind to how we found ourselves chasing down secret cookies in a 16th-century monastery…
We’d heard whispers and saw a few clips on TikTok – make this experience go viral — of nuns in Madrid selling cookies behind closed doors. Naturally, our curiosity got the best of us. It’s the kind of quirky, only-in-Europe moment you don’t want to miss.
Tucked away just steps from Mercado de San Miguel and Plaza del Conde de Miranda is one of Madrid’s quirkiest hidden gems — and one of my favorite offbeat finds. If you’re up for a sweet little adventure, follow me to the secret cookies made by cloistered nuns inside a 16th-century monastery.
If you’re mapping out your own food tour of Madrid, I highly recommend adding this sweet little detour. If you’re into hidden gems or just love a good travel story, this one’s worth it.
It turns out, there’s a centuries-old tradition in Spain of cloistered convents selling baked goods to support their communities. These nuns have taken vows of seclusion and rarely interact with the outside world. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t share their divine baking skills. In fact, they’ve come up with an ingenious (and honestly adorable) way to do it.
This unexpected experience takes place at the Monastery of Corpus Christi and if you weren’t looking for it, you’d walk right past it. There’s no flashing sign or crowd out front — just a pair of large wooden doors set into the wall of the Monasterio del Corpus Christi.
Once you spot the door, you’ll see a small buzzer on the right hand side. Ring the top bell — it’s labeled “Monjas.” That’s your signal that you’re here for the venta de dulces (yes, that means “sale of sweets” or “cookie sale”). A moment later, the door will buzz and unlock, inviting you into one of Madrid’s sweetest secrets.
What to Expect When You Visit
Once inside, walk down a quiet corridor that feels frozen in time. You’ll pass stone walls and old tiles, and the city noise just fades away. Head to the end of the hallway (or as some say, the end of the corridor), through a courtyard, until you reach a simple set of double doors.
No signs, no attendants. Just a quiet little room and a wooden lazy susan built into the wall.
On that wall, you’ll see the cookie order menu listing different kinds of cookies and prices. You might find almond cookies, shortbread, or lemon (we got the lemon — so good!). Now here’s the catch: its cash only and bring exact change.
Once you’ve decided, place your money on the lazy susan, spin it toward the wall, and — yes — yell out your cookie order. No joke. You’ll speak your order into thin air, usually without a response.
Then the lazy susan spins back — and there they are. Homemade cookies, made by cloistered nuns whom you never see. It’s a surreal and charming moment that feels like stepping into a secret club.
The whole setup exists because the nuns here have taken vows of enclosure and don’t interact directly with the public. But they’ve found this ingenious way to support their community — and let’s be honest, the word spread fast, especially thanks to curious foodies and viral moments on TikTok and Instagram.
What makes it even more special is that this isn’t just a gimmick — it’s a slice of Madrid’s history. This 16th-century monastery has been doing this for generations, and the tradition continues today with quiet devotion (and delicious results).
Some helpful tips before you go:
- 📍 Address: Plaza del Conde de Miranda, 3 — look for the right door, tucked into the side street just off the plaza.
- 💶 Bring exact change — 1/2 kg (small) is 12-13€ and 1kg (large) is 24-26€per box.
- 🕰️ Hours can vary and aren’t always posted, but mid-morning or early afternoon is usually best. They sometimes close early if they sell out.
- 🙏 Be respectful. This is an active religious space. No filming or loud voices inside.
- 💬 Don’t expect much dialogue. Other than your own voice calling out, the nuns won’t speak to you.
Final thoughts
If you’re in Madrid and looking to do something that’s a little outside the usual museum-and-tapas circuit, this is one of those truly special experiences. Not just because of the cookies (though they’re great), but because it feels like discovering a secret tradition hidden in plain sight.
We left with a box of lemon cookies, a smile, and a story we couldn’t wait to tell — and now you can go, too.
So next time you find yourself wandering near Mercado de San Miguel, turn the corner, find the large wooden doors, and step into one of Madrid’s most unexpected experiences. You won’t see the nuns, but you’ll taste their heart in every bite.