There is something utterly magical about warm, golden sopapillas fresh from the fryer. This Sopapillas Recipe brings together a simple dough that puffs up into heavenly pockets, offering a delightful, crispy exterior with a soft, airy inside. Drizzled with honey and dusted with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar, these fried pastries are the perfect indulgence when you want a comforting yet easy-to-make treat. Whether you enjoy them as a dessert or an anytime snack, this recipe will quickly become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Sopapillas Recipe is straightforward but vital, working together to create the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color in these delightful pastries. From the flour that forms the base to the warm water that brings the dough together, every component plays an essential role.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure and tenderness to your sopapillas.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures a light, airy puff when fried by helping the dough rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons shortening or unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a delicate crumbly texture to the dough.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Activates the baking powder and binds the dry ingredients into dough.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Creates that irresistible crispy golden crust on each sopapilla.
- Cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a sweet, spiced finish that complements the fried dough perfectly.
- Honey for serving: A luscious drizzle that takes these treats to the next level of deliciousness.
How to Make Sopapillas Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This early step is crucial because it evenly distributes the leavening agent, so your sopapillas puff up perfectly as they cook.
Step 2: Cut in the Fat
Next, cut in the shortening or softened butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This technique is key to creating a tender dough that will crisp beautifully when fried.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually add the warm water to the mixture, stirring until it forms a soft dough. Then, knead it gently on a lightly floured surface for about 2 to 3 minutes until smooth. This helps develop just enough gluten to give structure without toughness.
Step 4: Rest the Dough
Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes. This resting period relaxes the gluten and makes rolling out the dough easier while ensuring a lighter final texture.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness and cut it into 3 to 4 inch squares or triangles. The thickness here is important for sopapillas to puff fully while cooking, creating those beautiful air pockets inside.
Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 375°F. Fry a few pieces at a time, turning once, until golden brown and puffed—this usually takes 1 to 2 minutes per side. The hot oil is key to achieving that characteristic crisp exterior and fluffy interior.
Step 7: Drain and Finish
Remove the sopapillas from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. While still warm, dust with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar, then drizzle with honey to serve.
How to Serve Sopapillas Recipe
Garnishes
While traditional cinnamon sugar and honey are classics, you can also try powdered sugar for a delicate finish or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra twist. Fresh fruit on the side adds color and brightness to each bite.
Side Dishes
Sopapillas pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert or alongside a cup of rich café con leche for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by stacking sopapillas in a basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin, or serve them in small dessert bowls with honey and whipped cream on the side for dipping. You can even stuff them with sweetened cream cheese or fruit preserves for a delightful surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover sopapillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Though they’re best fresh, this short storage period maintains enough crispness to enjoy later.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze cooled sopapillas in a zip-top bag or container for up to a month. Freeze in a single layer first to prevent sticking, then stack once solid.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness, reheat sopapillas in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy and chewy rather than crispy and light.
FAQs
What makes sopapillas puff up?
The combination of baking powder and the hot oil creates steam inside the dough during frying, causing the dough to puff and form hollow pockets that are signature to sopapillas.
Can I make sopapillas without shortening?
Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter for shortening, as this Sopapillas Recipe suggests. Butter adds a richer flavor, but shortening yields a slightly flakier texture.
Is it necessary to use warm water for the dough?
Using warm water helps activate the baking powder evenly and creates a softer, more pliable dough that is easier to roll out and fry.
Can I bake sopapillas instead of frying?
While this recipe calls for frying to achieve that crispy, puffed texture, you can bake them for a lighter option. They won’t puff as much or get as crispy but will still be tasty.
How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?
Use a thermometer to heat the oil to 375°F, or drop a small piece of dough in—if it sizzles immediately and floats to the surface quickly, the oil is ready for frying your sopapillas.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a comforting, sweet treat that’s both simple and a little special, this Sopapillas Recipe is an absolute must-try. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of biting into that crispy, airy pastry drizzled with honey—trust me, once you make them, they’ll quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, warm up that oil, and get ready to savor every sweet, golden bite!
Print
Sopapillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sopapillas
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican, Southwestern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Sopapillas recipe features light, fluffy fried pastries perfect for dessert or a sweet snack. Made with a simple dough of flour, baking powder, and shortening, these sopapillas puff up beautifully when fried and are deliciously served warm with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar and drizzled with honey for a perfect touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons shortening or unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup warm water
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
- Cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for dusting
- Honey for serving
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Incorporate Fat: Cut in the shortening or softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a tender dough.
- Add Water and Form Dough: Gradually add the warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms that can be kneaded.
- Knead Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 2–3 minutes until smooth and elastic, then cover and let it rest for 20 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness and cut into 3–4 inch squares or triangles for frying.
- Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375°F, ensuring the oil is hot enough for perfect puffing.
- Fry Sopapillas: Fry a few pieces at a time, turning once, until they are golden brown and puffed, about 1–2 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried sopapillas and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, dusted with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar, and drizzle with honey for added sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature is steady at 375°F for best puffing and crispy texture.
- Sopapillas are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to regain crispness.
- Use vegetable oil with a high smoke point for frying to avoid burning.
