Easy Sopapillas Recipe
If you’ve never made Easy Sopapillas at home before, get ready for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! These golden, pillowy puffs are a Southwestern favorite—crisp on the outside, airy in the middle, and just begging to be drizzled with honey. Whether you want to bring a little fiesta to your dessert table or impress your family with a simple, crowd-pleasing snack, Easy Sopapillas have you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I love most about Easy Sopapillas is just how handful and humble the ingredients list truly is. Every item plays a specific part—flour for structure, baking powder for puff, a bit of fat for flavor, and all those irresistible toppings!
- All-purpose flour: This pantry staple forms the foundation and gives sopapillas their signature bite.
- Baking powder: The magic behind those irresistible pockets of air—don’t skip it!
- Salt: Just a pinch lifts all the flavors and gives balance to the sweetness.
- Shortening or butter: Adds tenderness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality to every piece.
- Warm water: Helps bring the dough together softly without overworking it.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Make sure your oil is hot and ready—this is key for that perfect crispy puff.
- Honey (for serving): Drizzling honey over these is non-negotiable and makes them truly classic.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A light dusting makes for a beautiful finish and just a touch of extra sweetness.
How to Make Easy Sopapillas
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start your Easy Sopapillas adventure by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a roomy bowl. Each component shines here: the flour gives body, baking powder works its leavening magic, and the salt threads everything together with a hint of savory.
Step 2: Cut in Fat
Next, you’ll want to incorporate your shortening or butter. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your own hands to gently rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures your sopapillas come out fluffy but tender inside—don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Warm Water and Form Dough
Pour in the warm water a little at a time, mixing gently with a spoon or your hands. You’re looking for a soft, cohesive dough that’s easy to knead but not sticky. If the dough feels too dry, add a splash more water; if too wet, sprinkle in a pinch more flour.
Step 4: Knead and Rest
Flip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 to 3 minutes, just until smooth and elastic. Then, cover it with a towel or bowl and let it rest for 20 minutes. This rest gives the gluten time to mellow out so your Easy Sopapillas fry up light and airy.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
After resting, roll the dough into a 1/4-inch-thick rectangle. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect! Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice into 3-inch squares or triangles. Each piece will puff and split in the hot oil, making the signature hollow sopapilla pocket.
Step 6: Heat Oil
Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat to 375°F. Having the right oil temperature is important—too cool and your sopapillas will be greasy, too hot and they’ll brown before puffing up.
Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection
Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time. They’ll bubble and puff within seconds—turn them once to ensure both sides get gorgeously golden. Each sopapilla takes about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Once done, let them drain on paper towels.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Immediately after frying, pile up your Easy Sopapillas, drizzle with plenty of honey, and dust with powdered sugar if you like. These are absolute best enjoyed warm—just be ready for them to vanish fast!
How to Serve Easy Sopapillas
Garnishes
The traditional topping for Easy Sopapillas is, hands down, a luscious drizzle of honey. But if you want to add a little extra flair, a snowy sprinkle of powdered sugar is delightful. For a bolder finish, try a dash of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream—delicious!
Side Dishes
Easy Sopapillas are right at home with a hot cup of Mexican hot chocolate, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even served alongside your favorite Tex-Mex meal. Try them after enchiladas, tacos, or a hearty bowl of chili for a spectacular sweet finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Arrange your Easy Sopapillas in a tall stack, drizzle with honey in a zigzag, and add edible flowers or crushed nuts for color and crunch. For parties, fill the puffs with lightly sweetened cream or fruit jam for a fun surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftover Easy Sopapillas, let them cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll lose some crispness but will still be tasty for snacking or dessert.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooked sopapillas cool, then layer them with parchment in a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to two months. When a craving hits, you can reheat straight from frozen!
Reheating
To revive that just-fried magic, pop your Easy Sopapillas in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warm and crispy again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven does a much better job at bringing back that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for Easy Sopapillas?
Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. The texture might be a little different, but you’ll still get a delicious fried treat—just be sure to let the dough rest so it hydrates fully.
How do I know if my oil is the right temperature?
A thermometer is best, but you can also test with a small piece of dough—if it sizzles and rises to the top right away, you’re ready to fry those Easy Sopapillas.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While baking is possible, you’ll miss out on that crunchy exterior and signature puffiness. Frying is truly what makes Easy Sopapillas shine, but if you do bake, brush with a little oil and bake at 400°F until golden.
What can I use instead of honey?
Feel free to swap honey for agave syrup, maple syrup, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a fun twist. Savory fans can stuff them with beans or cheese and skip the sweet toppings altogether!
Why didn’t my sopapillas puff up?
Usually this is due to oil that’s not hot enough or dough rolled too thick or thin. Make sure your oil is properly preheated and your dough is an even 1/4-inch to guarantee those magical pockets.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving something special and fuss-free, Easy Sopapillas are a must-try! This recipe is a surefire way to bring a little extra joy to your kitchen—and I promise, once you taste a warm, honey-drizzled sopapilla, you’ll want to make them again and again. Get ready to share this one with everyone you know!
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Easy Sopapillas Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus resting time
- Yield: 12 sopapillas 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy sopapillas are a delightful Mexican dessert that you can make at home with simple ingredients. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these fried pastries drizzled with honey are sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons shortening or butter
- 3/4 cup warm water
For Frying and Serving:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup honey for serving
- Powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rest: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Shape and Fry: Roll the dough into a 1/4-inch-thick rectangle. Cut into 3-inch squares or triangles. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 375°F. Fry sopapillas until golden brown and puffed, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels. Serve warm with honey drizzled over the top and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Sopapillas are best served immediately while warm and puffy.
- You can also make them savory by omitting the honey and stuffing them with beans, meat, or cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican, Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sopapilla
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 2 mg
