Sopapilla Recipe

Sopapillas are fluffy, golden pillows of fried dough, commonly enjoyed in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re often served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of honey. Whether as a dessert or a snack, these delicious treats are simple to make and incredibly satisfying.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourbaking powdersaltshorteningwarm watersugarvegetable oil (for frying)powdered sugar (optional for dusting)honeymoon (for serving)

directions

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

Cut in the shortening using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth.

Cover the dough and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into squares or triangles.

Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet to 375°F (190°C).

Carefully drop a few pieces of dough into the hot oil, frying until puffed and golden on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of honey.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 sopapillas.Preparation time: 15 minutesResting time: 30 minutesFrying time: 10-15 minutesTotal time: about 1 hour

Variations

Add cinnamon to the dough or sprinkle it on top with sugar.

Serve with chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.

Make savory sopapillas by omitting sugar and serving with cheese or beans.

Fill with sweetened cream cheese or fruit preserves before frying.

Use gluten-free flour for a dietary-friendly version.

storage/reheating

Store leftover sopapillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and crisp again.Avoid microwaving as it may make them chewy instead of crispy.

FAQs

What are sopapillas made of?

They’re made from a simple dough of flour, baking powder, salt, shortening, and water, then fried until puffy.

Why didn’t my sopapillas puff up?

Make sure your oil is hot enough and that the dough is rolled evenly. The puffing is caused by steam created during frying.

Can I bake sopapillas instead of frying?

Frying is traditional for the crispy texture, but you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes—they’ll be less puffy.

Are sopapillas the same as beignets?

They’re similar but not identical. Beignets are typically richer and made with yeast, while sopapillas are quicker with baking powder.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before rolling and frying.

Can I freeze them?

Uncooked dough can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before using.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.

Conclusion

Sopapillas are a delightful treat that’s crispy, warm, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether dusted with sugar, drizzled with honey, or paired with a dipping sauce, they’re easy to make and sure to impress. Serve them fresh and watch them disappear fast!

Print