If you’ve ever dreamed of pillowy golden bites drizzled with honey and dusted in sweet, snowy sugar, Sopapillas are about to become your newest obsession. This delightful Mexican treat transforms the simplest pantry staples into magical clouds of fried dough—crisp on the outside, airy within, and positively irresistible when served warm. Whether they’re closing out a festive meal or starring at a cozy brunch, Sopapillas never fail to spark joy. Try a batch and discover why these beloved pastries are so adored on both sides of the border.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sopapillas lies in their humble ingredients: everything is easily found in any kitchen, but each item is essential for nailing that signature puff and flavor. These everyday staples come together for a dessert that feels truly special.
- All-purpose flour: The foundational component that gives sopapillas their tender yet sturdy structure.
- Baking powder: Responsible for those gorgeous puffs—fresh baking powder will guarantee perfect rise.
- Salt: Just a touch sharpens the flavor and balances the sweetness of your toppings.
- Vegetable oil or shortening: Adds richness to the dough and influences how golden and crisp the sopapillas become.
- Warm water: Warmth encourages the dough to come together beautifully and yields softer results.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral oil is perfect here, giving a light and even fry so the flavor of the dough shines.
- Honey: The classic drizzle—choose a good-quality honey for the ultimate finishing touch.
- Powdered sugar: A generous snowfall makes every bite sweet and magical.
How to Make Sopapillas
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking your flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large mixing bowl. This ensures that each sopapilla will puff to perfection and have even seasoning throughout.
Step 2: Add the Oil and Mix
Cut in the vegetable oil (or shortening) right into your dry mix. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine until the texture looks slightly crumbly and even. This step is key for creating those light, tender pockets in the finished sopapillas.
Step 3: Bring the Dough Together
Slowly pour in the warm water, mixing as you go. You’ll see the dough turn soft and slightly sticky—mix just until everything pulls together. Don’t overwork here, as you want your sopapillas to stay delicate.
Step 4: Knead and Rest
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 2 to 3 minutes, until it feels smooth and somewhat elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 20 minutes—just enough time for the gluten to relax and ensure a perfect fry.
Step 5: Shape the Sopapillas
Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. A little flour on your rolling pin keeps things smooth. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 3-inch squares or triangles for classic sopapilla shapes.
Step 6: Fry to Perfection
Heat roughly 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 375°F (190°C). Fry a few sopapillas at a time, turning once after the first side turns golden and puffy. This only takes 1 to 2 minutes per side—they should be deeply golden and feather-light when ready. Drain each batch on paper towels while the next goes in.
Step 7: Finish and Enjoy
Serve the sopapillas warm, drizzled generously with honey and dusted with a flurry of powdered sugar. For best results, get them to the table as soon as possible so everyone can enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oil magic.
How to Serve Sopapillas
Garnishes
Classic Sopapillas truly shine with a double dose of honey drizzle and powdered sugar. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or even a few berries for a pop of color and flavor. The warm dough acts like a sponge for the sweet toppings, letting every bite burst with goodness.
Side Dishes
Although Sopapillas are dessert stars, they’re wonderful alongside a cup of coffee or Mexican hot chocolate. If you’re serving a full meal, offer them after savory favorites like enchiladas or tacos—the contrast of spicy and sweet is simply delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family gatherings, stack Sopapillas in a tower and let everyone pull off their own, with bowls of flavored honey, dulce de leche, or chocolate sauce on the side. You can even slice them open and fill with ice cream for an unforgettable twist!
Sopapillas: Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra sopapillas (a rare event!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re best within the first day, but still tasty if you know the right way to revive them.
Freezing
You can freeze lightly cooked or leftover sopapillas to enjoy later. Wrap each one in foil and place them all in a sealed freezer bag; they’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. Just let them thaw at room temperature before bringing them back to crispy life.
Reheating
To restore that irresistible crunch, pop sopapillas into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about five minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them a little chewy, and you want them just as puffy and crisp as when they were first fried!
FAQs
Can I make sopapillas without a deep fryer?
Absolutely! All you need is a sturdy pot or deep skillet with enough vegetable oil to submerge the pastries. Just be sure to use a thermometer for perfect puff and color every time.
Why didn’t my sopapillas puff up?
Two things can sabotage the puff: oil that’s too cold or dough that’s been rolled too thin. Make sure the oil is at 375°F and roll the dough no thinner than 1/4 inch for signature pillows.
What’s the best oil for frying sopapillas?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil. This keeps the flavor clean and prevents burning, so the sopapillas fry up light and crisp.
Are sopapillas vegan?
Yes! As long as you use vegetable oil (not shortening made with animal fat) and skip the honey for maple syrup or agave, sopapillas can be fully vegan-friendly.
Can I add spices to the dough?
Definitely try it! A bit of cinnamon or a hint of vanilla whisked into the dough offers a subtle twist and extra warmth, perfect for giving your sopapillas a personal touch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough about the simple joy of homemade Sopapillas, fresh from the fryer and brimming with sweet possibilities. Whether you share them at a festive dinner or treat yourself on a quiet afternoon, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make these golden pillows of happiness a cherished tradition at your table.
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Sopapillas Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sopapillas 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sopapillas are a delightful Mexican dessert, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. These crispy, fried pastries are drizzled with honey and dusted with powdered sugar, making them a popular treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or shortening
- 3/4 cup warm water
For Frying and Serving:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Honey and powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the vegetable oil or shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rest: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 2-3 minutes until smooth. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Shape and Fry: Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into 3-inch squares or triangles. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 375°F (190°C). Fry a few pieces at a time, turning once, until they puff up and turn golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Serve: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, drizzled with honey and dusted with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Make sure the oil stays at the correct temperature for best puffing.
- Sopapillas are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sopapilla
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
