If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that’s equal parts quick, impressive, and totally addictive, look no further than these Easy Sopapillas. These Mexican fried pastries puff up into golden pillows, delivering the lightest, crispest bite before melting into a cloud of cinnamon sugar. Each piece is ridiculously good straight from the fryer, especially when drizzled with honey. Whether you’ve never made homemade dough or you’re a seasoned cook, you’ll love how this recipe brings together a handful of pantry staples to create a magical dessert in no time at all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a short list of basic ingredients transforms into something utterly irresistible. Each one plays a crucial role, from building the tender structure to amplifying sweetness and crunch. Here’s what you’ll use for the best Easy Sopapillas.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving the sopapillas their pillowy structure.
- Baking powder: This makes the magic happen, ensuring that signature puff when the dough fries.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors so every bite pops.
- Sugar: Just the right touch for a subtle sweetness in the dough.
- Vegetable oil (in dough): Adds tenderness and keeps the sopapillas soft inside.
- Warm water: Helps bring the dough together smoothly and activates the baking powder.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Essential for that crackling crisp finish — pick a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
- Cinnamon sugar: The crowning glory for that iconic coating and a warm, spiced aroma.
- Honey: Classic for drizzling or dipping, adding moisture and extra sweetness.
How to Make Easy Sopapillas
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. This step ensures every bite of your Easy Sopapillas is light, with the perfect balance of sweetness and the essential lift from the baking powder. Take a moment to enjoy how the sugar and salt scent the flour — that’s where flavor starts.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients & Make a Dough
Drizzle in the vegetable oil, then pour in the warm water. Stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms; it’ll look a little rough at first but comes together beautifully. Don’t overwork it here — just make sure there aren’t any big dry patches before transferring it onto your floured countertop.
Step 3: Knead and Rest the Dough
Sprinkle just a bit of flour on your surface, then knead the dough for 2 to 3 minutes until it feels smooth and springy. Now’s the (quick!) waiting game: cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes. This rest is a secret weapon, relaxing the gluten so your Easy Sopapillas roll out easily and puff up perfectly when fried.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough
Take the rested dough and roll it into a thin sheet, about 1/4-inch thick. Cut it into 2- to 3-inch squares or triangles — go for whichever shape makes you happiest! Uniform pieces help them cook evenly, so try for similar sizes.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden and Puffy
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 375°F — the right temperature is key for the sopapillas to puff. Fry the dough in batches, turning after a minute or two, until they’re golden and inflated. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them onto a paper towel-lined plate, catching any extra oil.
Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar and Serve
While your sopapillas are still warm, shower them with cinnamon sugar for that crisp, sweet exterior. Serve them immediately with a generous drizzle or dip of honey — the ultimate finishing touch for Easy Sopapillas.
How to Serve Easy Sopapillas
Garnishes
Warm, just-fried Easy Sopapillas are the definition of dessert fun, but you can take them to the next level with creative garnishes. Freshly dusted cinnamon sugar is classic, but add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra flair, or a pinch of orange zest for a citrus twist. A drizzle (or even a dunk) of honey is a must!
Side Dishes
If you’re serving these alongside a meal, Easy Sopapillas pair beautifully with strong coffee, hot chocolate, or a spicy Mexican mocha. For a party spread, try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a mug of café de olla — they work so well with cold, creamy, or spiced beverages.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, pile the sopapillas high on a platter, drizzle with honey tableside, and let guests help themselves. Or, make a “dipping bar” with agave, chocolate sauce, and fruit preserves for some interactive dessert fun. Stacking the Easy Sopapillas pyramid-style looks beautiful too — they’re instant conversation starters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (good luck!), store Easy Sopapillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll lose a bit of their initial crispiness but will still be delicious — just avoid stacking them if possible to maintain the coating.
Freezing
To freeze, wait until the sopapillas cool completely, then pack them in a layer with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a treat, you can reheat without thawing!
Reheating
To restore some of that fresh-fried magic, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until warm and lightly crisp. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make Easy Sopapillas chewy instead of airy and crisp.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Sopapillas without a deep fryer?
Absolutely! A simple deep skillet or heavy pot works just as well — just make sure the oil is deep enough for the sopapillas to float and puff up.
Why didn’t my sopapillas puff up?
The two most common culprits are oil that isn’t hot enough or dough that’s rolled too thin or thick. Make sure your oil is around 375°F and aim for a consistent 1/4-inch thickness when rolling out the dough.
Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
You can swap out up to half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat, but keep in mind the sopapillas may not be quite as puffy or light, and the flavor will be more rustic.
How far in advance can I make the dough?
The dough for Easy Sopapillas can be made up to a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying for best results.
Are Easy Sopapillas vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan as written, given that it doesn’t contain eggs or dairy — just make sure the honey is swapped out for agave syrup or another vegan sweetener if you’re serving vegan guests.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give these Easy Sopapillas a try! There’s something magical about that first bite — warm, puffy, sugared, and dripping with honey. Whether you make them on a whim or for a special gathering, they’re sure to become an instant favorite in your kitchen too.
Print
Easy Sopapillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sopapillas
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Sopapillas are a delightful Mexican fried dough dessert that puffs up beautifully, coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a drizzle of honey. Perfect for a sweet treat anytime!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup warm water
For Frying and Serving:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Cinnamon sugar (for dusting)
- Honey (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir in vegetable oil and warm water until a soft dough forms. Knead for 2 to 3 minutes, then let rest for 20 minutes.
- Roll and Fry: Roll out the dough, cut into squares or triangles. Fry in hot oil until golden and puffed, then drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Dust warm sopapillas with cinnamon sugar and serve with honey.
Notes
- Ensure oil is hot enough for proper puffing.
- Keep sopapillas warm in the oven while frying batches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sopapilla
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
