Description
This Easy Sopapillas recipe delivers a classic Mexican dessert featuring light, fluffy fried dough squares dusted with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with honey. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, these sopapillas come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients and make an irresistible sweet treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- 3/4 cup warm water
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2 inches deep)
Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly. Gradually add the vegetable oil and warm water, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 20 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Roll and Cut: After resting, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 3-inch squares or triangles, according to your preference.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
- Fry Sopapillas: Carefully place the dough pieces into the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until they puff up and turn golden brown and crisp.
- Drain and Cool: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried sopapillas and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: In a bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. While the sopapillas are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture or sprinkle the topping evenly over each one.
- Serve with Honey: Drizzle honey generously over the sopapillas just before serving to enhance their sweetness and add a delightful sticky glaze.
Notes
- Best served warm for the fluffiest texture and optimal flavor.
- Leftover dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
- For a savory twist, omit the sugar and honey, and serve the sopapillas with chili or melted cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
