Let’s talk about one of the most delicious desserts ever created—sopapillas. These golden, fluffy pillows of dough are deep-fried to perfection and dusted with sugar, making them the perfect treat to serve after a meal (or honestly, any time you’re craving something sweet). They’re crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and when you drizzle honey over them? Pure magic. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
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Sopapillas are incredibly easy to make, and the best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients. So, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just satisfying that sweet tooth, these sopapillas will hit the spot. Ready to make your kitchen smell like heaven? Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love Sopapillas
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for a quick treat, a fancy dessert, or even a brunch. These little bites are a crowd-pleaser every time.
Budget-Friendly: Just a few pantry staples are all you need. This is the kind of recipe that shows you don’t need anything fancy to make something absolutely delicious.
Quick and Easy: No complicated techniques here! You’ll be enjoying sopapillas in just 20 minutes or so, and they’ll impress everyone who takes a bite.
Customizable: You can tweak these to suit your preferences—add cinnamon, sprinkle powdered sugar, or get creative with a fun topping like chocolate sauce.
Crowd-Pleasing: Crispy, fluffy, and sweet—what’s not to love? These sopapillas are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients in Sopapillas
Let’s talk about the key ingredients that make these sopapillas so irresistible:
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your dough and gives the sopapillas their soft, fluffy texture.
Baking Powder: Helps give the sopapillas a nice puff when they fry.
Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Cinnamon (optional): If you want to add a little extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon into the dough or on top when serving.
Butter: Adds richness to the dough, making them melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Warm Water: Helps bring everything together into a smooth, soft dough.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, which gives the sopapillas that golden, crispy exterior.
Sugar: To dust the sopapillas right after frying, creating a sweet, satisfying finish.
Honey: The ultimate finishing touch for drizzling over your sopapillas.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this irresistible dessert:
Prepare Your Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Add in the softened butter and warm water. Stir until everything is well combined and forms a soft dough.
Rest the Dough: Once your dough is mixed, cover it with a clean towel and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the dough relax and makes it easier to roll out.
Heat the Oil: While the dough is resting, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to reach around 375°F (190°C) for frying.
Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface into a thin sheet, about 1/8 inch thick. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares or triangles.
Fry to Perfection: Gently place the dough pieces into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each piece for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden and puffed up. Use tongs to flip them halfway through for even frying.
Drain and Dust: Once golden and crispy, remove the sopapillas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Immediately dust with sugar while they’re still warm.
Drizzle with Honey: Finally, drizzle the sopapillas with warm honey. The honey will sink into the warm dough, adding the perfect sweetness.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these sopapillas warm for the best experience. Pair with a cup of coffee or dessert wine, or enjoy them on their own. You won’t regret it!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 160 (approx.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Sopapillas
These sopapillas are perfect on their own, but if you’re feeling extra indulgent, here are some ways to serve them:
With Chocolate Sauce: For the chocolate lovers, drizzle with a rich chocolate sauce for a decadent twist.
With Fresh Fruit: Add fresh berries or a fruit compote on top for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the sopapillas.
With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream is the perfect companion to these warm, crispy treats.
With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Sopapillas pair wonderfully with a hot beverage—coffee, tea, or even a frothy cappuccino!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, just add the butter and water.
Customize the Flavor: Feel free to add some vanilla extract to the dough or sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for extra flavor.
Storage Tips: Sopapillas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, fry them for just a minute in hot oil to crisp them back up.
Double the Batch: These sopapillas are perfect for sharing, so consider making a double batch and serving them at your next gathering.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make sopapillas without frying?
A1: Unfortunately, frying gives sopapillas their signature texture. If you want a healthier version, consider air frying them, though they won’t be quite the same.
Q2: Can I freeze sopapillas?
A2: Yes, you can freeze the dough before frying. Simply wrap the dough in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to fry, thaw the dough in the fridge and follow the instructions as usual.
Q3: Can I make them ahead of time?
A3: It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
Q4: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
A4: Absolutely! Add some chocolate chips to the dough before frying for a sweet, gooey surprise.
Q5: How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
A5: You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it. If it bubbles and rises to the surface, the oil is hot enough.
Q6: Can I make these gluten-free?
A6: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Q7: How do I keep sopapillas from getting too greasy?
A7: Be sure to drain them on paper towels immediately after frying. This helps remove excess oil.
Q8: Can I make smaller sopapillas?
A8: Yes, you can cut the dough into smaller pieces, but be sure to adjust the frying time accordingly. Smaller pieces will cook faster.
Q9: Can I make sopapillas in an air fryer?
A9: You can try! Air fry at 375°F for about 3-4 minutes, but they won’t have the same texture as deep-fried ones.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat leftover sopapillas?
A10: Reheat them in a hot pan for a minute or so to bring back the crispiness.
These sopapillas are crispy, soft, and sweet—and they only take minutes to make! Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked. So go ahead, treat yourself, and enjoy every warm, fluffy bite. Ready to grab the recipe card and get started?
Print
Sopapillas
Description
Fluffy, golden, and irresistibly delicious, this easy Sopapilla Recipe is made with simple pantry staples and fries up in minutes. These pillowy fried pastries are perfect with powdered sugar and honey—ideal for a quick dessert or a sweet snack. #HomemadeRecipes #EasyDinnerRecipes #QuickDinnerIdeas #HealthyRecipesEasy #DessertLovers
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
- Honey (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate container, mix the canola oil and warm milk. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour the milk mixture in.
- Stir until combined, then use your hands to form a dough ball.
- Knead gently for a few seconds until smooth. Cut into 4 pieces, return to the bowl, cover with a towel, and let rest for 20 minutes.
- In a heavy pan, heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F (use a candy thermometer).
- On a floured surface, roll out each piece to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 2–3 inch squares.
- Fry 5–6 pieces at a time without overcrowding. Spoon hot oil over the tops to help puff. Flip when golden, then fry the other side.
- Drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a 200°F oven if needed.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar and honey.
Notes
- Make sure the oil stays at 350°F for perfect puffing.
- Use honey and powdered sugar for traditional flavor, or try cinnamon sugar.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven.
Nutrition
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 8mg