If you’re looking for a simple and delightful dessert that feels like a warm hug, look no further than easy sopapillas. These golden, pillowy puffs are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, and the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make! They’re the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
Whether you’re enjoying them on a cozy night in or serving them at a gathering, these sopapillas will definitely steal the show. And trust me, they’re so easy, you’ll be making them on repeat.
Why You’ll Love Easy Sopapillas
This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Quick & Easy: No need for any fancy ingredients or techniques. These come together in a flash!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone—from kids to adults—loves them.
- Versatile: You can serve them sweet with honey or even as a savory treat with a pinch of salt.
- Budget-Friendly: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a dessert after dinner or a snack during the day, sopapillas are always a hit.
Ingredients in Easy Sopapillas
Let’s get into the ingredients that make these sopapillas so irresistible:
- Flour: The base of this dough—simple and staple.
- Baking Powder: Helps the dough puff up and become light and airy.
- Salt: A touch of salt balances the sweetness.
- Sugar: Just a little sweetness in the dough to make them extra delicious.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- Water: Brings the dough together into a smooth consistency.
- Oil: For frying to crispy perfection.
- Honey or Powdered Sugar: For drizzling or dusting on top (or both!).
(Note: Full ingredient list and exact measurements are available in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive in and make these irresistible sopapillas:
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the melted butter and water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for a few minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
2. Roll the Dough
On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into squares or triangles.
3. Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to fully submerge the sopapillas.
4. Fry the Sopapillas
Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the dough squares or triangles into the oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden and puffed up. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Serve & Enjoy
While they’re still warm, drizzle with honey or sprinkle with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Enjoy them hot out of the fryer for the best experience!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 150
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
(put them as notes)
How to Serve Easy Sopapillas
- Serve with a side of whipped cream or chocolate sauce for dipping.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Perfect with a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee or a cold glass of milk.
- For a savory twist, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, or serve alongside a hearty chili for a savory snack.
Additional Tips
- Make sure the oil is hot enough for frying so that the sopapillas puff up nicely.
- If you want them extra crispy, fry them a little longer.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with flavors—add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a unique twist.
- For a lighter version, bake them instead of frying. Just brush them with a bit of melted butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes.
- Keep the dough covered while working to prevent it from drying out.
- You can also use the same dough to make savory sopapillas, just skip the sugar and top with cheese or herbs.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make sopapillas ahead of time?
Sopapillas are best served fresh and hot. However, you can store them in an airtight container for a day or two and reheat them in the oven for a crispier texture.
2. Can I bake the sopapillas instead of frying?
Yes! You can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until they puff up and become golden brown.
3. What can I serve with sopapillas?
They’re delicious on their own, but you can serve them with honey, whipped cream, or a chocolate sauce for dipping.
4. Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying.
5. Can I freeze the sopapillas?
You can freeze the dough or the cooked sopapillas. If freezing cooked sopapillas, be sure to place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking, then transfer them to an airtight container.
6. Can I use a different kind of oil for frying?
Yes, vegetable or canola oil works well for frying sopapillas.
7. Can I add chocolate to the sopapillas?
Absolutely! You can stuff them with chocolate before frying for a fun twist.
8. Why are my sopapillas not puffing up?
Ensure the oil is hot enough (about 350°F/175°C). If the oil is too cold, they won’t puff up properly.
9. Can I use a non-stick pan for frying?
Yes, but be sure to use enough oil to submerge the sopapillas for even frying.
10. Can I make sopapillas gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of sopapillas.
Conclusion
Easy sopapillas are a fun and delicious way to satisfy your sweet cravings without any hassle. With just a few ingredients and a couple of steps, you’ll have a dessert that’s crispy, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet. Whether you enjoy them with honey, powdered sugar, or even chocolate, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Try them today—you won’t regret it!
Print
Easy Sopapillas
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 sopapillas 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy homemade sopapillas, a soft, puffy, and lightly sweetened Mexican treat that is perfect for dipping in honey or cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup warm water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Honey for drizzling (optional)
- Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add vegetable oil and warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- While the dough rests, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Divide the dough into 8-10 small balls. Roll each ball into a 1/4-inch thick disc.
- Carefully place the discs in the hot oil, frying until golden brown and puffed, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove sopapillas from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm, drizzled with honey or sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, if desired.
Notes
- Sopapillas are best served fresh and warm. Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave before serving.
- For a savory version, serve sopapillas with cheese, beans, or chili instead of sweet toppings.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure the sopapillas puff up properly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sopapilla
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg