This Irresistible Sopapilla Recipe Makes Golden Puffy Sopapillas

Introduction

This irresistible sopapilla recipe makes golden, puffy sopapillas simple and delicious to prepare at home. These lightly fried pastries puff up beautifully and are perfect for dusting with cinnamon sugar or drizzling with honey. For another take on this treat, see this Easy Sopapillas – Crispy Homemade Dessert. Follow the steps below to create a warm, delightful dessert everyone will love.

Ingredients

This irresistible Sopapilla recipe makes golden, puffy sopapillas with a perfectly crisp exterior that gives way to a soft, airy interior—ready to soak up sweet honey and cinnamon sugar.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons shortening or lard (or butter)
• 3/4 cup warm water
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Cinnamon sugar, for dusting
• Honey, for drizzling

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	5 minutes
Total Time	20 minutes

Context: This irresistible Sopapilla recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, getting you to golden, puffy sopapillas in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Dough

Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and a tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl. Cut in cold shortening using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually stir in warm water until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the sopapillas tender.

Step 2 — Knead and Rest

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 2–3 minutes until smooth. Shape into a ball, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Resting relaxes the gluten, making the dough easier to roll and helping the sopapillas puff up beautifully when fried.

Step 3 — Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll the rested dough into a large rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 3-inch squares or triangles.

Keep the pieces lightly dusted with flour to prevent sticking while you heat the oil.

Step 4 — Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable or canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 375°F (190°C).

Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer for accuracy. Proper temperature is key to achieving golden, puffy sopapillas without greasiness.

Step 5 — Fry the Sopapillas

Carefully place a few dough pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1–2 minutes per side until they puff up and turn golden brown.

Gently flip them with a slotted spoon to ensure even cooking. They should be light and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Step 6 — Drain and Coat

Remove the fried sopapillas with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray. This keeps them crisp by allowing excess oil to drip off.

While still warm, toss the sopapillas in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet, classic finish.

Step 7 — Serve Warm

Serve your irresistible sopapillas immediately while they’re warm and puffy. They pair wonderfully with honey for drizzling or a side of chocolate sauce.

For an extra treat, fill them with whipped cream or fruit preserves just before serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories	210
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	10g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	180mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Whole Wheat Flour — Use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber and a nuttier flavor while maintaining a tender texture.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend — Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix to make this irresistible Sopapilla recipe gluten-free and just as puffy.
• Coconut Oil — Replace shortening or butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version with a subtle tropical aroma.
• Baking Powder with Low Sodium — Choose a low-sodium baking powder to reduce sodium content without affecting the golden, airy rise.
• Almond Milk — Swap regular milk for unsweetened almond milk to create a dairy-free sopapilla with a light, slightly nutty taste.
• Protein-Enriched Dough — Add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the flour mix for a protein boost, keeping the sopapillas irresistibly puffy.
• Air Fryer Method — Lightly brush with oil and air fry instead of deep-frying for a lower-fat, still golden and crispy result.
• Sugar-Free Sweetener — Dust with powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar for a lower-carb finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle warm honey over these golden, puffy sopapillas for a classic sweet treat.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a decadent dessert.
• Serve alongside a cup of hot chocolate or Mexican coffee for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
• Offer with a side of fruit salsa or a chocolate dipping sauce for a fun party platter.
• Create a festive dessert bar by setting out various toppings like powdered sugar, cajeta, and fresh berries.
• Enjoy these irresistible sopapillas as a sweet finish to your favorite Mexican-inspired dinner.

For a beautiful presentation, stack the warm sopapillas on a wooden board or colorful platter and let guests customize their own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge. Fix: Let your dairy ingredients reach room temperature for better gluten development and a more tender crumb.
• Mistake: Overworking the dough. Fix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to prevent tough, chewy sopapillas instead of light and puffy ones.
• Mistake: Rolling the dough too thin. Fix: Aim for a ¼-inch thickness to give the dough enough structure to puff up dramatically when fried.
• Mistake: Frying at an inconsistent oil temperature. Fix: Use a thermometer to maintain a steady 375°F (190°C); too cool makes them greasy, too hot burns the outside.
• Mistake: Crowding the frying pot. Fix: Fry in small batches to avoid a temperature drop, ensuring each sopapilla has space to expand and cook evenly.
• Mistake: Not letting the dough rest. Fix: Allow the dough to rest for the full recommended time so the gluten relaxes, making it easier to roll and helping it puff.
• Mistake: Pressing down on sopapillas while frying. Fix: Let them float and puff naturally; pressing releases steam and prevents the signature airy pocket from forming.
• Mistake: Skipping the sugar dusting while they’re hot. Fix: Generously dust with cinnamon sugar immediately after frying so it melts into a delicious, crispy coating.
• Mistake: Using old baking powder. Fix: Test your baking powder for freshness to guarantee the chemical reaction needed for maximum puffiness.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled sopapillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best texture, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freezer: Arrange cooled sopapillas in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. This prevents them from freezing together.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated sopapillas in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warm and crisp. You can also use an air fryer for 2-4 minutes. Always ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Proper storage helps maintain the irresistible golden, puffy texture of your sopapillas, so you can enjoy them fresh-tasting even days later.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making these golden, puffy sopapillas from this irresistible recipe. If you love this treat, try our Easy Heavenly Churro Cream Cheese Bombs Ready in 30 Minutes next. Share your results in the comments and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Why didn’t my sopapillas puff up?

Your oil may not be hot enough. This irresistible Sopapilla recipe makes golden, puffy sopapillas when fried at the correct temperature. Ensure your dough is rolled evenly and not too thick.

Can I bake these sopapillas instead of frying them?

Baking will not produce the same golden, puffy texture. Frying is essential to create the characteristic air pockets and crisp exterior that define this irresistible Sopapilla recipe.

What is the best way to serve these sopapillas?

Serve them warm with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of cinnamon sugar. This irresistible Sopapilla recipe makes golden, puffy sopapillas that are perfect for a sweet dessert or a special breakfast treat.