Crispy Outside, Soft Inside & Drizzled with Honey
π What Makes Sopapillas So Irresistible?
Have you ever bitten into a golden, puffy pastry thatβs crisp on the outside, airy on the inside, and melts in your mouth with a drizzle of honey?
Thatβs exactly what Sopapillas deliver.
These traditional fried pastries are popular in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. Theyβre simple, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying β whether served as a dessert, snack, or alongside savory meals.
Light. Puffy. Sweet perfection.
π Ingredients
π₯£ The Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Β½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- ΒΎ cup warm water
π³ For Frying
- 2β3 cups vegetable oil
π― For Serving
- Honey
- Powdered sugar
- Cinnamon sugar
Optional:
- Chocolate sauce
- Caramel drizzle
Simple pantry ingredients β magical results.
β± Timing
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep | 15 minutes |
| Rest | 20 minutes |
| Fry | 10 minutes |
| Total | ~45 minutes |
Perfect for weekend treats.
π©βπ³ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Add oil and warm water gradually.
Mix until dough forms.
Knead 3β5 minutes until smooth.
β¨ Dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 2: Let It Rest
Cover with towel and let rest 20 minutes.
This step helps them puff properly.
Step 3: Roll & Cut
Roll dough out to about ΒΌ inch thickness.
Cut into squares or triangles.
Uniform size ensures even frying.
Step 4: Fry Until Puffy
Heat oil to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
Carefully drop dough pieces into hot oil.
Fry about 1 minute per side until golden and puffed.
Gently press with spoon if needed to encourage puffing.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Sweet Finish
Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Drizzle generously with honey.
Serve warm for best texture.
π‘ Why Sopapillas Puff
β Proper resting time
β Oil at correct temperature
β Not overcrowding pan
β Even dough thickness
Steam forms inside, creating the airy pocket.
πͺ Nutritional Snapshot (Per Sopapilla)
- Calories: 180β220
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 3g
Sweet, indulgent, and perfect for sharing.
πΏ Variations
πΉ Stuffed Sopapillas
Fill with sweet cream cheese or savory meat.
πΉ Cinnamon Twist
Add cinnamon directly into dough.
πΉ Baked Version
Bake at 375Β°F for 12β15 minutes (less puff, lighter texture).
πΉ Savory Option
Skip sugar and serve with beans or chile.
Flexible and fun to customize.
π½ Serving Ideas
Serve Sopapillas with:
- Hot chocolate
- CafΓ© de olla
- Ice cream
- Fresh berries
- Dulce de leche
They also pair beautifully with Mexican dinners as a sweet finish.
β οΈ Common Mistakes to Avoid
β Oil too cold (wonβt puff)
β Dough too thick
β Skipping resting time
β Overcrowding fryer
β Frying too long
Golden and airy is the goal.
π§ Storage Tips
Room Temperature
Store up to 2 days in airtight container.
Reheat
Warm in oven 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Best enjoyed fresh.
π€ Final Thoughts
Sopapillas are light, crispy, and beautifully simple β a sweet treat that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can create golden, honey-drizzled perfection at home. Try them today, leave a comment with your favorite topping, and subscribe for more traditional recipes!
π― Puffy. Crispy. Sweet magic. β¨
Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.
