Sopapillas are a beloved treat with roots in Spanish and Latin American cuisine, particularly popular in the Southwestern United States. These light and puffy fried pastries are slightly crispy on the outside and soft inside, often served with a drizzle of honey, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar. Whether you’re making them for dessert or as a snack, sopapillas are guaranteed to delight.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Deep fryer or deep saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup warm water or milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Honey or powdered sugar (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add the melted butter and warm water (or milk) gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes until smooth. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut:
- Roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut into 3–4 inch squares, triangles, or your preferred shape using a knife or pizza cutter.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep fryer or saucepan, heat about 2 inches of oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the Sopapillas:
- Fry a few pieces of dough at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side or until golden and puffy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sopapillas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, drizzled with honey, dusted with powdered sugar, or sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
Tips:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough to ensure the sopapillas puff up properly. Test with a small piece of dough—it should sizzle immediately.
- For a savory variation, skip the sugar in the dough and pair with salsa or queso.
- Sopapillas are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Homemade sopapillas are a simple yet delicious treat that brings a taste of the Southwest to your kitchen. With their golden puffy texture and sweet toppings, they’re sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy this delightful dessert with a drizzle of honey or a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar!
Sopapillas Recipe
Enjoy the light, crispy, and golden goodness of homemade sopapillas with this easy recipe. Perfect as a dessert or snack, these fried pastries are a Southwestern classic.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Deep fryer or deep saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ¾ cup warm water or milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Honey or powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add the melted butter and warm water (or milk) gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes until smooth. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut:
- Roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut into 3–4 inch squares, triangles, or your preferred shape using a knife or pizza cutter.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep fryer or saucepan, heat about 2 inches of oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the Sopapillas:
- Fry a few pieces of dough at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side or until golden and puffy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sopapillas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, drizzled with honey, dusted with powdered sugar, or sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
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