Description
These New Mexican sopapillas are golden, puffy pillows of fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar and served with warm honey. Lightly crisp on the outside and airy inside, this sopapilla recipe easy brings authentic Southwest flavor to your table. Whether you drizzle honey inside or dip each bite, these homemade sopapillas are irresistible. A must-try fried bread dessert with honey for churro lovers and fans of Mexican cinnamon sugar fritters!
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp sugar
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1/2 tsp salt
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2 tbsp vegetable shortening or butter (cold)
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3/4 cup warm water (as needed)
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Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
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Honey (for serving)
Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold shortening or butter until crumbly. Slowly stir in warm water until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. Knead lightly if needed until smooth.
2. Rest:
Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 15–20 minutes to relax the gluten.
3. Roll and Cut:
Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch squares or triangles using a knife or pizza cutter. Yields about 12 pieces.
4. Heat Oil:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat 2 inches of oil to 375°F (190°C). Test the oil by dropping in a dough scrap—it should sizzle and puff quickly.
5. Fry:
Add a few dough pieces at a time. They’ll puff up within seconds. Fry each side until golden, about 15–20 seconds per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Coat:
While warm, toss sopapillas in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a churro-style touch (optional but delicious).
7. Serve Warm:
Serve immediately with honey. Tear a corner, drizzle honey inside the hollow center, and enjoy warm.
Notes
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Dough can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered at room temperature.
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Use a squeeze bottle for the honey to make filling the sopapillas easy and fun.
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For a savory version, skip the sugar and fill with beans or cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: New Mexican / Southwestern
