Description
Sopapillas are soft, fluffy pillows of fried dough with a crispy golden exterior and tender interior, typically enjoyed dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey. This classic treat from New Mexico and Latin America is perfect as a dessert or sweet snack, and they’re easier to make than you think!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons shortening or butter
- ¾ cup warm water (more if needed)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar or honey, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the shortening or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add warm water and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 2–3 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let rest for 20–30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into 3–4 inch squares or triangles.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry sopapillas in batches, turning once, until they puff and turn golden brown on both sides, about 1–2 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey and serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot enough so the sopapillas puff properly.
- You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for easier kneading.
- Serve with cinnamon sugar for an extra sweet touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sopapilla
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sopapilla recipe, fried dough dessert, honey sopapillas, Mexican pastry, easy dessert