Description
Sopapillas are a traditional Mexican fried pastry known for their light, airy texture and golden, crispy exterior. These delightful pockets of fried dough are often enjoyed dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar and drizzled with honey, making them a perfect sweet treat or snack. Easy to prepare and quick to cook, sopapillas offer a comforting and delicious flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup warm water
Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough for deep frying)
- Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for topping
- Honey for serving
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Form the Dough: Stir in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and the warm water gradually until a soft dough forms. The dough should be tacky but manageable.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to relax the gluten and make it easier to roll out.
- Shape the Sopapillas: Roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into squares or rectangles roughly 3 inches wide.
- Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or heavy pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to allow the sopapillas to puff without touching the bottom.
- Fry the Dough: Fry the cut dough pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each piece for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they puff up and turn a golden brown color.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the sopapillas with a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, and drizzled with honey if desired.
Notes
- Sopapillas are best served fresh and warm to enjoy their light and crispy texture.
- Feel free to stuff sopapillas with sweet fillings such as chocolate, fruit preserves, or cream cheese for a delicious variation.
- Leftover sopapillas can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day and reheated briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
