Sopapilla Recipe: Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy pastry that bursts with sweetness and a hint of cinnamon. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, wrapping you in a cozy embrace and making your taste buds dance with anticipation.

Picture sharing this delightful treat with family and friends, creating memories over crispy, golden sopapillas. These heavenly pastries are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a quiet evening at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sopapilla recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike
- Its sweet flavor profile tantalizes the taste buds with every bite
- Visually appealing with their golden crust and fluffy texture, they are irresistible
- Versatile enough to be served as a dessert or breakfast treat, these pastries fit any meal
I still remember the first time I made sopapillas; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the perfect dough; opt for unbleached flour for better flavor.
- Baking Powder: This helps the dough rise beautifully; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in this recipe—don’t skip it!
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and sweetness—use ground cinnamon for the best flavor profile.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and is necessary for the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Warm Water: Hydrates the dough; using warm water helps activate the baking powder effectively.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying; choose an oil with a high smoke point like canola or sunflower oil.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until well mixed to ensure even flavor throughout your dough.
Add Water and Mix Well: Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients while stirring until the mixture forms a soft dough. It should feel slightly sticky but not overly wet.
Knead Gently: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 2 minutes until smooth. Don’t over-knead; you want it soft but not tough.
Roll Out the Dough: Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface. Keep it even to ensure uniform cooking later on.
Cut into Pieces: Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into squares or triangles of your preferred size. These shapes will puff up beautifully during frying.
Heat Oil and Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until hot (about 350°F). Carefully drop in pieces of dough one at a time, frying until they turn golden brown on both sides.
Enjoying sopapillas is truly an experience that warms both heart and belly!
You Must Know
- A great sopapilla recipe is not just about the dough; it’s all about achieving that perfect puffiness
- The smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your kitchen will make your mouth water
- These golden treats are best enjoyed fresh, with a drizzle of honey
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes. Roll it out to about a quarter-inch thickness before cutting into squares. Heat oil to 375°F for frying to ensure they puff nicely.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the traditional fillings with chocolate or fruit preserves. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor and make these sopapillas stand out even more.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sopapillas in an airtight container for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother dough; this helps with texture and ease of handling
- Frying in smaller batches allows for better control and ensures each piece gets evenly cooked without crowding
- Always let your oil regain its temperature before adding new pieces to fry
Sharing my first attempt at making sopapillas was both hilarious and memorable—my friends dubbed them “pancakes” instead of pastries, but they still devoured every last bite!
FAQ
What is the best way to serve sopapillas?
Serve warm, drizzled with honey or sprinkled with powdered sugar for an irresistible treat.
Can I make sopapillas ahead of time?
While best fresh, you can prepare dough ahead and fry just before serving.
What type of oil is best for frying sopapillas?
Use vegetable or canola oil; both have high smoke points, perfect for frying.

Irresistible Sopapilla Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm, fluffy goodness of homemade sopapillas that are perfectly sweetened and delicately spiced with cinnamon. These delightful pastries puff up beautifully when fried, creating a crispy exterior and soft interior. Ideal for sharing with loved ones, serve them fresh out of the fryer, drizzled with honey or sprinkled with powdered sugar for a treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix well.
- Gradually add warm water while stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead gently for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick; cut into squares or triangles.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the pieces of dough until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain on paper towels before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sopapillas (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg