Sopapillas are a beloved classic in Southwestern and Latin American cuisine—light, pillowy fried pastries that puff up into golden pillows, perfect for drizzling with honey. Whether served as a dessert or a snack, their warm, fluffy interior and crisp exterior make them a delightful treat. With a few basic pantry ingredients, you can make these delicious pastries right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sopapillas are incredibly simple to prepare and require minimal ingredients. They’re ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a traditional, homemade dessert without complicated steps or hard-to-find components. Their slightly sweet dough and signature puff make them fun to cook and even more enjoyable to eat—especially when served with honey or cinnamon sugar.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 cups all-purpose flour (480g)
¼ cup vegetable shortening (51g)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon honey (plus extra for serving)
½ teaspoon salt
Water (enough to form a soft dough, approximately 1½ cups)
directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
Cut in the vegetable shortening using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the honey and gradually mix in warm water until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead for 4–5 minutes until smooth.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch squares or triangles.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 375°F (190°C).
Fry the dough pieces in batches for about 1–2 minutes per side, or until puffed and golden brown. Turn once halfway through.
Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, drizzled with honey or sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12–16 sopapillas depending on size.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 6–8
Variations
Sweet finish: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar immediately after frying for a dessert-style twist.
Savory version: Omit the honey in the dough and serve with beans, cheese, or meat fillings.
Whole wheat: Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Baked version: Though traditionally fried, sopapillas can be brushed with oil and baked at 400°F for 8–10 minutes for a lighter version.
Stuffed sopapillas: Once puffed, slice open and fill with sweet or savory fillings for a handheld snack or meal.
storage/reheating
Sopapillas are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them chewy. Leftover dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before frying.
FAQs
What makes sopapillas puff up?
The high heat of the oil quickly cooks the outside of the dough, causing steam to form inside and puff it up. Proper dough consistency and oil temperature are key.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead. Wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until ready to roll and fry.
What oil is best for frying sopapillas?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or any neutral oil with a high smoke point works well for frying.
Why didn’t my sopapillas puff?
This could be due to oil that isn’t hot enough or dough that is too thick or under-kneaded. Ensure oil is at 375°F and roll the dough evenly.
Are sopapillas the same as beignets?
While similar in concept, sopapillas typically contain baking powder and honey, while beignets use yeast and are more cake-like.
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter, though it may slightly change the texture and flavor.
How do I serve sopapillas?
Traditionally, they’re served warm with honey. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or pair them with sweet dipping sauces.
Can I freeze sopapillas?
You can freeze the dough before frying. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out and frying. Fried sopapillas are best eaten fresh.
Do I need a deep fryer?
No, a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot works just fine. Just be sure to use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature.
Can I use self-rising flour?
You can, but be sure to adjust or omit the baking powder and salt accordingly, as self-rising flour already contains those.
Conclusion
Homemade sopapillas are a warm, airy delight that brings the flavor of traditional Southwestern cuisine right into your kitchen. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up a batch that’s sure to impress. Serve them fresh, drizzled with honey, and watch them disappear in minutes—these golden pillows of perfection are a treat worth making again and again.
How to Make Sopapillas
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 20 sopapillas
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: Frying
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make sopapillas with this easy, authentic recipe! These light and airy fried pastries are golden, crisp, and traditionally served with honey. Perfect as a dessert or sweet snack that everyone will love.
Ingredients
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4 cups all-purpose flour (480g)
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1/4 cup vegetable shortening (51g)
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1 teaspoon honey (plus extra for serving)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 1/2 cups warm water (approximate, adjust as needed)
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Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add vegetable shortening and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
Stir in honey and gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead dough on a floured surface for 3-5 minutes until smooth.
Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 20 minutes.
Roll dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 3-4 inch squares or triangles.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 375°F (190°C).
Fry sopapillas in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, until puffed and golden.
Drain on paper towels.
Serve warm, drizzled with honey or dusted with powdered sugar.
Notes
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Make sure oil is hot enough so they puff up quickly.
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Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for a few hours.
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Serve with cinnamon sugar for a twist!
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