Description
Sopapillas are light, puffy fried pastries popular in Latin American and Southwestern cuisine. Crispy on the outside and airy inside, they’re typically served warm with a drizzle of honey or sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Perfect as a dessert or sweet snack!
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or shortening
- ¾ cup warm water
For Frying and Serving
- vegetable oil (for frying)
- honey or cinnamon sugar (for serving)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt to combine all the dry elements evenly.
- Form Dough: Add vegetable oil and warm water to the dry mix, stirring until a soft dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rest Dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.
- Roll and Cut: After resting, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 3-inch squares or triangles, depending on your desired shape.
- Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the proper temperature for frying.
- Fry Sopapillas: Fry the dough pieces in batches, carefully placing them into the hot oil. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they puff up and become golden brown.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried sopapillas using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve Warm: Serve the sopapillas warm with a drizzle of honey or dusted with cinnamon sugar for a sweet finish.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is hot enough (around 375°F) so the sopapillas puff up properly during frying.
- You can stuff sopapillas with sweet fillings like chocolate or fruit compote before frying for a delicious twist.
