Description
Sopapillas Puff is a delightful, light, and crispy fried dough treat that puffs up beautifully when cooked. These golden, pillowy puffs are perfect drizzled with honey or dusted with cinnamon sugar and powdered sugar, making a sweet and satisfying snack or dessert popular in Southwestern and Latin cuisines.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus extra for frying
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Toppings
- Honey, for drizzling
- Cinnamon sugar (optional, for dusting)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour in the vegetable oil and warm water. Add vanilla extract if using. Stir to combine.
- Knead the Dough: Mix the ingredients until they come together into a dough. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 to 3 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten each ball into a disc about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large, deep skillet and heat over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of dough dropped in bubbles and rises to the surface quickly.
- Fry Sopapillas: Carefully place the flattened dough discs into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until the dough puffs up and turns golden brown, flipping once with tongs.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried sopapillas with tongs and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Add Toppings and Serve: While still warm, drizzle with honey and optionally dust with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is medium-high but not smoking to avoid burnt sopapillas.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy sopapillas.
- For a variation, add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the dough for an extra warm flavor.
- Serve sopapillas fresh and warm; they lose their delightful puff and crispness as they cool.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for consistent frying results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southwestern, Latin American
