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A Sopapilla is a crunchy, deep-fried pastry that can be drizzled with honey, powdered sugar, or syrup. Ideal for holidays or any celebration, Sopapillas are a delightful treat loved by both children and adults. They are simple to prepare and can be personalized with different flavors, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones.

sopapillas in basket

Sopapillas are like crispy dough hugs from Spain, now happily adopted by Mexico and South America. Originating from Andalusia, Spain, this variation is popular in Mexican and South American cuisine. Along with bunuelos, churros, and other fried dough, sopapillas are a traditional dessert in Mexican cuisine, heavily influenced by Spanish settlers in New Mexico.


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  • The recipe is also easy to follow and requires minimal preparation time, making it an ideal choice for those who love to indulge in delicious desserts but have busy schedules.
  • Simple ingredients probably in your pantry. The perfect blend of these ingredients guarantees a tantalizing culinary experience that will leave you yearning for more.
  • Versatile toppings – cinnamon sugar, powder sugar, honey, chocolate syrup, or butter are great choices for sopapillas.
Sopapillas with cinnamon sugar & honey

Five Ingredients + Toppings

  • All-purpose Flour
  • Baking Powder
  • Salt
  • Shortening
  • Warm Water

Toppings Ingredients

  • Cinnamon Sugar
  • Honey
  • Powder Sugar
  • In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. 
  • Cut in shortening. Stir in warm water; mix until dough is smooth. 
  • Lightly flour a flat surface and knead the dough for 3-5 minutes. (Kneading the dough is very important…don’t skip this step )
  • Roll out on a floured board until 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 3-5 inch squares. 
Sopapilla dough
  • Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 375 degrees F. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
  • Powder Sopapilla with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with honey
sopapilla drizzled with honey


Sopapilla dough will be kept in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, for a maximum of two days.

Freezer – store in the freezer for up to one month.

Remember to bring the refrigerated or frozen dough to room temperature before cooking.

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Sopapilla Recipe

Eunice Huerta
A sopapilla is a crispy, deep-fried pastry that can be covered with honey, powdered sugar, or syrup. Perfect for the Holidays, or any special occasion.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons shortening
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • Cooking oil for frying
  • Toppings: Cinnamon sugar honey, or powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening. Stir in water; mix until dough is smooth.
  • Lightly flour a flat surface and knead the dough for 3-5 minutes. (Kneading the dough is very important, don't skip it)
  • Cover and let stand for 20 minutes. Place a towel over the rolls to keep the dough from drying out.
  • Roll out on floured board until 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick
  • Cut into 3-inch squares. Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Fry* until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
  • Hint:*Flip sopapilla the first 3-4 seconds you place it in the fryer and flip again, this will help the dough puff up.
  • Sprinkle with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Keyword sopapilla recipe, recipe for sopapilla, how to make sopapilla, what is a sopapilla
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