Sopapillas are one of the most beloved desserts in Tex-Mex and New Mexican cuisine. These crispy, puffy pastries are typically served with a variety of toppings like powdered sugar, cinnamon-sugar, or honey. They are incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients but deliver an irresistible result that’s perfect for any occasion. If you’re looking to recreate this iconic dish at home, we’ve got the perfect sopapilla recipe that will help you achieve delicious results every time.
Ingredients for Sopapillas
The foundation of a great sopapilla lies in the dough and how it’s fried. Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or corn), plus more for frying
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- Honey (for topping)
Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in the texture and flavor of your sopapillas. Flour provides structure, baking powder helps them puff up, and the oil ensures a perfect golden-brown crust when fried. The cinnamon and sugar topping brings in a layer of sweetness, while the honey drizzle at the end enhances the final flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Sopapillas
1. Prepare the Dough
To begin, mix your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of fine salt. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring that the baking powder is evenly distributed.
2. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the 2 tablespoons of neutral oil and the ¾ cup of warm water to the dry mixture. Stir the mixture until a dough begins to form. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Once everything is combined, transfer the dough onto a floured surface.
3. Knead the Dough
Kneading the dough is essential for developing its texture. Knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should bounce back slightly when pressed with your finger, a sign that it’s ready. After kneading, let the dough rest for 20 minutes, covering it with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
4. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has rested, it’s time to roll it out. On a clean, floured surface, roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness. Keep it as even as possible to ensure uniform frying. After rolling, use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 3-inch squares. You can also get creative with the shapes—triangles and circles work just as well for a fun variation.
5. Fry the Sopapillas
Heat enough neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil) in a deep pan or pot to a temperature of 375°F. You’ll want enough oil to fully submerge the dough squares, ensuring an even fry. Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully place a few dough squares in the oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot. The dough will begin to puff up almost immediately.
Using a spoon or spatula, gently press down on the dough to ensure it’s submerged in the oil. Fry each sopapilla until it turns golden brown and puffy, flipping them occasionally to achieve even color. This process should take about 2–3 minutes per side.
6. Drain and Toss in Cinnamon-Sugar
Once the sopapillas are perfectly golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate. While still warm, toss the sopapillas in a mixture of 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a delightful, sweet coating.
7. Serve with Honey
The final touch is a generous drizzle of honey. This adds a rich sweetness that complements the light, airy texture of the fried dough. Serve the sopapillas immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Toppings and Variations
Sopapillas are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of toppings. Here are some popular options:
Cinnamon-Sugar
As mentioned, tossing the sopapillas in a cinnamon-sugar mix right after frying is a classic approach. The warmth of the dough helps the sugar stick, creating a perfectly balanced treat.
Powdered Sugar
For a lighter option, dust the sopapillas with powdered sugar instead. This method adds sweetness without overpowering the natural flavor of the dough.
Honey or Agave Syrup
Drizzling honey or agave syrup over the top of the sopapillas adds a rich sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the crispy texture. You can also incorporate honey into the dough if you prefer an even sweeter sopapilla.
Chocolate Sauce or Caramel
For a more decadent version, dip your sopapillas in chocolate sauce or drizzle them with caramel. These additions take the dessert to the next level, making it a perfect treat for special occasions.
Recipe Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect sopapillas, it’s important to follow these key tips:
Use Warm Water
Using warm water when mixing the dough helps activate the baking powder, which is crucial for getting that iconic puff during frying.
Monitor Oil Temperature
Keeping the oil at the correct temperature of 375°F is essential. If the oil is too cool, the dough will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is fully cooked.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Frying too many sopapillas at once can cause the oil temperature to drop, leading to soggy dough. Fry in small batches to ensure each sopapilla gets crispy and golden.
Rest the Dough
Allowing the dough to rest before frying is crucial. This relaxation period helps the gluten develop, leading to a more elastic dough that will puff up beautifully during frying.
Serving Suggestions
Sopapillas are delicious on their own, but pairing them with other ingredients can elevate the dish even further. Here are some ideas:
With Vanilla Ice Cream
Serving warm sopapillas with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast between the hot, crispy dough and the cold, creamy ice cream.
With Fruit Salsa
For a refreshing twist, serve sopapillas alongside a fruit salsa made from fresh berries, mango, or pineapple. The fruit’s acidity balances the sweetness of the sopapillas, creating a more complex flavor profile.
With Cajeta or Dulce de Leche
For an indulgent treat, drizzle the sopapillas with cajeta (a caramel-like Mexican sauce made from goat’s milk) or dulce de leche. These sauces add a luxurious sweetness that perfectly complements the light texture of the sopapillas.
Storage and Reheating
Sopapillas are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later use. Here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their quality:
Storing Sopapillas
Place any leftover sopapillas in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 4 days. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make them lose their crispness.
Reheating Sopapillas
To reheat, place the sopapillas in a 350°F oven for 6–8 minutes until they regain their crispy texture. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer at 350°F for 2 minutes for a faster option.
Nutritional Information
While these are a delicious treat, it’s always good to know the nutritional information for mindful eating. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional value per serving:
- Calories: 99
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
These are a simple yet satisfying dessert that can be customized to suit any taste. With just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen skills, you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats in no time. Whether you prefer them drizzled with honey, dusted with powdered sugar, or served with ice cream, they are sure to be a hit with friends and family.
