Homemade Sopapillas

Homemade Sopapillas are a delightful treat that combines light, airy dough with a golden crispy exterior, making them irresistible when topped with honey or powdered sugar. Popular in Southwestern and Mexican cuisine, sopapillas are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed plain, sweetened, or even filled with savory ingredients. This recipe is easy to follow and creates the perfect puffed pillows of dough right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• ½ cup hot water (not boiling)
• 6 cups vegetable oil for frying (48 ounces)
• ½ cup powdered sugar for dusting
• ¼ – ½ cup honey for drizzling

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in the shortening until well combined.
2. Add the hot water and stir until the dough begins to come together.
3. Lightly flour a countertop and turn out the dough. Knead for about 5 minutes, adding a little flour if it becomes too sticky.
4. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
5. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F over medium heat.
6. Roll the dough out to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 16-20 equal pieces using a pizza cutter.
7. Fry 4-5 pieces at a time in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side, until puffed and golden brown.
8. Remove and drain on a cooling rack or paper towel-lined plate.
9. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with honey before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Homemade sopapillas are best served warm and fresh, right after frying, when they’re puffed, crisp, and golden. Dust them with powdered sugar and drizzle with honey for a classic finish, or serve with dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel for extra indulgence. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it makes them chewy or soggy. Sopapilla dough can also be made ahead and kept covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.

Variations

1. Cinnamon Sugar Sopapillas – Toss freshly fried sopapillas in a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a warm, spiced twist.
2. Savory Sopapillas – Skip the sugar and honey and instead stuff them with beans, cheese, or shredded chicken for a filling snack or meal.
3. Chocolate Dipped Sopapillas – Dip or drizzle sopapillas with melted chocolate or Nutella for a decadent dessert.
4. Caramel Sopapillas – Top with warm caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty combo.
5. Fruit-Filled Sopapillas – Add a spoonful of berries, peaches, or apples with whipped cream for a fruity version.
6. Stuffed Cream Sopapillas – Slice open and fill with pastry cream, whipped cream, or custard for a rich treat.
7. Gluten-Free Sopapillas – Use a gluten-free flour blend to make them suitable for dietary needs.
8. Baked Sopapillas – Brush with oil or butter and bake at 400°F until puffed and golden for a lighter option.

FAQs

1. What are sopapillas made of? Sopapillas are made from a simple dough of flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, shortening, and water.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, the dough can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator.
3. Why didn’t my sopapillas puff up? If the oil isn’t hot enough (350°F), they may not puff properly. Ensure the temperature is consistent.
4. Can I bake instead of fry them? Yes, but they won’t puff up as much as fried ones, though still tasty.
5. What’s the best topping for sopapillas? Traditionally honey and powdered sugar, but chocolate, caramel, or cinnamon sugar are popular too.
6. Are sopapillas the same as beignets? No, beignets are yeast-based and denser, while sopapillas are lighter and flaky.
7. Can I freeze sopapillas? Yes, fry them first, let cool, and freeze. Reheat in the oven for best results.
8. Do sopapillas always have to be sweet? No, they can also be made savory with cheese, beans, or meat fillings.
9. What oil works best for frying? Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil are ideal.
10. How long do sopapillas stay fresh? They’re best eaten within 1–2 days but taste best fresh out of the fryer.

Homemade Sopapillas are a simple yet delightful treat that brings a touch of tradition and comfort to your table. With their light, fluffy texture and golden crispiness, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed sweet with honey or powdered sugar, or even filled with savory ingredients for a unique twist. Easy to make with pantry staples and ready in under an hour, these sopapillas are perfect for family gatherings, festive occasions, or just when you’re craving something special. Once you try them fresh and warm, you’ll see why they’ve remained a beloved dessert for generations.

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