Description
Easy Sopapillas are light, airy, and perfectly crispy fried pastries dusted with cinnamon sugar. This simple recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and frying to create delicious sweet treats that puff up beautifully. Ideal for a quick dessert or snack, these sopapillas are best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Topping
- 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon)
For Frying
- Oil for frying (vegetable oil or other neutral oil), enough to fill frying pan or deep fryer to at least 2 inches
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour but avoid making it too dry.
- Divide and Roll Out: Divide the dough into 10 to 12 equal-sized balls. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a circle about 1/4-inch thick. Take your time to ensure even thickness for uniform puffing.
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and maintain it steady to ensure proper frying without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry the Sopapillas: Carefully place a few dough circles into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip them gently.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried sopapillas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. This keeps them crispy and not greasy.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: While the sopapillas are still warm, generously dust them with the cinnamon sugar mixture so it sticks nicely and enhances the flavor.
- Serve: Serve the sopapillas immediately for the best texture and taste. They are perfect on their own or with honey or chocolate sauce, if desired.
Notes
- Maintaining the oil temperature is crucial for proper puffing and crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
- You can store cooked sopapillas for up to a day but best enjoyed fresh and warm.
- For a dairy-free version, ensure your cinnamon sugar and oil are free of additives if necessary.
