Sopapillas at Home Recipe
There is something utterly magical about making Sopapillas at Home. These golden, pillowy pockets of fried dough capture the heart of comfort food, blending crisp yet airy texture with a warm, sweet finish that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you enjoy them as a treat for breakfast, a delightful dessert, or a charming snack, preparing sopapillas yourself lets you savor the fresh, homemade goodness that store-bought versions simply cannot match. This recipe breaks down the process into simple steps so you can easily create this classic delight right in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring out the best flavors and textures of your sopapillas. From the flaky tenderness of the dough to the perfect golden crunch, every component plays an essential role.
- 2 cups flour: The base of our dough, providing the structure and softness of the sopapillas.
- 1 tsp. baking powder: Gives a gentle lift, helping the dough puff beautifully when fried.
- ¼ tsp. salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 tbsp. shortening: Adds flakiness and richness to the dough for that classic tender bite.
- ¾ cups hot water: Perfect for binding the dough just right, making it pliable and easy to work with.
- 2 cups vegetable oil: Essential for frying, this oil creates the crispy outer shell while keeping the inside light and airy.
- ¼ cup confectioners sugar: Sprinkled on top, it adds a sweet, delicate finish.
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon: Mixed with sugar, this warms every bite with a hint of spicy sweetness.
- 4 tbsp. honey: The perfect drizzle to crown your sopapillas, balancing crunch with luscious sweetness.
How to Make Sopapillas at Home
Step 1: Mix and Knead Your Dough
Start by blending flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Incorporate the shortening with your hands, kneading it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs—that’s exactly what you want for the perfect texture. Slowly pour in the hot water while mixing, forming a dough that’s workable but not sticky. Once combined, turn the dough onto your countertop and knead energetically for 4–5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rest
Form your dough into a ball, place it back in the bowl, and cover it with a plastic wrap or napkin. Resting for at least 20 minutes is key — it allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and ensuring your sopapillas will puff up beautifully during frying.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
After the rest, knead the dough briefly and reshape it into a ball again. Flatten slightly and cut into four equal pieces. Each piece will be rolled out individually, and this portioning helps manage the frying process in batches.
Step 4: Roll Out and Cut
Heat your oil over medium-low heat until it reaches about 350ºF — the right temperature for frying without burning. Roll each dough piece into a 6-inch round disc about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Cut that disc into four triangles—the classic sopapilla shape! Working one piece at a time ensures you keep your oil at the perfect temperature.
Step 5: Fry Until Puffy and Golden
Carefully drop the triangles into hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pot. Watch in delight as they puff up almost immediately! Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until the bottoms turn a gorgeous medium golden and the edges are crispy. Remove with a slotted spatula and drain on paper towels to shed any excess oil.
Step 6: Repeat and Finish
Continue rolling, cutting, and frying the remaining dough pieces until all your sopapillas are perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Sopapillas at Home

Garnishes
The secret to turning simple fried dough into a mouthwatering delight lies in the toppings. Dust your sopapillas generously with confectioners sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon to add sweetness and a touch of spice. Finally, drizzle warm honey over the top; it melts slightly into the crispy layers, creating a heavenly interplay of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
Side Dishes
Sopapillas make an incredible companion to savory dishes as well. Try pairing them with spicy chili, rich refried beans, or smoky grilled meats to balance their sweetness. For a lighter touch, fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can create a beautifully contrasting, satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Sopapillas at Home even more special by serving them stacked with layers of fresh berries and whipped cream or drizzled with chocolate syrup. For a festive touch, place mini sopapillas on skewers with fruit cubes in between for a playful bite-sized treat. The versatility of sopapillas means you can adapt them for breakfast, dessert, or party snacks with so much fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras (which often happens), store your leftover sopapillas in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for about 1-2 days, maintaining their flavor and texture thanks to their crisp exterior. Just avoid refrigeration, as it can soften the crunchiness you worked so hard to create.
Freezing
You can freeze unfried dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight, then roll out and fry as usual. This way, you can have fresh Sopapillas at Home anytime without the prep work!
Reheating
To revive cooked sopapillas, warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 5 minutes. This method brings back their crispness without drying them out, perfect for leftovers that need a little refresh before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, butter can be substituted for shortening to add a richer flavor. Keep in mind that butter contains water, so your dough might be slightly less flaky but will still be delicious and tender.
What if I don’t have confectioners sugar for dusting?
You can use granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon as an alternative. Just be aware that it won’t have the same fine powdery texture, but the flavor will still be delightful.
How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?
Using a thermometer is the best way to be precise, aiming for around 350ºF. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough in — it should bubble and rise immediately but not brown too fast. Adjust heat accordingly.
Can sopapillas be savory instead of sweet?
Absolutely! Skip the sugar and honey toppings and stuff or dip sopapillas with savory fillings like cheese, beans, or chili for a mouthwatering alternative. The dough’s mild flavor pairs well with a variety of spices and ingredients.
Are sopapillas gluten-free?
Traditional sopapillas use wheat flour, so they contain gluten. However, gluten-free versions can be made by experimenting with alternative flours, though the texture may vary from the classic.
Final Thoughts
There is immense joy in creating Sopapillas at Home, where each step leads you closer to golden, pillowy perfection. This recipe is approachable, rewarding, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share in the delicious results. Take a chance, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delightful culinary adventure—you’ll be so glad you did.
Sopapillas at Home Recipe
This homemade Sopapillas recipe brings a delightful traditional New Mexican fried pastry to your kitchen. Light and fluffy inside with a crispy golden crust, these sopapillas are dusted with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with honey for a sweet, irresistible treat perfect for dessert or snack time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 sopapillas 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: New Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp shortening
- ¾ cup hot water
For Frying
- 2 cups vegetable oil
For Dusting & Drizzling
- ¼ cup confectioners sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the shortening and mix with your hands until well incorporated and crumbly.
- Add Hot Water: Pour the hot water gradually into the bowl. Use your fingers to combine the flour mixture and water until dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead for 4-5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball and return it to the bowl.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rest for at least 20 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.
- Divide Dough: Lightly knead the rested dough, form into a ball again, flatten slightly, and cut into 4 equal pieces using a knife or pastry cutter.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large pot and heat over medium-low heat until it reaches 350ºF (175ºC).
- Roll Dough Pieces: Roll each piece into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to flatten one ball into a 6-inch diameter disk about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Cover the remaining dough pieces to prevent drying.
- Cut and Fry: Cut each disk into four triangle-shaped pieces. Carefully place a few triangles at a time into the hot oil without overcrowding. The sopapillas will puff up immediately.
- Cook Until Golden: Fry the sopapillas for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and crispy. Total frying time is about 4-5 minutes per batch.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spatula to remove the fried sopapillas and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Serve: Dust the warm sopapillas with confectioners sugar mixed with ground cinnamon. Drizzle generously with honey before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is steady at 350ºF to get perfectly puffed sopapillas without absorbing too much oil.
- Shortening can be substituted with unsalted butter or lard for a richer flavor.
- For a vegan option, replace shortening with vegetable shortening or coconut oil and ensure honey is substituted with agave syrup or maple syrup.
- Do not overcrowd the oil during frying to maintain the correct oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Sopapillas are best served warm for optimal texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sopapilla
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sopapillas recipe, homemade sopapillas, fried dough, New Mexican dessert, cinnamon sugar sopapillas, honey drizzled pastries