Homemade Sopapillas Mexican Inspired Dessert

These little bundles are easy to make and the dough puffs up for a light and fluffy treat. Serve with savory fillings or sprinkle with powdered sugar, honey for dipping, or cinnamon sugar.

What is a Sopapilla?

These fried squares of dough puff up like pillows and can be served with savory fillings or sweetened for dessert (our favorite) with honey, sprinkled with powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar.

Main Ingredients

BASICS Flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, and shortening are the basic ingredients for sopapillas.

FAT Lard can be substituted for the shortening. Shortening guarantees the ultimate pillow puff and perfect texture!

How to Make Sopapillas

Whisk together dry ingredients. Cut in the shortening and combine. Slowly add the water and stir until the dough comes together.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes, adding flour when it gets too sticky.
Cover with a towel, let the dough rest in the bowl.
Roll the dough 1/4″ thick and cut into squares.
Fry in oil until puffed and golden. Top with powdered sugar and serve with a drizzle of honey.

Tips for Perfection

For the perfect puff every time, make sure the dough is rolled out in an even width so they stay closed when they puff up.
Don’t roll the dough too thick (they’ll be doughy) or too thin (they’ll be empty).
Make sure the oil is hot enough before dropping the dough in so it doesn’t soak up the oil instead of being properly fried.
Fry only a few sopapillas at a time so they have enough space to move around in the fryer and can achieve maximum puffiness.
Serve immediately.
Sopapillas are so easy to make it’s a good idea to make them as you need them as they don’t store or reheat very well. However, while they may not be as puffy, they can be reheated in an oven preheated at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Favorite Desserts

Tres Leches Cake– so easy to make
Churros – ready in 20 minutes
Mexican Wedding Cookies – freezer friendly
Easy Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe – a crowd favorite

Did you enjoy these Sopapillas? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below!