Easy Bunuelos

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Traditional Mexican fritters that are crispy outside, light inside, and coated in cinnamon sugar. Made with just flour, baking powder, salt, and coconut oil.

Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:52:05 GMT
A stack of golden-brown fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar on a wooden plate. Pin it
A stack of golden-brown fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar on a wooden plate. | lastminrecipes.com

My Easy Buñuelos recipe brings back memories of holiday mornings crispy sweet fritters dusted with cinnamon sugar. They're like edible golden clouds perfect alongside hot chocolate or coffee. I love making these traditional Mexican treats especially during festive seasons.

What Makes These Special

These Easy Buñuelos use simple ingredients you probably have right now. They're budget friendly quick to make and always bring smiles. The magic happens when that dough hits the hot oil and puffs up into crispy perfection.

What You Need

  • Flour: 2 cups all purpose flour.
  • Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon for puffiness.
  • Coconut Oil: 3 tablespoons melted for the dough.
  • Warm Water: ½ cup to bring it all together.
  • Sugar: ½ cup for cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a warm flavor.
  • Oil: For frying, enough to submerge the buñuelos.

Let's Make These

Mix the Dough
Sift flour and baking powder together. Mix in melted coconut oil and warm water, kneading for 10 minutes until smooth.
Shape and Rest
Divide into 8 balls and let rest under a damp cloth for 30 minutes.
Roll Thin
Roll each piece paper thin for maximum crispiness.
Fry
Heat oil to 350°F and fry until golden, about 30 seconds per side, pressing gently for even puffing.
Coat
Dust with cinnamon sugar while warm for the perfect finish.
A stack of golden, fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar on a wooden plate. Pin it
A stack of golden, fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar on a wooden plate. | lastminrecipes.com

My Best Tips

Get your Easy Buñuelos extra thin before frying they'll turn out lighter and crispier. Use a thermometer to keep your oil at the right temp. I fry one at a time gives them room to puff up beautifully.

Mix It Up

Need gluten free? Use your favorite gluten free flour blend. Switch out coconut oil for avocado oil if you prefer. Sometimes I add orange zest to the dough it gives such lovely flavor.

Perfect Partners

Nothing beats Easy Buñuelos with Mexican hot chocolate or champurrado. At parties I serve them alongside churros and flan creates the most amazing dessert spread.

Keep Them Fresh

Cover your Easy Buñuelos with a tea towel they'll stay crispy up to 3 days. Want to warm them up? Pop in a 350°F oven for a few minutes brings back that fresh made crunch.

Success Tips

Don't rush the kneading or resting time it's key for perfect texture. Test your oil with a tiny piece of dough it should sizzle and rise right up. Keep that pan from getting crowded gives each buñuelo room to puff.

Make Them Look Pretty

I love stacking my Easy Buñuelos on my favorite platter dusting them with lots of cinnamon sugar. Set out warm chocolate sauce for dipping makes them even more special.

Perfect For Any Time

My Easy Buñuelos shine at holiday gatherings Christmas celebrations and family get togethers. There's something about their sweet crunch that brings back childhood memories. I make them for Día de los Muertos too they're perfect for any special moment.

What to Drink

Try these with traditional Mexican hot chocolate my favorite way to serve them. Horchata's lovely too especially in summer. A cup of fresh brewed coffee pairs perfectly with that cinnamon sugar coating.

Make Them Your Own

Sometimes I drizzle honey over top or melt chocolate. Try powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar for a lighter touch. Add nutmeg to the sugar mixture it gives them a wonderful warmth.

A wooden plate stacked with several golden, crispy fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar. Pin it
A wooden plate stacked with several golden, crispy fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar. | lastminrecipes.com

Why Everyone Loves These

These Easy Buñuelos bring together everything wonderful about crispy fried treats and warm spices. They're part of so many family traditions and make new memories every time I serve them. Watch people's faces light up at that first crispy bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is my dough too sticky or dry?

Humidity affects flour absorption. Add water or flour gradually until dough feels tacky but workable. Proper kneading helps develop right texture.

→ How do I keep bunuelos crispy?

Keep warm in 250°F oven without stacking. Stacking causes them to get soggy. Best served immediately after frying.

→ How do I know when the oil is ready?

Oil should be 350-375°F. Test by dropping small piece of dough - it should sizzle and float to surface.

→ Why do I need to rest the dough?

Resting for 30 minutes lets gluten relax, making dough easier to stretch thin without breaking.

→ Can I make these ahead?

Best served fresh and warm. If needed, reheat in oven at low temperature to maintain crispiness.

Conclusion

Bunuelos are traditional Mexican fritters that are simple to make and delightfully crispy. These golden-brown treats are coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, making them a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion.

Easy Bunuelos

Light and crispy Mexican fritters made with simple ingredients and coated in cinnamon sugar. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 8 Servings (8 bunuelos)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour.
02 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
03 1/2 teaspoon salt.
04 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted.
05 2/3 cup warm water.
06 2 cups vegetable oil for frying.
07 6 tablespoons sugar.
08 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon.

Instructions

Step 01

Sift flour and baking powder, add salt. Mix in coconut oil and water.

Step 02

Knead dough 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add water or flour if needed.

Step 03

Cut into 8 pieces, roll into balls, flatten slightly. Rest 30 minutes.

Step 04

Roll each piece very thin using tortilla press or rolling pin.

Step 05

Fry in 350°F oil for 30-45 seconds per side until golden.

Step 06

Drain on paper towels. Coat with cinnamon sugar mixture.

Notes

  1. Keep warm in 250°F oven if needed.
  2. Fry one at a time for best results.
  3. Dough should be tacky but workable.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Tortilla press or rolling pin.
  • Tongs.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 226
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 33 g
  • Protein: 3 g