Sopapillas are one of those magical treats that are light, crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. If you’ve ever tried these sweet, golden pockets of goodness, you know they’re a must-try, and this Sopapillas Puff version is about to become your new favorite! Picture this: perfectly fried, airy pillows of dough sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with honey. These are the type of treats that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds). And the best part? They’re so easy to make and come together in no time!
Why You’ll Love Sopapillas Puff
Irresistibly Fluffy: The texture of these sopapillas is pure magic—crispy and light on the outside with a soft, airy center that practically melts in your mouth.
Sweet & Simple: These puffs are sweetened just right with cinnamon sugar and honey, creating the perfect balance of flavors. It’s like a dessert and snack in one!
Quick & Easy: This recipe is a breeze to make, even for beginners. You don’t need to be a pastry expert to nail these delicious treats.
Versatile: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or party treat. Whether you’re craving something sweet at the end of a meal or looking to impress at a gathering, these sopapillas are perfect for any occasion.
Fun to Share: This is the kind of treat that brings everyone to the table. It’s hard not to smile when you’re eating warm sopapillas fresh out of the fryer with a drizzle of honey.

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Ingredients in Sopapillas Puff
All-Purpose Flour
The base of the dough, giving it that soft texture and structure. Flour is essential for making the dough puff up when it hits the hot oil.
Baking Powder
This little ingredient helps the sopapillas rise and puff up to their airy glory. It’s what makes them so light and tender!
Salt
Just a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness of the finished sopapillas.
Butter
A little butter adds richness to the dough, making it tender and delicious.
Warm Water
Warm water helps bring the dough together and ensures that the yeast or baking powder works its magic.
Vegetable Oil
For frying the sopapillas to crispy perfection! Use enough oil to fully submerge the dough for that golden, crunchy exterior.
Cinnamon Sugar
A mixture of cinnamon and sugar that is sprinkled over the sopapillas right after they come out of the fryer. It’s what turns them into a sweet, irresistible treat.
Honey
For drizzling on top! The sweet, sticky honey perfectly complements the cinnamon sugar, creating the ultimate indulgent bite.
Instructions
Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and butter. Gradually add the warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Roll Out the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Then, cut it into squares or diamond shapes using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Heat the Oil
In a large pot or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 375°F (190°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—if it bubbles and rises quickly, the oil is ready.
Fry the Puffs
Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry the sopapillas for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the sopapillas are still warm, sprinkle them generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Toss them around to coat evenly.
Drizzle with Honey
Finally, drizzle a bit of honey over the sopapillas. You can be as generous as you like with the honey—it makes these treats even more irresistible!
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the sopapillas warm and fresh, perfect for snacking or as a sweet treat after a meal. They’re best eaten immediately, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two if you have any!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: ~150-200 (depending on portion size)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Sopapillas Puff
As a Dessert: Serve these puffs as a sweet ending to any meal. Their warm, cinnamon-sugar crust and honey drizzle make them the perfect dessert.
With Ice Cream: Top these sopapillas with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
With Fruit: Serve them alongside fresh fruit, like berries or sliced peaches, to balance out the sweetness.
At a Party or Gathering: These are perfect for sharing! Set them out at a party or family gathering, and watch them disappear in minutes.
Additional Tips
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the sopapillas in batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop too much. This helps them cook evenly and stay crispy.
Use a Candy Thermometer: If you’re unsure about the oil temperature, use a candy thermometer to ensure it’s just right for frying.
Try Different Toppings: While honey is traditional, feel free to experiment with different toppings like chocolate sauce, caramel, or fruit preserves for a unique twist.
Make Them Mini: For a fun twist, cut the dough into small bite-sized pieces for mini sopapillas that are perfect for sharing or dipping.
Use Leftover Oil for Other Recipes: Don’t throw away the oil after frying! You can strain it and reuse it for other recipes, like frying chicken or making homemade fries.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make sopapillas without frying?
A1: If you prefer a healthier version, you could bake them in the oven. Simply place the dough pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes until golden.
Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and frying.
Q3: Can I make sopapillas without butter?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegetable oil or shortening if you prefer.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover sopapillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in a warm oven for a few minutes.
Q5: Can I freeze sopapillas?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the fried sopapillas for up to a month. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
Q6: Can I use other toppings instead of honey?
A6: Absolutely! You can top them with chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or even whipped cream for a delicious variation.
Q7: Can I make these without cinnamon sugar?
A7: Yes, if you prefer them plain or with just honey, that works too! The cinnamon-sugar adds a lovely touch, but they’re still tasty without it.
Q8: How do I prevent the dough from being too sticky?
A8: If the dough is too sticky, simply sprinkle a little more flour while you knead it until it becomes smooth and manageable.
Q9: Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
A9: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, more rustic version of sopapillas. It will affect the flavor and texture, but they’ll still be delicious.
Q10: Can I make mini sopapillas instead?
A10: Yes, you can cut the dough into smaller pieces for mini sopapillas. Just adjust the frying time, as they’ll cook faster.
Conclusion
These Sopapillas Puffs are a must-try for anyone who loves sweet, crispy, and warm desserts. With just a few ingredients, you can create an indulgent treat that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you serve them as a snack, a dessert, or for a special occasion, they’re sure to be a hit!
Print
Sopapillas Puff
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sopapillas 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sopapillas Puff is a light, airy dessert made from a sweet, puffy dough that puffs up beautifully when fried. These golden treats are typically served warm with a drizzle of honey, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar, making them a delightful, easy-to-make indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus extra for frying
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Honey, for drizzling
- Cinnamon sugar (optional, for dusting)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the vegetable oil and warm water. Add vanilla extract if using.
- Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 2-3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Flatten each ball into a disc shape about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of dough dropped into the oil bubbles and rises to the surface.
- Carefully drop the dough discs into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up. Use tongs to flip the sopapillas as they cook.
- Remove the sopapillas from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- While still warm, drizzle with honey, dust with cinnamon sugar, or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture!
Notes
- Sopapillas puff up best when the oil is at the correct temperature — too hot, and they’ll burn quickly; too cold, and they’ll absorb too much oil.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, add a little more sugar or a splash of vanilla extract to the dough.
- For extra indulgence, serve with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sopapilla
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: undefined
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: undefined
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: undefined