I love creating Sopaipillas using simple pantry ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. My Mexican Sopapilla Recipe uses a hint of vegetable oil and water resulting in airy, crispy parcels that are as delightful as they are easy to whip up. I find it perfect for treats.
I’ve always been fascinated with creating new twists on classic recipes and this Perfect Sopaipillas Recipe For Home Cooks is one of my favorites. It’s amazing how a few simple pantry staples like 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar can create something that feels both indulgent and surprisingly light.
I mix in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (plus extra for frying) and about 2/3 cup warm water to bring it all together, and the dough comes out perfect every time. I remember the first time I made these I was excited thinking about other recipes like How To Make Sopapillas With Tortillas and Mexican Sweet Breads, even branching out to ideas like New Mexico Sopapilla Recipe or a hint of Mexican Bread Recipes Pan Dulce flavor.
Trust me, once you try making these crispy, yummy treats at home, you’ll be hooked!
Why I Like this Recipe
I really like this recipe because it uses ingredients I always have in my pantry and it’s super easy to make. I also love how crisp and light the sopaipillas turn out, plus theyre really versatile; I can eat them plain or add a little honey when I want something sweet. I enjoy the process too – it’s fun and not too complicated, so I feel like a chef even if I make a few mistakes here and there.
Anytime is the right time to enjoy sopaipillas, especially when they are so simple to whip up with basic ingredients. First, in a big bowl I mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon sugar. Then I add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and about 2/3 cup of warm water slowly until a soft dough forms. I knead the dough lightly on a floured surface for about a minute to make it smooth, but i try not to overdo it.
After that, I let the dough rest for 10 minutes so everything can combine better. I roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick and then cut it into squares or triangles, whichever I prefer that day. I heat some extra vegetable oil in a deep pan till it reaches around 375°F before frying a few pieces at a time for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they puff up and turn a golden color. Finally, I use a slotted spoon to get them out and let them drain on paper towels.
I love that this recipe is forgiving and fun, and it always reminds me that making something tasty doesn’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients
- All-purpose Flour: supplies mostly carbs to fuel energy, but it has little fibre or protein its the base.
- Baking Powder: makes the dough rise, giving the sopaipillas a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt: enhances the overall flavor so every bite tastes balanced and not too bland.
- Sugar: adds a touch of sweetness to mellow out the savory notes in the dough.
- Vegetable Oil: mixes in moisture and helps during frying to create a tender, crispy shell.
- Warm Water: softens the flour and brings all the ingredients together into an easy dough.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus extra for frying)
- About 2/3 cup warm water
How to Make this
1. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar.
2. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and about 2/3 cup of warm water gradually, stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface for about a minute to get it smooth, but don’t overdo it.
4. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes so the ingredients can combine better.
5. Roll the dough out into a thin layer, about 1/8 inch thick.
6. Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares or triangles, whichever you like.
7. Heat extra vegetable oil in a deep pan until it reaches around 375°F.
8. Carefully place a few pieces in the hot oil. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they puff up and get a golden color.
9. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sopaipillas and let them drain on paper towels.
10. Serve warm and enjoy them plain or with a little honey or powdered sugar if you want a touch of sweetness.
Equipment Needed
1. A large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. A stirring spoon or whisk
4. A countertop or board for lightly kneading the dough (preferably floured)
5. A rolling pin
6. A knife or pizza cutter
7. A deep frying pan or pot
8. A slotted spoon
9. Paper towels for draining the fried pieces
FAQ
The Perfect Sopaipillas Recipe For Home Cooks Substitutions and Variations
- All-purpose flour: you can use a gluten free flour blend or whole wheat flour if you’re lookin for a slightly nuttier flavor
- Baking powder: try mixing 1/4 teaspoon baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar as a quick substitute
- Salt: if you need to watch your sodium, use kosher salt in a slightly reduced amount
- Sugar: swapping in a bit of honey or maple syrup is cool, but remember to adjust any extra liquids
- Vegetable oil: melted butter or canola oil works too, though they might give a slightly different taste
Pro Tips
1. Make sure you add the warm water slowly, so you can get the perfect dough consistency without it becoming too sticky or too dry.
2. Let the dough rest for the full 10 minutes; trust me, this break really helps the ingredients blend better and makes your dough easier to roll out.
3. When frying, use a thermometer if you can to keep the oil around 375°F. This way, you avoid soggy or burnt pieces.
4. Don’t overwork the dough when kneading. A few minutes is enough so your sopaipillas come out light and puffy instead of tough.

The Perfect Sopaipillas Recipe For Home Cooks
I love creating Sopaipillas using simple pantry ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. My Mexican Sopapilla Recipe uses a hint of vegetable oil and water resulting in airy, crispy parcels that are as delightful as they are easy to whip up. I find it perfect for treats.
8
servings
190
kcal
Equipment: 1. A large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. A stirring spoon or whisk
4. A countertop or board for lightly kneading the dough (preferably floured)
5. A rolling pin
6. A knife or pizza cutter
7. A deep frying pan or pot
8. A slotted spoon
9. Paper towels for draining the fried pieces
Ingredients
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
2 teaspoons baking powder
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 tablespoon sugar
-
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus extra for frying)
-
About 2/3 cup warm water
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and about 2/3 cup of warm water gradually, stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface for about a minute to get it smooth, but don't overdo it.
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes so the ingredients can combine better.
- Roll the dough out into a thin layer, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Use a knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares or triangles, whichever you like.
- Heat extra vegetable oil in a deep pan until it reaches around 375°F.
- Carefully place a few pieces in the hot oil. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they puff up and get a golden color.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the sopaipillas and let them drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm and enjoy them plain or with a little honey or powdered sugar if you want a touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 60g
- Total number of serves: 8
- Calories: 190kcal
- Fat: 8.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated: 0.9g
- Monounsaturated: 6.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 290mg
- Potassium: 110mg
- Carbohydrates: 24.3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 0IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 5mg
- Iron: 0.4mg