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Fluffy Sopapillas Recipe – Easy Homemade Dessert with Honey Drizzle

fluffy sopapillas recipe - featured image

These fluffy sopapillas are golden, pillow-soft fried pastries with a crisp edge and airy center, finished with a warm honey drizzle. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting homemade dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • Canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil (enough for 2-3 inches in pot, for frying)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (optional)
  • Pinch ground cinnamon (optional, for drizzle)
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for topping)
  • Warm chocolate sauce (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh berries (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. Whisk or sift to remove lumps.
  2. Make a well in the center and add vegetable oil and warm water. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth and elastic. Adjust with flour or water as needed.
  4. Cover dough with a towel and let rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Pour frying oil into a heavy-bottomed pot to 2-3 inches deep. Heat to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Roll rested dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch squares or triangles.
  7. Fry 2-3 pieces at a time for 30-45 seconds per side, turning until golden and puffed.
  8. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  9. In a small saucepan, gently warm honey, melted butter, and cinnamon until smooth (do not boil).
  10. Serve sopapillas warm, drizzled with honey mixture and optional toppings like powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, or berries.

Notes

For gluten-free sopapillas, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum. For dairy-free, use vegetable oil and omit butter in the honey drizzle. Resting the dough is key for puffiness. Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 375°F. Sopapillas are best served warm and can be customized with various toppings.

Nutrition

Keywords: sopapillas, Mexican dessert, honey drizzle, fried dough, easy dessert, family recipe, comfort food, potluck, brunch, fluffy sopapillas