These light, crispy fried dough fritters simply melt away. That perfect crunch gives way to a tender interior every single time. Truly, this Easy Bunuelos Recipe brings such joy to our table. Few desserts offer this level of sweet satisfaction so quickly. The warm cinnamon sugar coating is pure magic, honestly.
I often whip these up when unexpected company arrives. They transform quickly from simple dough to a beloved treat. My family always devours them before they even cool down completely. This recipe works beautifully every single time, believe me.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe sings because it is incredibly simple. You skip complicated dips or long proofs. We are talking fast flavor development here. It’s the perfect quick dessert fix. Plus, the texture is just phenomenal once cooled slightly. Everyone enjoys these crispy Mexican fritters. Seriously, try this Easy Bunuelos Recipe soon.
Easy Bunuelos Recipe Ingredients
The beauty of these treats lies in their humble beginnings. A few pantry staples create sheer fried happiness. We build flavor layering simple baking components together. Following this Easy Bunuelos Recipe really keeps things minimal.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the essential structure of the dough.
- Baking powder: It helps our fritters puff up beautifully while frying.
- Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness both inside the dough and on the coating.
- Egg and Milk: These create the necessary richness and binding power.
- Melted Butter: Butter lends a wonderful depth of flavor to the fried dough.
- Vegetable oil: Crucial for achieving that signature golden-brown exterior.
Substitutions and Tips
If you are out of milk, maybe try buttermilk for a slight tang. Alternatively, water works in a pinch, though the texture leans lighter. For a flavor boost, add a tiny pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. Remember, keeping your dough covered prevents those pesky dry spots. These little steps make a huge difference in the final product. Always use fresh cinnamon for the best aroma experience.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls for wet and dry items.
- A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for safe oil heating.
- Tongs are essential for safely flipping your Mexican fritters.
- A rolling pin helps thin the dough just right.
- A shallow dish is needed to hold the sugar topping mix.
How to Make Easy Bunuelos Recipe
Let us get straight to the frying action now. We want those beautiful, puffed delights quickly. Follow these simple steps carefully for success.
Preparing the Dough Base
First, whisk your dry ingredients thoroughly in a big bowl. Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar next. Then, mix your wet components separately for blending ease. Whisk the milk, egg, vanilla, and butter together well. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry mound slowly. Mix until everything is just combined and shaggy looking. Turn the dough onto a floured surface promptly. Knead it firmly for about five to seven minutes. You seek a smooth and elastic dough structure. Place this dough into an oiled bowl now. Cover it tightly so it rests properly.
Resting and Preparing the Coating
Allow the dough to rest for thirty minutes, no peeking allowed. Resting helps relax the gluten structure perfectly. While it relaxes, prepare your cinnamon sugar coating. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a wide, shallow dish. This dish needs to be ready for dipping later. Next, divide your rested dough into small, even pieces. Roll each small piece very thinly. Aim for four to five inches wide circles quickly. Keep the unused dough covered always. This prevents it from drying out too soon.
Frying the Mexican Fritters
Heat your oil carefully to three fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining that temperature is vital for light results. Too cold, and they soak up too much oil messily. Too hot, and they burn before cooking through inside. Gently place one or two dough rounds into the hot oil. Never overcrowd this process at all costs. Fry each side for just one to two minutes only. Look for that lovely golden brown and puffed texture. Use tongs to lift them carefully out of the hot bath. Place them upon paper towels immediately to drain excess grease.
Finishing Touches for Perfect Bunuelos
This is the most important step, so do not delay! While the fried dough is still warm, work fast. Immediately dredge each piece in your cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure both sides get a generous coating evenly. Serve these delightful cinnamon sugar treats right away. They are truly best enjoyed when served warm.
How to Store Easy Bunuelos Recipe
These are best eaten fresh, honestly. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay pleasantly crispy for one full day easily. Refrigeration sadly softens the texture too much. Do not try freezing them once coated in sugar. For up to three days, room temperature storage works best for these Easy Bunuelos Recipe leftovers.
Tips for Success
- Always check your oil temperature before starting frying.
- Work in small batches to maintain high heat consistency.
- Keep the oil between 350 and 360 degrees Fahrenheit always.
- Roll your dough very thin; thick dough gets chewy fast.
- Ensure coating happens while the bunuelos are hot to adhere.
Serving Suggestions
- Offer a side of rich Mexican hot chocolate for dipping.
- Serve alongside fresh sliced strawberries or bananas.
- A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream is nice.
- These pair wonderfully with strong, hot coffee.
Easy Bunuelos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus 30 minutes resting time)
- Yield: 12-16 Buñuelos
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An easy recipe for making traditional Mexican Buñuelos, which are light, crispy fried dough fritters, coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/4 cup sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- While the dough rests, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Divide the rested dough into 12-16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin round, about 4-5 inches in diameter. Keep dough covered with a clean cloth as you work to prevent drying.
- Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350-360°F (175-180°C).
- Carefully place 1-2 bunuelos at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove bunuelos with tongs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While still warm, immediately toss each bunuelo in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat both sides.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained between 350-360°F for best results.
- Do not overcrowd the pot when frying.
- Keep unused dough covered so it does not dry out while frying individual pieces.











