Okay, here we go! Let’s create some kitchen magic together. ✨
One of my fondest memories is standing beside my Abuela, watching her create the most delightful Homemade Buñuelos that seemed to melt in your mouth. The simple ingredients, transformed by her loving hands, always brought a sense of warmth and connection. It was more than just a dessert; it was a tradition, a symbol of our family’s bond.
I remember being intimidated by the process at first, thinking I could never replicate that magic. But with each attempt, each perfectly golden Homemade Buñuelos, I felt closer to her and to the heart of our family’s heritage. The aroma of cinnamon and sugar filling the kitchen…oh, it’s pure bliss!
What surprised me most was how adaptable this recipe is. Over time, I learned to tweak the flavors to suit everyone’s preferences, adding a hint of orange zest for a bright twist or a touch of anise for a deeper, more complex flavor. Now, Homemade Buñuelos aren’t just a recipe from my past; they’re a reflection of our family’s present and future.
I’m excited to share my journey with you, fellow flavor seekers, as we create these golden, crispy treats together. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is designed to bring joy and deliciousness to your kitchen. Let’s create some Homemade Buñuelos that will warm your heart and fill your home with love and laughter. It’s all about creating genuine, flavorful meals that bring families closer, one delicious bite at a time. 🌱
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour: For the best texture in your Homemade Buñuelos, I recommend using unbleached all-purpose flour. It gives the dough a slightly nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps create that light and airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- ¼ cup vegetable shortening: It makes the dough tender and flaky. You can find quality shortening at most grocery stores, but for a richer flavor, try using lard.
- ¾ cup warm water: The water should be warm, not hot, to activate the gluten in the flour properly.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: You’ll want enough oil to fully submerge the Homemade Buñuelos.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: For that classic cinnamon-sugar coating. My family loves when I use Ceylon cinnamon, which has a more delicate flavor.
Trust me, this Homemade Buñuelos ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors! For the freshest ingredients, you’ll find everything you need at your local farmer’s market or a well-stocked grocery store. Using good ingredients makes a huge difference.
Here’s a Homemade Buñuelos flavor secret that transformed our family dinners: I always sift my flour before mixing it into the dough. It makes the dough lighter and easier to work with. Plus, it ensures that there are no lumps, giving your Homemade Buñuelos a smoother texture.
Let’s Create This Together!
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour. In my kitchen, this flavorful Homemade Buñuelos preparation typically takes about 5 minutes.
- Cut in shortening: Add the shortening to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation! This step is crucial for creating a tender and flaky crust for your Homemade Buñuelos.
- Add water: Gradually add the warm water to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Don’t be surprised if your Homemade Buñuelos dough develops a slightly sticky texture at first. That’s perfectly normal.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my Homemade Buñuelos – learn from my experience! Kneading the dough properly develops the gluten, which gives the Homemade Buñuelos structure.
- Let it rest: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
- Prepare cinnamon-sugar mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside. While your Homemade Buñuelos is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family!
- Heat the oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Roll each ball into a thin circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter. My family-tested technique ensures each Homemade Buñuelos is perfectly thin.
- Fry the buñuelos: Carefully place one or two rolled-out dough circles into the hot oil. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Your Homemade Buñuelos should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now. I learned this authentic preparation method from my grandmother.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: Immediately transfer the fried Homemade Buñuelos to the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating both sides. Place on a wire rack to cool slightly. Repeat with the remaining dough.
How We Love to Enjoy This!
The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Homemade Buñuelos appears with a warm cup of Mexican hot chocolate. The combination is simply divine, the rich chocolate complementing the crispy, cinnamon-sugar coating of the buñuelos perfectly. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Final Kitchen Wisdom:
- Always sift the flour for a lighter dough.
- Use warm water to activate the gluten properly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying, or the oil temperature will drop.
- Orange Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Anise: Add ½ teaspoon of anise extract to the dough for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.

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Homemade Buñuelos
These light and crispy Homemade Buñuelos are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy these fried pastries dusted with cinnamon and sugar for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 buñuelos
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- 3/4 cup warm water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and cinnamon.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Divide the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a thin circle (about 5-6 inches in diameter).
- Carefully place the buñuelos in the hot oil, one or two at a time, and fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the buñuelos with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While still warm, dredge each buñuelo in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle with honey or chocolate sauce before serving.

