Buuelos Recipe

Easy Crispy Buñuelos Recipe: A Sweet Treat in Minutes

Buuelos bring a delightful crunch that reinvents ordinary moments into extraordinary culinary experiences.

These golden, crispy delights originate from rich cultural traditions spanning multiple regions.

Warm, airy, and irresistibly light, buuelos represent more than just a simple snack – they’re a celebration of heritage and flavor.

Crafted with simple ingredients, these treats offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that captivates taste buds.

Each bite tells a story of family gatherings, festive celebrations, and generations of culinary passion.

The magic lies in their ability to create instant joy and connection through a single, perfectly crafted morsel.

Dive into this delectable journey of comfort and tradition.

Golden Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch

  • Celebrate Crispy Texture Magic: These buñuelos deliver an incredible crunch that shatters delightfully with every bite, creating a sensational mouthfeel that transforms a simple dough into an extraordinary culinary experience.
  • Master Quick Home Cooking: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to explore traditional Latin American desserts without complicated techniques or expensive equipment.
  • Enjoy Versatile Sweet Indulgence: Buñuelos offer a delectable balance of crispy exterior and light interior, dusted with warm cinnamon-sugar that provides an irresistible sweet finish perfect for casual gatherings, afternoon snacks, or festive celebrations.
  • Experience Cultural Comfort: These golden-brown treats connect you directly to rich Latin American culinary traditions, allowing you to create a delicious heritage dish that feels both nostalgic and exciting in your own kitchen.

Buñuelos Dough and Spice Essentials

Flour Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Soft white flour that creates the base of the crispy buñuelo dough, providing structure and texture.
  • Baking Powder: Light leavening agent that helps the dough become fluffy and rise slightly during cooking.
Fat and Liquid Ingredients:
  • Coconut Oil: Rich, flavorful oil that adds moisture and helps create a tender dough with a subtle tropical hint.
  • Warm Water: Essential liquid that helps bind the dough ingredients together and develop gluten structure.
Seasoning and Coating Ingredients:
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the buñuelo dough and balances the sweet topping.
  • Cinnamon, Sugar: Classic sweet combination that creates a delightful coating for the crispy fried buñuelos, providing a warm and sugary finish.
Frying Ingredient:
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, perfect for deep-frying buñuelos to golden, crispy perfection.

Buñuelos Frying Guide for Perfect Puffiness

Step 1: Create Dough Base

Sift flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Add salt and whisk thoroughly. Pour melted coconut oil and warm water into the mixture. Blend ingredients until a cohesive dough forms.

Step 2: Knead And Develop Texture

Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the mixture with gentle, consistent motions. Work the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels crumbly, add water one tablespoon at a time. For overly sticky dough, sprinkle small amounts of flour during kneading.

Step 3: Divide And Rest Dough

Cut the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece between palms until smooth. Gently flatten each piece. Cover dough portions with a towel and let rest for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Frying Station

Set up a paper towel-lined tray. Mix cinnamon and sugar in a separate bowl. Fill a large stockpot with 1-2 inches of vegetable oil.

Step 5: Shape Buñuelos

Line a tortilla press with two plastic wrap pieces. Lightly flour each dough disc. Place disc in press center and flatten into thin tortillas. Alternatively, use a rolling pin on a floured surface. Stretch each buñuelo on a tea towel until nearly transparent.

Step 6: Fry To Golden Perfection

Heat oil to 350-375°F. Test oil temperature by dropping a small dough piece- it should sizzle and rise. Fry each buñuelo for 30-45 seconds per side until golden brown. Use a spoon to press down and prevent excessive bubbling.

Step 7: Final Touch And Serve

Transfer fried buñuelos to paper towel tray to drain excess oil. Sprinkle both sides generously with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Tricks for Crispy Buñuelos Every Time

  • Master the Dough Consistency: Knead the dough thoroughly to achieve a smooth, elastic texture that's slightly tacky but not sticking to your hands, ensuring perfect buñuelos every time.
  • Control Oil Temperature: Maintain a steady 350-375°F when frying to guarantee crispy, golden-brown buñuelos without absorbing excess oil or burning.
  • Stretch for Thinness: Gently stretch the dough on a tea towel or bowl to create paper-thin buñuelos that will become delightfully crisp and light when fried.
  • Prevent Dough Sticking: Always use plastic wrap or a well-floured surface when pressing or rolling to avoid tearing and ensure smooth, even buñuelos.
  • Quick Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Sprinkle the warm buñuelos immediately after frying to help the sweet mixture adhere perfectly, creating a delectable crispy exterior.

Buñuelos Storage and Reheat Methods

  • Refrigeration: Store cooled buñuelos in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain their crispy texture.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual buñuelos tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve their delicate crunch and flavor.
  • Reheating: Warm refrigerated or thawed buñuelos in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Place them on a baking sheet to restore their original crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.

Dips and Drinks to Serve with Buñuelos

  • Pair with Warm Mexican Hot Chocolate: Complement the crispy, sweet buñuelos with a rich, spicy Mexican hot chocolate. The deep chocolate flavor and hint of cinnamon will enhance the delicate sweetness of the fried pastry.
  • Serve alongside Fresh Fruit Salad: Balance the indulgent buñuelos with a light, refreshing fruit salad. Tropical fruits like mango, papaya, or pineapple will add a zesty contrast to the sugary treat.
  • Enjoy with Café de Olla: Match the buñuelos with traditional Mexican spiced coffee. The warm, cinnamon-infused coffee will echo the cinnamon-sugar coating and provide a delightful aromatic experience.
  • Create a Dessert Platter with Dulce de Leche: Introduce a creamy caramel dipping sauce to elevate the buñuelos. The rich, smooth dulce de leche will complement the crispy texture and add an extra layer of sweetness.

Creative Buñuelos Variations to Explore

  • Chocolate Fusion Buñuelos: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a rich chocolate flavor. Dust with powdered chocolate instead of cinnamon sugar for an indulgent dessert experience.
  • Savory Herb Buñuelos: Mix dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough. Serve with a garlic aioli or herb-infused dipping sauce for a sophisticated appetizer twist.
  • Cheese-Stuffed Buñuelos: Add grated cheese to the dough or create a cheese filling. Stuff small pieces of queso fresco or mozzarella inside before frying for a gooey center surprise.
  • Fruit Drizzle Buñuelos: After frying, drizzle with fruit-based sauces like passion fruit, guava, or caramel. Top with fresh fruit compote or a light fruit reduction for added sweetness and complexity.
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Buuelos Recipe

Buuelos Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Mexican buñuelos bring golden, crispy delight to winter celebrations with their sweet cinnamon charm. Delicate pastry circles dance between tradition and flavor, inviting celebration in each delectable, sugary bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Fat/Oil Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons refined coconut oil, melted
  • 12 cups neutral vegetable oil (canola, peanut, corn, etc.) for frying

Coating Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons cane sugar
  • 0.5 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 0.67 cup warm water

Instructions

  1. Create a soft, pliable dough by sifting flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl, then incorporating salt, melted coconut oil, and warm water until a cohesive mixture forms.
  2. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead thoroughly, adjusting moisture with small amounts of water or flour to achieve a smooth, elastic consistency that’s slightly tacky but not sticky.
  3. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, rolling each piece between palms until round and smooth, then gently flatten each ball.
  4. Allow the dough pieces to rest, covered with a towel, for half an hour while preparing a paper towel-lined tray and mixing cinnamon with sugar.
  5. Prepare each buñuelo by either using a tortilla press lined with plastic wrap or rolling out the dough on a floured surface, stretching the disc until it becomes thin and almost translucent.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a large stockpot to between 350-375°F, testing readiness by dropping a small dough piece that should immediately sizzle and float.
  7. Carefully lower each delicate dough disc into the hot oil, frying for 30-45 seconds per side and gently pressing with a spatula to prevent excessive bubbling.
  8. Remove each golden-brown buñuelo, allowing excess oil to drain on the prepared paper towel tray, then immediately dust both sides with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  9. Serve the crispy, sweet buñuelos warm, enjoying their light, airy texture and delightful cinnamon coating.

Notes

  • Master the dough consistency by carefully kneading until smooth and elastic, adding water or flour as needed to achieve the perfect texture.
  • Rest the dough for 30 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to stretch and shape into thin, delicate buñuelos.
  • Use plastic wrap or a clean tea towel when stretching the dough to create paper-thin, translucent buñuelos that will become wonderfully crispy.
  • Maintain the oil temperature between 350-375°F for golden, evenly cooked buñuelos that are crisp without absorbing excess oil.
  • Press down gently while frying to prevent large air bubbles from forming and ensure a uniform, crispy texture.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar immediately after frying to help the sweet coating stick and create a delightful, warm flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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