Name: Real Sopapillas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 4 tablespoons shortening; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1.5 cups warm water; 2 quarts oil for frying

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

24

Yield:

2 dozen

Jump to Nutrition Facts

This sopapilla recipe is easy to make, super versatile, and incredibly delicious.

What Is a Sopapilla?

A sopapilla is leavened dough that is fried, then often dusted with either powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar. The frying process causes the dough to rise, leaving it with a hollow center. Sopapillas are common in Latin American and Tex-Mex cuisines.

How to Make Sopapillas

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Sopapilla Ingredients

These are the six simple ingredients you’ll need to make this homemade sopapilla recipe:

Flour: This sopapilla recipe starts with all-purpose flour.
Shortening: Shortening, not butter, ensures perfectly soft and fluffy sopapillas.
Baking powder: Baking powder acts as a leavener, which makes the dough rise.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the sopapillas.
Water: Make sure your water is warm, not cold.
Oil: You’ll need two quarts of oil for frying.

How Do You Make Sopapillas?

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make these sopapillas at home:

Mix the dry ingredients together, then stir in the water. Let the dough stand.
Roll out the dough and cut into squares.
Fry the dough until the squares are golden brown on both sides.
Drain on paper towels.

From the Editor

These sopapillas can be served as-is with a meal or as a sweet treat. To sweeten them up: Dust the sopapillas with powdered sugar and ground cinnamon or a cinnamon-sugar mixture. A drizzle of honey or Piloncillo syrup is the perfect finishing touch.

How to Store Sopapillas

Sopapillas are best served warm on the same day they’re made. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for up to three days.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“Making this brought me back to my childhood years,” according to NIBBIE. “Absolutely delicious and so easy to make. Definitely make sure your oil is hot enough. This can't be overstressed!”

“When hot, I dipped sopapillas in a cinnamon sugar mixture and served hot with vanilla bean ice cream, fresh berries, a drizzle of caramel sauce and whipped cream,” says MAXINEHARRIS. “It was amazing!”

“Made this recipe to go with chicken enchiladas and black bean salsa,” says GabbyG. “It worked beautifully. The recipe is easy to follow, and the sopapillas came out crispy and delicious. Will try cinnamon and sugar or honey next time.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons shortening
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups warm water
2 quarts oil for frying

Directions

Stir together flour, shortening, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in water; mix until dough is smooth. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes.
Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Roll dough out on a floured board until 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. Cut into 3-inch squares.
Fry dough squares in the preheated oil until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Editor's Note:

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount may vary depending on cook time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

755	Calories
77g	Fat
16g	Carbs
2g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 24
Calories 755
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 77g	99%
Saturated Fat 6g	29%
Cholesterol 1mg	0%
Sodium 130mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate 16g	6%
Dietary Fiber 1g	2%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 2g	4%
Vitamin C 0mg	0%
Calcium 26mg	2%
Iron 1mg	6%
Potassium 22mg	0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Real Sopapillas