Irresistible Classic Buñuelos Recipe: Sweet Crispy Bliss

Golden, crispy, and irresistibly delightful, these classic buñuelos dance with sweet nostalgia across Latin American kitchens.

Generations have savored this beloved treat that carries whispers of cherished culinary traditions.

Each bite tells a story of warmth and celebration, blending simple ingredients into something magical.

The buñuelos shine with a delicate crunch that shatters softly on your tongue.

Sugary notes weave through the light, airy pastry, creating a dessert that beckons with pure comfort.

Regional variations add depth and character to this beloved snack, making every version a unique experience.

Grab your apron and get ready to master a recipe that connects you directly to rich cultural roots.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Equipment Needed to Make Classic Buñuelos

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending flour, baking powder, and salt evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Tortilla press or rolling pin: Helps create thin, uniform dough circles.
• Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer: Needed for maintaining consistent oil temperature.
• Tongs: Great for safely turning and removing buñuelos from hot oil.
• Paper towels: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
• Kitchen scale (optional): Helpful for precise dough portion sizing.
• Plastic wrap: Useful for covering dough during resting period.

Frying Instructions for Crispy Classic Buñuelos

• Flour Foundation Preparing a soft, silky dough base that will transform into golden delights.

Mix dry ingredients in a spacious bowl, creating a pillowy landscape of potential flavor.

• Dough Transformation Turning simple ingredients into a smooth, elastic wonder.

Knead the mixture with gentle passion, feeling the texture evolve under your touch. Work the dough until it becomes supple and responsive, adding droplets of water or sprinkles of flour as needed.

• Resting Period Allowing dough to relax and develop character.

Divide dough into charming little rounds, letting them rest peacefully for half an hour. This quiet moment helps develop incredible texture.

• Shaping Magic Creating delicate, thin circles ready for their crispy destiny.

Gently flatten each dough ball, using a tortilla press or rolling pin to create paper-thin circles that will become wonderfully crunchy.

• Sizzling Transformation Turning delicate discs into golden, crispy treasures.

Heat oil to a perfect shimmer, then carefully slide buñuelos into the golden bath. Fry each side until they transform into gorgeous, crisp medallions with beautiful golden edges.

• Final Flourish Completing the buñuelos with a sweet, spicy coating.

Rescue the crispy treats from their oil bath, then lovingly dust with a sparkling cinnamon-sugar mixture. Serve while warm and watch faces light up with joy.

Classic Buñuelos – Sweet Variations & Prep Advice

• Swap wheat flour with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for a unique texture and dietary adaptation.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil heat, ensuring perfectly crispy and evenly cooked buñuelos without burning.
• Enhance dough with vanilla extract, orange zest, or a pinch of ground nutmeg to add delightful aromatic complexity.
• Experiment with toppings like honey drizzle, chocolate sauce, or sprinkle with queso fresco for a Mexican-inspired savory twist.

How to Present and Serve Classic Buñuelos

• Sprinkle with Sweet Toppings: Dust buñuelos with extra cinnamon-sugar for a delightful sweet crunch that enhances their crispy texture.
• Pair with Warm Beverages: Serve alongside hot chocolate, coffee, or atole to complement the golden, crispy pastry and create a traditional Mexican breakfast or snack experience.
• Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange buñuelos with fresh fruits like sliced oranges or strawberries, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich, fried treat.
• Drizzle with Honey or Syrup: Add a light honey or piloncillo syrup over the buñuelos for an extra layer of sweetness that melts into the crisp pastry.

Buñuelos Storage Advice to Keep Them Crisp

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover buñuelos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual buñuelos tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crunchiness.
• Revive Crispiness: Avoid microwave reheating, which makes buñuelos soggy. Instead, use a toaster oven or conventional oven to restore their original crisp texture. Brush lightly with oil before reheating for extra crunch.
• Serve Fresh: Buñuelos taste best when served immediately after frying. If preparing for a gathering, fry in small batches to ensure guests enjoy them hot and crispy right off the pan.

What Goes into Classic Buñuelos Dough

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of buñuelos, providing structure and classic tender texture. Choose unbleached flour for richer flavor and better protein content.
• Baking Powder: Introduces light, airy texture and helps dough rise smoothly. Fresh baking powder ensures perfect puffiness.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Coconut Oil: Adds delicate tropical hint and creates crispy exterior. Select high-quality, refined coconut oil for consistent results.
• Warm Water: Helps bind ingredients and activate gluten development. Use filtered water at comfortable hand temperature.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates sweet, crunchy exterior with classic caramelized notes. Select fine-grain sugar for even coating.
• Ground Cinnamon: Introduces warm, aromatic spice that complements the crispy texture. Choose freshly ground cinnamon for intense flavor.

Crispy Buuelos Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Mexican buñuelos offer crispy, sweet delights with cinnamon-sugar coating and deep-fried magic. Crisp pastry discs create nostalgic moments shared with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (475 ml / 16 fl oz) all-purpose flour
• 1–2 cups (240–480 ml / 8–16 fl oz) neutral vegetable oil (canola, peanut, corn, etc.)
• 6 tbsps (90 ml / 3 fl oz) cane sugar
• 3 tbsps (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) refined coconut oil, melted
• ⅔ cup (160 ml / 5.4 fl oz) warm water
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tbsp (7.5 ml / 0.25 fl oz) ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution through thorough whisking.
2. Dough Formation: Integrate melted coconut oil and warm water into dry ingredients, kneading continuously until a smooth, elastic dough develops. Adjust moisture by adding minimal amounts of flour or water to achieve optimal consistency.
3. Resting and Shaping: Divide dough into 8 equal portions, rolling each into a perfect sphere. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow 25-35 minutes of relaxation to enhance dough elasticity.
4. Flattening Technique: Utilize a tortilla press or rolling pin to transform dough balls into ultra-thin, uniform circular discs, ensuring delicate translucency and consistent thickness.
5. Frying Process: Heat vegetable oil to 350-375°F in a deep skillet. Carefully submerge each disc, frying 25-40 seconds per side until achieving a crisp, golden-brown texture.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove buñuelos using a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Generously coat both sides with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, serving immediately to preserve maximum crunchiness.

Notes

• Flour Precision: Sift flour and baking powder meticulously to eliminate lumps and ensure a smooth, uniform dough texture.
• Dough Elasticity: Knead for 8-12 minutes, adjusting moisture with small water or flour additions to achieve a silky, stretchy consistency.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent 350-375°F for perfect golden-brown crispiness without burning or undercooking.
• Sugar Coating Technique: Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture immediately after frying while buñuelos are hot for maximum flavor adherence and crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg