The Best Classic Buñuelos Recipe: Sweet, Crispy & Simple

Crispy buñuelos dance on the culinary landscape as delightful golden treasures with roots deeply embedded in cultural celebrations.

These airy pastries emerge from simple ingredients reinvented through generations of passionate cooking techniques.

Delicate and light, buñuelos represent more than just a sweet treat—they symbolize community and shared memories.

Their magical preparation involves careful mixing, shaping, and frying that turns ordinary flour into extraordinary delicacies.

Warm and inviting, these treats carry whispers of traditional kitchens where families gather and laughter fills the air.

Each bite promises a crisp exterior giving way to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior that connects you to rich gastronomic traditions.

Heritage and flavor intertwine in these beloved pastries that transcend mere ingredients.

Classic Buñuelos That Crisp Up Just Right

• Savor Authentic Latin Flavor: These classic buñuelos deliver a traditional taste that transports you straight to festive Latin American kitchens with every crispy, golden bite.
• Master Simple Homemade Technique: The recipe offers an easy, beginner-friendly method that requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to explore cultural cuisine.
• Enjoy Quick Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Buñuelos come together quickly, taking just about an hour from start to finish, and create a delightful dessert or snack that everyone from kids to adults will absolutely love – perfect for gatherings, parties, or afternoon tea.
• Experience Delightful Texture Contrast: These treats provide an incredible sensory experience with their crispy exterior and soft inner layer, coated in sweet cinnamon-sugar that creates a tempting crunch and warm, comforting flavor profile.

Everything You Need for Classic Buñuelos

• Flour: Soft wheat flour creates a tender base for the buñuelos with smooth texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps dough rise and provides light, airy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Coconut Oil: Provides rich flavor and helps create crispy texture when frying.
• Warm Water: Helps bind ingredients and create smooth dough consistency.

• Cinnamon, Sugar: Classic sweet coating that adds warmth and traditional flavor to buñuelos.

How to Fry and Flavor Classic Buñuelos

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and sift flour and baking powder together. Sprinkle in salt and whisk until well combined.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

Pour melted coconut oil and warm water into dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and Develop Texture

Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 10-15 minutes, adding small amounts of water or flour if needed, until dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Shape Dough Balls

Divide dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a smooth, round ball and gently flatten. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.

Step 5: Roll Out Buñuelos

• Use a tortilla press lined with plastic wrap
• Lightly flour each dough disc
• Press or roll into thin, delicate circles
• Alternatively, use a rolling pin on a clean surface

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

• Heat to 350-375°F
• Carefully slide buñuelos into hot oil
• Fry each side for 30-45 seconds
• Gently press during frying to reduce bubbling

Step 7: Finish and Serve

• Drain buñuelos on paper towels
• Coat both sides with cinnamon-sugar mixture
• Serve warm and enjoy immediately

Tips for Getting the Texture on Classic Buñuelos Perfect

• Master the Dough Consistency: Knead carefully to achieve a smooth, elastic texture that's not too sticky or dry, which ensures perfect buñuelos every time.
• Control Oil Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to maintain precise 350-375°F heat, preventing soggy or burnt pastries during frying.
• Flatten Strategically: When pressing dough, apply even pressure to create uniformly thin circles that cook quickly and crisp up beautifully.
• Minimize Moisture: Pat dough pieces completely dry before frying to reduce oil splatter and achieve a crispier, more delicate texture.
• Quick Sugar Coating: Toss warm buñuelos immediately in cinnamon-sugar mixture while still hot, allowing the mixture to adhere perfectly and create a delightful sweet crunch.

Buñuelos That Stay Fresh with Smart Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Wrap cooled buñuelos individually in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezing Method: Layer buñuelos between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the container.
• Reheating Technique: Restore crispiness by warming in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy. Sprinkle additional cinnamon-sugar before serving to revive the original delicious flavor.

Best Pairings for Classic Buñuelos

• Pair with Sweet Cinnamon Horchata: Complement the crispy, sugary buñuelos with a cool, creamy horchata that echoes the cinnamon notes and provides a refreshing contrast to the fried texture.
• Match with Rich Mexican Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a thick, spiced hot chocolate that balances the light, crispy buñuelos with deep chocolate warmth and a hint of cinnamon or chili.
• Serve alongside Fresh Fruit Compote: Add a tangy, bright fruit sauce like guava or mango to cut through the sweetness and provide a vibrant, fresh counterpoint to the sugary pastry.
• Create a Dessert Plate with Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the buñuelos with a silky caramel sauce that adds depth and sophistication to the simple, traditional street food treat.

Sweet Twists on Classic Buñuelos

• Sweet Cheese Buñuelos: Incorporate crumbled queso fresco into the dough for a creamy, tangy flavor that adds richness to the traditional recipe.
• Chocolate Drizzle Buñuelos: After frying and coating with cinnamon-sugar, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the crispy rounds for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Herbal Infusion Buñuelos: Mix finely chopped fresh mint or rosemary into the dough to create an aromatic and unexpected herb-enhanced version that brings unique depth to the classic treat.
• Coconut Crunch Buñuelos: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the cinnamon-sugar coating for an extra layer of texture and tropical sweetness that elevates the traditional buñuelo.

Classic Buuelos Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crisp Mexican buñuelos dance with cinnamon-sugar sweetness, delivering a golden masterpiece of traditional celebration. Delicate wheat flour discs fry to perfection, offering you a delightful taste of cultural heritage in each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (475 ml) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) refined coconut oil, melted
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) warm water

Leavening and Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Frying and Coating:

• 1–2 cups (240–480 ml) neutral vegetable oil (canola, peanut, corn, etc.)
• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) cane sugar
• ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml) ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Meticulously sift all-purpose flour and baking powder into a spacious mixing vessel, then incorporate salt, whisking thoroughly to ensure uniform distribution.
2. Pour melted coconut oil and warm water into the dry ingredient mixture, stirring methodically until a cohesive dough emerges.
3. Transfer the nascent dough onto a lightly dusted work surface, implementing a robust kneading technique for 8-12 minutes. Manipulate moisture levels by incrementally adding water or flour to achieve a silky, elastic texture.
4. Partition the dough into approximately 8 symmetrical segments, carefully rolling each into a pristine spherical shape. Gently flatten each orb and drape with a lightweight kitchen towel, allowing a 25-35 minute relaxation period.
5. Prepare a tortilla press lined with parchment paper or utilize a precision rolling pin to transform each dough disc into gossamer-thin circular shapes, maintaining a delicate, even thickness.
6. Elevate vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350-375°F (175-190°C), creating an optimal frying environment. Submerge each translucent disc, cooking approximately 25-40 seconds per side until achieving a golden, crispy exterior.
7. Extract buñuelos using a slotted spoon, positioning them on absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil. Generously coat each side with a harmonious blend of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, serving immediately while maintaining peak crispness.

Notes

• Master the art of kneading dough to achieve the perfect smooth and elastic texture, which is crucial for light and crispy buñuelos.
• Maintain precise oil temperature between 350-375°F to ensure golden-brown, evenly cooked buñuelos without absorbing excess oil.
• Rest the dough for 30 minutes to relax gluten and make rolling easier, resulting in thinner, more delicate pastries.
• Use plastic wrap when pressing or rolling to prevent sticking and create uniformly thin discs for consistent frying.
• Gently press buñuelos during frying to minimize air bubbles and create a uniform, crisp texture.
• Coat warm buñuelos immediately in cinnamon-sugar for maximum flavor absorption and delightful sweet crunch.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg