Crispy Buñuelos Recipe: Sweet Spanish Fritters in Minutes

Golden, crispy, and irresistibly light, the buñuelos recipe brings a touch of Latin American magic to your kitchen.

These delectable pastries dance with a sweet, airy essence that transports you straight to vibrant street markets.

Each bite promises a crackling exterior giving way to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center.

Generations have perfected this beloved treat, passing down techniques that make buñuelos more than just a dessert.

The delicate dough, carefully crafted and fried to perfection, tells a story of culinary tradition and warmth.

Dusted with cinnamon sugar, these little clouds of happiness invite you to savor a moment of pure deliciousness.

Dive into this classic recipe and let the aroma of comfort and joy fill your home.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 9

Buñuelos Ingredient Breakdown

• Flour: Provides the essential structure and foundation for the buñuelos, selecting unbleached all-purpose flour ensures a more natural texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps create light and airy texture, making sure it's fresh guarantees optimal rising.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness of the final treat.
• Coconut Oil: Adds rich, subtle tropical undertone and contributes to crispy exterior when heated.
• Water: Binds ingredients together and helps develop proper dough consistency.

• Vegetable Oil: Creates the perfect golden-brown crispy exterior for authentic buñuelos.
• Cinnamon, Sugar: Delivers classic sweet-spicy coating that transforms simple dough into an irresistible dessert, selecting high-quality ground cinnamon intensifies flavor.

• Plastic Wrap: Prevents dough from sticking during pressing and helps achieve thin, delicate buñuelos.
• Tea Towel: Assists in stretching dough to translucent thinness, ensuring traditional buñuelo texture.
• Paper Towels: Absorbs excess oil after frying, maintaining crisp and light consistency.

Equipment for Making Buñuelos

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending flour, baking powder, and salt smoothly.
• Sifter: Helps create lump-free flour mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate for measuring ingredients precisely.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing dough and scraping sides of the bowl.
• Tortilla press or rolling pin: Key for creating thin, even buñuelo shapes.
• Large stockpot: Necessary for deep frying buñuelos.
• Tea towel or clean cloth: Useful for stretching and preparing dough.
• Paper towel-lined tray: Helps drain excess oil from fried buñuelos.
• Tongs or slotted spoon: Helps safely remove buñuelos from hot oil.
• Thermometer (optional): Ensures oil is at the right temperature for frying.

Buñuelos: Cooking Instructions

• Dough Preparation

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Blend in melted coconut oil and warm water until a soft dough forms. Knead the mixture on a floured surface, working it until smooth and elastic. The texture should be slightly tacky but not sticky.

• Dough Resting

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and flatten slightly. Cover with a towel and let rest for half an hour. Meanwhile, prepare a tray with paper towels and mix cinnamon with sugar for coating.

• Shaping Process

Use a tortilla press lined with plastic wrap or a rolling pin to create thin, delicate rounds. Gently stretch the dough on a clean towel until it becomes almost translucent, creating a delicate, fragile texture.

• Frying Technique

Heat oil to a medium-high temperature. Carefully slide each dough round into the hot oil, cooking until golden and crispy. Gently press with a spatula to prevent excessive bubbling. Remove and drain on paper towels, then immediately dust with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Serve while warm and crisp for maximum enjoyment.

Buñuelos Tips & Ideas

• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, ensuring evenly golden and crispy buñuelos without burning.
• Allow dough to rest at room temperature for better elasticity, making stretching and shaping easier without cracking or tearing.
• Experiment with different sugar toppings like piloncillo sugar, powdered sugar, or drizzle with honey for unique taste variations.
• No tortilla press? Use two heavy cutting boards or a rolling pin with plastic wrap to achieve thin, translucent dough rounds.
• Prepare dough balls in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bring to room temperature before shaping and frying for convenient entertaining.

Presenting Homemade Buñuelos

• Festive Brunch Companion: Pair these golden buñuelos with fresh Mexican hot chocolate for a delightful morning experience that celebrates traditional flavors.
• Sweet Dessert Platter: Create an elegant display with buñuelos arranged alongside fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of honey for an irresistible after-dinner treat.
• Family Gathering Centerpiece: Serve buñuelos warm as a communal snack during holiday celebrations, encouraging everyone to share and enjoy these crispy, sugar-coated delights together.
• Afternoon Tea Twist: Accompany these light, crunchy pastries with a robust Colombian coffee or smooth Mexican café de olla for a perfect mid-afternoon indulgence.

How to Store Buñuelos Properly

• Quick Cool-Down Strategy: Let buñuelos rest on paper towels immediately after frying to absorb extra oil and maintain crispy texture.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store cooled buñuelos in airtight containers lined with paper towels to prevent moisture buildup, keeping them crunchy for 2-3 days at room temperature.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Stack buñuelos between parchment paper layers inside sealed freezer bags, which allows easy separation and maintains quality for up to 3 weeks.
• Reheat Revival Method: Warm refrigerated or frozen buñuelos in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore original crispness, avoiding microwave which can make them soggy.