Go Back

Sopapillas Recipe

Inspired by the Southwestern flavors of New Mexico, these pillowy sopapillas served with honey offer a delightful dessert experience.
Print Pin
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Canola oil peanut oil, or lard for frying
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt by whisking thoroughly. Form a well in the center and pour in the milk and honey. Stir together with a spoon or by hand until a sticky dough begins to take shape. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and set it aside to rest for 20 minutes.
  • Pour oil into a cast iron skillet or medium-sized pot until it reaches a depth of about three inches. Begin heating the oil to 300°F. Lightly flour your rolling surface and pin. If the dough remains sticky post-resting, lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
  • Transfer the dough to the floured surface and roll it out to approximately 1/8-inch thickness in a rough square shape. Slice the dough into rectangles measuring roughly 4 by 3 inches. Prepare a tray lined with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth to absorb excess oil.
  • Increase the oil temperature to 375°F. Gently place two to three rectangles at a time into the hot oil. Fry each batch for about one minute, flipping halfway through. The sopapillas should puff and achieve a light golden color, avoiding over-crispness. Move each batch to the lined tray to drain. Continue until all pieces are fried.
  • For optimal taste, serve immediately. Alternatively, keep the sopapillas warm in an oven preheated to 200°F while finishing the remainder. Offer alongside honey and apricot preserves for a classic presentation.

Notes

Always test-fry a single sopapilla first. If it fails to puff, the dough may need to be rolled thinner. Adjust accordingly for remaining pieces.