How to Make Sopapillas: Puffy Fried Pastries Drizzled with Honey 🍯✨

Sopapillas are one of those magical desserts that instantly transport you to the heart of Latin American kitchens. These golden, airy pastries puff up beautifully when fried, creating a hollow center that’s perfect for drizzling with honey or dusting with powdered sugar. Popular in Mexican, Tex-Mex, and South American cuisine, sopapillas are often enjoyed after a savory meal or served as a festive snack.

The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make at home with simple pantry staples. Whether you’re preparing them for Cinco de Mayo, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these light and crispy pillows of goodness are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Sopapilla Recipe

Authentic & Homemade – Skip the restaurant and make them fresh at home.
Light & Airy – Perfectly puffed and golden with a crisp exterior.
Sweet & Versatile – Drizzle with honey, dust with powdered sugar, or even fill them with whipped cream.
Simple Ingredients – Uses basic pantry staples you probably already have.
Crowd-Pleaser – A fun, interactive dessert that everyone loves.

Ingredients

You’ll need just a handful of ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour (480 g)
¼ cup vegetable shortening (51 g)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon honey (plus more for serving)
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups warm water (105–110°F, 360 mL)
Vegetable oil, for frying

Optional toppings: extra honey, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or chocolate sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, shortening, baking powder, honey, and salt.
Gradually stir in the warm water until a smooth dough forms.
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

2. Shape the Sopapillas

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 3-inch squares.

3. Heat the Oil

In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour vegetable oil to a depth of 1½ inches.
Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 375°F (190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain accuracy.
Line a baking sheet with paper towels for draining.

4. Fry the Sopapillas

Working in batches, carefully place the dough squares into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding.
Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, flipping once, until puffed and golden brown.
If a sopapilla doesn’t puff right away, gently press it under the oil with a spoon to encourage puffing.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

5. Serve

Serve warm, drizzled generously with honey.
For extra sweetness, dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.

Expert Tips & Variations

Encourage Puffing: The oil must be hot enough—if it’s below 375°F, the sopapillas may not puff.
Sweet or Savory: While traditionally sweet, you can skip the honey and serve them alongside savory dishes like chili or Carne Guisada.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
Air Fryer Option: Brush dough squares with oil and air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes for a lighter version.

Important Notes

Always use fresh oil for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t roll the dough too thin; ¼-inch thickness is key for puffing.
Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

Nutritional Information (per serving, 1 sopapilla with honey, approx.)

Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 9 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 120 mg

(Values vary depending on size and toppings.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I store leftover sopapillas?
Yes. Store cooled sopapillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

Q2: Why didn’t my sopapillas puff?
The oil may not have been hot enough, or the dough was rolled too thin. Be sure to maintain the oil at 375°F and keep the dough about ¼-inch thick.

Q3: Can I freeze sopapillas?
Yes! Fry them, cool completely, then freeze in a zip-top bag. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and crisp.

Q4: What can I serve with sopapillas?
Traditionally, they’re served with honey, but they also pair beautifully with cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce, or even ice cream.

✨ With their golden, puffy texture and sweet honey drizzle, homemade sopapillas are a must-try dessert that’s guaranteed to win hearts. Whether you enjoy them as a simple snack or a festive treat, this recipe brings authentic flavor and fun right to your kitchen.