Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe 🌮 | Soft & Authentic
There’s nothing quite like the smell and taste of freshly made flour tortillas. Soft, warm, and slightly chewy, they’re the foundation for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. While store-bought tortillas are convenient, making them at home gives you unbeatable freshness, flavor, and texture. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare with just a handful of pantry staples!
This recipe uses **simple ingredients—flour, fat, water, and salt—**to create authentic tortillas that puff beautifully on the skillet. Once you make these, you may never go back to packaged tortillas again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Soft & pliable – Perfect for wrapping without tearing.
- Simple ingredients – No preservatives or additives.
- Authentic taste – Just like abuela’s kitchen.
- Versatile – Ideal for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and even as a side for soups and stews.
Ingredients 🛒
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup lard or vegetable shortening
- ¾ cup warm water (adjust as needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
2️⃣ Incorporate the Fat
Add the lard (or shortening) to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3️⃣ Add Warm Water
Gradually pour in warm water, mixing as you go, until a soft, elastic dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
4️⃣ Rest the Dough
Divide the dough into 10–12 equal pieces. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps relax the gluten, making rolling easier.
5️⃣ Roll Out the Tortillas
On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a thin circle, about 6–8 inches in diameter. Keep the remaining dough covered while working.
6️⃣ Cook the Tortillas
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for 1–2 minutes per side, until lightly browned with golden spots. The tortilla should puff slightly as it cooks.
7️⃣ Keep Warm & Serve
Stack cooked tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm and soft. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tortillas 🌟
- Fat choice matters – Lard gives the most authentic flavor, but shortening or butter works too.
- Resting is key – Don’t skip the resting time; it makes rolling much easier.
- High heat = puffing – A hot skillet ensures the tortillas cook quickly and puff properly.
- Store properly – Wrap in foil or a towel, then place in a zip-top bag to keep soft.
Variations 🌮
- Whole Wheat Tortillas – Swap half the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Garlic Herb Tortillas – Add 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs.
- Butter Tortillas – Replace lard with butter for a slightly richer taste.
Storage & Reheating 🥡
- Room Temp: Store wrapped in a towel inside an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Fridge: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between tortillas to prevent sticking.
- Reheat: Warm on a dry skillet or wrap in foil and bake at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Nutrition (per tortilla, 1 of 12) 📊
- Calories: ~120
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
1. Can I use butter instead of lard?
Yes! Butter works, but the flavor will be slightly different—still delicious.
2. Why aren’t my tortillas puffing?
Your skillet may not be hot enough, or the dough may be too thick. Roll thinner and use higher heat.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Keep the dough balls covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before rolling and cooking.
4. Do I need baking powder?
It helps with puffing and softness, but you can omit it for a more traditional flat style.