Bunuelos: Magical 2-Step Crispy Delight

Name: Bunuelos: Magical 2-Step Crispy Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons melted butter; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

by Manar Jota

September 14, 2025

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Bunuelos have been a magical part of my holiday traditions for as long as I can remember. The aroma of cinnamon and sugar filling the kitchen, the satisfying crunch, and that delicate, airy texture – it’s pure bliss! Learning how to make bunuelos truly felt like unlocking a family secret. These aren’t just any fried dough; they’re a taste of home, a sweet connection to my heritage. I’ve found that making them at home is easier than you might think, and the result is incredibly rewarding. Let’s get cooking and create some delicious memories together!

Why You’ll Love This Bunuelos Recipe

You’re going to adore this bunuelos recipe for so many reasons. They boast an irresistible taste that’s perfectly sweet with a hint of cinnamon, making them a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, this easy bunuelos recipe comes together quickly, with most of the time spent on resting and frying, not complicated prep work.

Incredibly delicious, crispy, and sweet flavor
Quick prep time makes it perfect for weeknights
Budget-friendly ingredients mean you can make them often
A fantastic family-friendly activity and dessert
Healthier than many fried desserts when made at home
This easy bunuelos recipe is straightforward for beginners
Satisfies a sweet craving with minimal effort
A wonderful way to share cultural traditions

Bunuelos Ingredients

Gathering the right bunuelos ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful treats. This bunuelos recipe calls for simple pantry staples that combine to create a wonderfully light and crispy fried dough. You’ll need 2 cups all-purpose flour for the base, along with 2 teaspoons baking powder to help them puff up beautifully. A pinch of 1/4 teaspoon salt balances the sweetness, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness directly into the dough.

For moisture and richness, we’ll use 1 large egg, 1/2 cup milk, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. The butter adds a lovely subtle flavor and helps create a tender crumb. For frying, make sure you have plenty of vegetable oil. Finally, to get that classic sweet finish, you’ll need 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for coating.

How to Make Authentic Bunuelos

Let’s dive into making these delicious authentic bunuelos! This part of the bunuelos recipe is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful dessert. The key is to follow these steps carefully to achieve that perfect crispy texture.

Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare your coating mixture. In a shallow dish, combine the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Stir well until evenly mixed. This is what your warm buñuelos will be coated in for that irresistible sweet crunch.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the initial 1/4 cup sugar. This dry mixture forms the base of our bunuelos dough recipe.
Step 3: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the 1 large egg, 1/2 cup milk, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. This wet mixture adds moisture and richness to the dough.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or spatula until the ingredients are just combined. It’s important not to overmix the bunuelos dough recipe; a few lumps are perfectly fine and contribute to a lighter texture.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with the dough and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to handle.
Step 6: While the dough rests, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches exactly 375°F (190°C). Proper oil temperature is crucial for achieving those perfect, airy, and crispy buñuelos.
Step 7: Now, it’s time to form your buñuelos. Gently stretch or roll out small portions of the rested dough. You can make them into classic round shapes, or for a fun twist, cut them into strips.
Step 8: Carefully slide a few buñuelos into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. You’ll see them float and bubble – that’s a good sign!
Step 9: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried buñuelos from the oil. Immediately dip them into the waiting cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. The heat from the buñuelos helps the coating adhere perfectly.
Step 10: Place the coated buñuelos on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to cool slightly. Enjoy your wonderfully homemade buñuelos!

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Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Bunuelos

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really elevate these delicious fried dough treats. Following these tips will help ensure your homemade bunuelos are perfectly crispy and flavorful every single time.

Make sure your oil is at the precise temperature of 375°F (190°C) before frying. Too cool and they’ll be greasy; too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Give the buñuelos enough space so they can float freely and cook evenly on all sides.
Work in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure consistent results for your bunuelos dough recipe.
Gently stretching the dough rather than rolling it too thin helps create those lovely air pockets that make them so light and crispy.

What’s the secret to perfect bunuelos?

The real secret to perfect bunuelos is a combination of properly heated oil and not overworking the dough. This crispy bunuelos recipe relies on the dough being relaxed and the oil being just right for that signature puff and crunch. For more insights into achieving perfect fried dough, you might find resources on the science of frying helpful.

Can I make bunuelos ahead of time?

You can prepare the bunuelos dough recipe a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, for the best crispy texture, it’s ideal to fry and coat them just before serving. They tend to lose their crispness if fried too far ahead.

How do I avoid common mistakes with bunuelos?

A common pitfall is oil that’s not hot enough, leading to greasy bunuelos. Another mistake is overmixing the dough, which can make them tough. Always ensure your cinnamon-sugar coating is ready before you start frying so you can coat them immediately.

Best Ways to Serve Bunuelos Dessert

These delightful sweet bunuelos recipe creations are a joy to serve! My favorite way is to pile them high on a festive platter, dusted generously with that warm cinnamon sugar. They’re absolutely perfect on their own, offering a satisfying crunch and sweet flavor that everyone loves. For a more indulgent experience, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of dulce de leche. You could also pair them with a creamy hot chocolate or a rich coffee. If you’re looking for more dessert inspiration, check out our collection of recipes.

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Nutrition Facts for Bunuelos

When enjoying these delightful bunuelos, it’s helpful to know their nutritional breakdown. This bunuelos recipe makes about 12-15 servings, with our calculation based on approximately 2 buñuelos per serving.

Calories: 200
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 100mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Bunuelos

Once you’ve mastered making bunuelos at home, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them as fresh as possible. After frying and coating, let your delicious bunuelos cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial to prevent any sogginess. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you have a lot of leftover bunuelos, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. For more tips on food storage, you can consult resources like the FoodSafety.gov charts.

To reheat your frozen or leftover bunuelos, the oven is your best friend for restoring crispness. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at around 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make fried dough soft and chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bunuelos

I get asked a lot about these delicious fried dough treats! Here are some of the most common questions I hear when people are first learning how to make bunuelos.

What are bunuelos?

So, what are bunuelos exactly? They are a traditional fried dough pastry, often enjoyed as a dessert or sweet snack. Originating from Spain, they’ve become incredibly popular in Latin America, especially in Mexico, where they are a staple during holidays like Christmas. They’re typically made from a simple dough, fried until golden and puffy, and then coated in cinnamon sugar.

What is the best way to serve bunuelos?

The beauty of bunuelos is their versatility! My favorite way to serve them is warm, fresh from the fryer, and coated in that classic cinnamon-sugar mixture. They’re perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate. For a real treat, try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It makes for a truly decadent dessert experience. If you’re interested in other sweet treats, you might like our Chinese-style Mango Chicken Stir-Fry.

Can I make bunuelos with gluten-free flour?

While this traditional bunuelos recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can definitely experiment with gluten-free blends! The key is to use a good quality gluten-free flour mix that contains xanthan gum for binding. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently. The texture might vary slightly, but you can still achieve a delicious result.

Are bunuelos difficult to make?

Honestly, I used to think they were intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, this easy bunuelos recipe is quite straightforward. The most crucial part is getting the oil temperature right for frying. Once you have that down, the rest is just mixing, resting, shaping, and frying. It’s a fun process, and the results are so worth it! For more cooking tips, you can visit my About Me page.

Bunuelos Variations You Can Try

While this traditional bunuelos recipe is fantastic on its own, there are so many fun ways to customize these delightful fried dough treats! I love experimenting with different flavors and even cooking methods to keep things interesting.

Orange Zest Bunuelos: For a bright, citrusy twist, add the zest of one orange to the dry ingredients. This little addition really elevates the flavor profile and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar.
Sweet Potato Bunuelos: Incorporate mashed sweet potato into the dough for a slightly different texture and a subtle, earthy sweetness. This variation makes them feel a bit more substantial and is a wonderful addition to a traditional bunuelos recipe.
Baked Bunuelos: If you’re looking for a slightly lighter option, try baking your bunuelos instead of frying. Brush them with melted butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown. They won’t be as crispy as the fried version, but they’re still delicious!
Glazed Bunuelos: Instead of cinnamon sugar, try a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a splash of milk or lime juice. This offers a different kind of sweetness and a lovely smooth finish.