Easy Homemade Buñuelos: Delicious Comfort Food!

Okay, here we go, fellow comfort seekers! Let’s talk about something that brings pure joy to my family – Homemade Buñuelos. I remember the first time I attempted these. My little one, Sofia, was having a rough day, and I wanted to create something comforting. The store-bought cookies just weren’t cutting it. I stumbled upon a Buñuelos Recipe Easy online, and figured, “Why not?”. The first batch? Well, let’s just say they were…rustic. But Sofia’s face lit up with that first bite of Cinnamon Sugar Buñuelos, and I knew I was onto something special. It was a total comfort food win, friends!

Now, making Homemade Buñuelos has become a tradition. I tweaked the recipe over time, figuring out what works best for my cozy chaos. The comforting aroma fills the house, and everyone gathers around, ready to devour these little pieces of fried dough heaven. My journey to perfect Homemade Buñuelos wasn’t instant success. There was a lot of trial and error and “kitchen moments” to overcome, but trust me, it’s all so worth it.

These aren’t just any fried dough pastry; they’re memories waiting to be made. It’s the kind of dish that instantly warms the soul. It truly brings the family together with all hands ready to help make these treats.

This Homemade Buñuelos is so important to me because it creates a sense of comfort and tradition. I’ve created my own versions of this dish, but I’m still improving. It’s an ongoing goal. So I am inviting all my busy moms to join in and get to making some truly amazing, simple comfort food.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you need for these crispy, sweet delights. Trust me, this Homemade Buñuelos ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

Ingredients for Homemade Buñuelos: flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, shortening, water, oil, and cinnamon.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our dough. You can use bread flour too, for extra chewiness.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder: This gives the Homemade Buñuelos a little lift.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough itself.
  • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening: This is what creates a flaky texture.
  • 3/4 cup warm water: This binds everything together.
  • Vegetable oil, for frying: You’ll need enough to submerge the Homemade Buñuelos.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For coating the finished Homemade Buñuelos.
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Because Cinnamon Sugar Buñuelos are the best!

No worries if you don’t have shortening; I use butter for extra comfort in my Homemade Buñuelos. My kids love the buttery flavor! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.

This Homemade Buñuelos proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. I usually double the batch because they disappear so fast! I also add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of cozy flavor. My family gets extra comfort when I add a dash of orange zest to the dough! It makes them so festive.

Here’s a Homemade Buñuelos comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a large ziplock bag for easy coating. One less dish is always a win!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, fellow comfort food warriors, let’s get to frying! Don’t be intimidated; this Homemade Buñuelos recipe is easier than you think.

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This ensures everything is evenly distributed for a perfect Homemade Buñuelos.
  2. Cut in Shortening: Add the shortening and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is key for that flaky texture we all love in our Homemade Buñuelos.
  3. Add Warm Water: Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly sticky. Don’t worry if your Homemade Buñuelos dough looks a little shaggy. It will come together as you knead it.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten and makes the Homemade Buñuelos easier to roll out.
  5. Let the Dough Rest: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
  6. Heat the Oil: While the dough is resting, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature. If it’s too hot, the Homemade Buñuelos will burn on the outside before they cook through.
  7. Divide and Roll Out: Divide the dough into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball out into a thin, round shape. The thinner you roll them, the crispier they will be. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Homemade Buñuelos usually takes about 15 minutes to roll out all the dough balls.
  8. Fry the Buñuelos: Carefully place each Homemade Buñuelos into the hot oil, one at a time. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. They should puff up slightly. Your Homemade Buñuelos should smell amazing by now!
  9. Drain and Coat: Remove the Fried Dough Pastry from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, coat them generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture. I like to toss them in a large ziplock bag for even coverage.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Homemade Buñuelos – I would overcrowd the pot, and they wouldn’t cook evenly. Learn from my experience! Don’t worry if your Homemade Buñuelos isn’t perfectly round. The imperfections are part of their charm!

While your Homemade Buñuelos is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! It makes the experience even more rewarding. Also, check out this helpful Easy Buñuelos (4 ingredient Mexican dessert!) – Kitchen Gidget to use as a backup.

How We Love to Eat This!

This Homemade Buñuelos is more than just a dessert; it’s a moment of joy, a warm hug on a plate.

The kids devour this comforting Homemade Buñuelos when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. It’s a simple yet satisfying treat. For a cozy fall evening, I love serving this Homemade Buñuelos with a warm cup of Mexican hot chocolate. It’s the perfect pairing.

This Homemade Buñuelos is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I also love making these for special occasions like Christmas. Christmas Buñuelos are a tradition in our home.

Presentation matters, even with simple dishes! I like to arrange the Homemade Buñuelos on a pretty plate and dust them with extra cinnamon sugar. Makes them look extra inviting!

Leftovers? If there are any (which is rare!), I like to crush them and use them as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.

One time, I made a batch of Homemade Buñuelos for a potluck, and they were gone in minutes! Everyone raved about them.

We even tried drizzling Mexican Buñuelos with honey instead of cinnamon sugar once. It was delicious! The options are endless! Check out this Mexican Bunuelos – Isabel Eats for more information and ideas.

These treats remind me of Garlic Herb Cheeseball for another family favorite!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common concerns about making Homemade Buñuelos that I’ve heard from fellow moms.

  • Is this Homemade Buñuelos really filling enough for growing kids?
    Yes! While they are a treat, the dough does contain flour and shortening, providing some substance. Serve them with a side of fruit or yogurt for a more balanced snack.
  • What if my picky eater won’t try this Homemade Buñuelos?
    Get them involved in the process! Let them help roll out the dough or sprinkle the cinnamon sugar. Kids are more likely to try something they helped make. Also, offer a small amount alongside something you know they love.
  • Can I meal prep this Homemade Buñuelos for busy weeks ahead?
    You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out. However, the Homemade Buñuelos are best when fried fresh.
  • Can I bake these instead of frying?
    While frying gives them the signature crispy texture, you can try baking them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. They won’t be as crispy, but still delicious.
  • What if I don’t have vegetable shortening?
    You can substitute with butter or coconut oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
  • My dough is too sticky! What do I do?
    Add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is easier to handle.
  • Can I freeze Homemade Buñuelos?
    Yes, you can freeze fried Homemade Buñuelos. Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
  • How can I make these gluten-free?
    Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount of water slightly to achieve the right consistency. This Traditional mexican bunuelos recipe might also provide some insite
  • What other toppings can I use besides cinnamon sugar?
    Try drizzling with honey, chocolate syrup, or caramel sauce. You can also sprinkle with powdered sugar or chopped nuts.

If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for Italian Penicillin Soup!

Final Thoughts:

This Homemade Buñuelos is not just about the recipe; it’s about creating moments of joy and connection with your family. It supports my family’s comfort food goals by being simple, satisfying, and customizable to our tastes. Plus, it allows the little ones to get involved.

My Homemade Buñuelos Comfort Hacks:

  • Use a pizza cutter to quickly cut the dough into strips for easier frying.
  • Keep a close eye on the oil temperature to prevent burning.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavors!

Here are some family-tested Homemade Buñuelos variations:

  • Chocolate Buñuelos: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist. My son, Leo, loves these!
  • Orange Buñuelos: Add orange zest to the dough and drizzle with orange glaze. Sofia prefers this version.
  • Spicy Buñuelos: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar for a little kick.

I encourage you to make this Homemade Buñuelos your own! Experiment with different flavors and toppings to create a dish that your family will love. I hope this brings as much joy to your family as it does to mine! Let these Christmas Buñuelos be the starting point for a great tradition. This comforting Homemade Buñuelos reminds me of another family favorite: Chicken Parmesan Soup.

Golden Homemade Buñuelos sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.

Remember, fellow moms, you’ve got this! Embrace the cozy chaos, and enjoy the process of creating delicious memories with your family. Happy frying, and may your Homemade Buñuelos be golden and delicious!

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Homemade Buñuelos

Enjoy these crispy and delightful homemade buñuelos, a traditional treat perfect for any occasion. Lightly fried and dusted with cinnamon sugar, they’re simply irresistible!

  • Author: Beatriz
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Fried
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons shortening
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
  2. Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
  5. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  6. In a shallow dish, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and cinnamon.
  7. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  8. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
  9. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece of dough into a thin circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
  10. Carefully place one buñuelo at a time into the hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
  11. Remove the buñuelo from the oil and immediately dredge it in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating it completely.
  12. Repeat with the remaining dough.
  13. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For an extra touch, drizzle the buñuelos with honey or chocolate sauce.

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