Mexican Buñuelos are a traditional dessert that are crispy, sweet, and coated in cinnamon sugar. Often served during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, these fried dough treats are perfect for any festive occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy this delicious dessert that brings a bit of Mexican culture and flavor to your table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Buñuelos Recipe
What makes this Mexican Buñuelos recipe so special is its simplicity and irresistible flavor. The combination of crispy fried dough and sweet cinnamon sugar creates the perfect treat that is sure to be loved by everyone in your family. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just looking for a quick snack, buñuelos are an easy and fun recipe to make. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a dessert or even with a warm drink like Mexican hot chocolate or atole.
Ingredients for Mexican Buñuelos
To make these delicious Mexican Buñuelos, you only need a few pantry staples. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and their role in the recipe:
• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base for the dough.
• Baking powder: Helps the dough rise and puff up when fried.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• Warm water: Hydrates the dough and helps it come together.
• Oil for frying: Used to fry the dough until golden and crispy.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cinnamon sugar coating.
• Ground cinnamon: The key ingredient for the deliciously aromatic and flavorful sugar coating.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking for swaps or alternatives, here are a few ideas:
- Gluten-free flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
- Coconut oil: For a slightly different flavor, you can use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for frying.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Mexican Buñuelos
Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of crispy and sweet Mexican Buñuelos:
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Add the warm water and 4 tablespoons of oil, then mix with a spoon or your hands until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, roll the dough into a ball, place it in a bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough: After the dough has rested, divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into an 8 to 10-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Be sure to lay the rolled-out dough flat without stacking them to prevent sticking.
- Fry the dough: Heat the frying oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry each dough circle for about 60 seconds, turning once with metal tongs until both sides are golden brown. Transfer the fried dough onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Add cinnamon sugar: While the buñuelos are still warm, sprinkle them generously with cinnamon sugar. This will help the coating stick and add that irresistible sweet touch.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Mexican Buñuelos
- Avoid air pockets: When frying the dough, use metal tongs to gently press the dough into the oil during the first few seconds of frying to prevent large air pockets from forming. This ensures a crisp, evenly fried buñuelo.
- Cinnamon sugar coating: Be sure to sprinkle the cinnamon sugar while the buñuelos are still hot to ensure it sticks well.
- Storing leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container, but note that they may lose some of their crispiness.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Mexican Buñuelos
Mexican Buñuelos are often enjoyed during the holidays, but they can be paired with many other delicious treats or drinks. Here are some ideas to serve with them:
- Hot drinks: Serve your buñuelos with a warm cup of Mexican hot chocolate, champurrado, or atole for a comforting and festive treat.
- Sauces: You can drizzle your buñuelos with a little honey or dulce de leche for extra sweetness.
- Spicy variation: For a twist, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar to give your buñuelos a bit of a kick.
Why Mexican Buñuelos Are Perfect for the Holidays
Mexican Buñuelos are deeply rooted in Mexican culture and are often made during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. These crispy treats are easy to make, versatile, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Their warm cinnamon flavor and satisfying crunch make them a favorite at any holiday celebration.
Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or simply indulging in a comforting snack, Mexican Buñuelos will undoubtedly bring a touch of Mexican tradition and joy to your home.
Conclusion: Enjoying Mexican Buñuelos at Home
In conclusion, Mexican Buñuelos are a simple yet indulgent treat that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply looking for a delicious dessert to share with friends and family, these fried dough discs covered in cinnamon sugar will surely become a favorite. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create these crispy, sweet delights that bring the flavors of Mexican tradition right into your kitchen. Don’t forget to pair them with your favorite warm drink, and enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Mexican Buñuelos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading and resting the dough, wrap it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to fry, let it come to room temperature before rolling and cooking. You can also make the buñuelos in advance and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days.
2. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
While vegetable oil is the most common choice for frying Mexican Buñuelos, you can also use other oils with a high smoking point, such as canola oil or sunflower oil. Just make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F) for the best results.
3. How do I store leftover Mexican Buñuelos?
Store leftover buñuelos at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, you can place a paper towel inside the container to absorb any moisture. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to 2 months, but they may lose some of their crunch once thawed.
More Relevant Recipes
Print
Mexican Buñuelos
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 buñuelos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mexican Buñuelos are a crispy, sweet fried dough dessert, traditionally served during the holidays like Christmas and New Year’s. Coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, they make the perfect treat for family gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 4 tablespoons oil (plus 2 or more cups for frying)
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add warm water and 4 tablespoons oil, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Roll out each ball on a floured surface into an 8-10 inch circle.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry each dough circle for about 60 seconds, turning once until golden brown.
- Remove the fried dough and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While the buñuelos are still warm, sprinkle generously with cinnamon-sugar mix and serve.
Notes
- Use metal tongs to keep the dough submerged while frying to prevent large air pockets.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar while the buñuelos are still warm for the best coating.
- Store leftover buñuelos in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 buñuelo
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 158mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
