Alright, flavor adventurers, buckle up because I’m about to drop a sweet bomb on you: Homemade Buñuelos! I’m talking about those crispy, golden discs of fried dough, dusted with cinnamon sugar that practically scream “fiesta in your mouth!” This isn’t just any dessert; this is a taste of pure, unadulterated joy.
I remember the first time I had a truly great buñuelo. I was at a little street fair, the air thick with the smell of roasting meats and sweet spices. But then, BAM! This unassuming little booth was serving up these glistening circles of happiness. One bite and I was hooked. I knew right then that I had to recreate this magic in my own kitchen!
The journey to perfecting this Homemade Buñuelos recipe was a wild ride. There were tears (of frustration!), there were dough explosions (literally!), but finally, after countless batches, I cracked the code. Now, I’m unleashing this flavor masterpiece on you! And trust me, this Homemade Buñuelos recipe is worth every single second.
This recipe is all about big flavors and even bigger smiles. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a fiesta with these golden discs of joy! Let’s make some Homemade Buñuelos that’ll have everyone begging for more, just like they do when I roll them out at my parties. This Homemade Buñuelos is the definition of Cuba Queen’s bold flavor philosophy.
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our crispy dreams. Don’t skimp – good quality flour makes all the difference!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This little helper gives our Homemade Buñuelos that light, airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening: The secret to a tender, flaky crust. Trust me on this one.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Activates the gluten and brings the dough together.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: For that golden, crispy perfection!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a touch of spice.
This Homemade Buñuelos ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! The secret to epic Homemade Buñuelos is using shortening instead of butter. Trust me; the texture is next-level.
You’ll find the best ingredients for these delightful Homemade Buñuelos at your local Latin market, or even a well-stocked grocery store. Splurge on the good cinnamon – trust me, you will taste the difference. For a flavor boost, add a pinch of nutmeg to your cinnamon-sugar mixture. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, a little orange zest in the dough adds a lovely citrusy note.
If you’re on a budget, don’t worry! You can use regular vegetable oil for frying. It works just as well as the pricier stuff. Store your flour in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Don’t stress – your Homemade Buñuelos is going to be incredible.
- Cut in the shortening: Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pro tip for Homemade Buñuelos perfection: Make sure the shortening is cold!
- Add the water: Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Here’s where most people mess up their Homemade Buñuelos – but not you! Don’t overmix the dough; just bring it together.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. In my kitchen, this Homemade Buñuelos takes exactly 6 minutes to knead.
- Let the dough rest: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out. While your Homemade Buñuelos is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
- Prepare the cinnamon-sugar: In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This is your ticket to flavor paradise!
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Your Homemade Buñuelos should look golden brown and puffy when fried.
- Roll out the dough: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a thin circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter. The thinner, the crispier! This is where your Homemade Buñuelos transforms into pure magic.
- Fry the buñuelos: Carefully place one or two buñuelos into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Drain and coat: Remove the Homemade Buñuelos from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, dredge them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating them completely. Your Homemade Buñuelos should smell like a sweet, spicy dream.
- Serve and enjoy! Serve immediately and watch them disappear. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Homemade Buñuelos!
PRESENTATION:
Presentation is KEY when it comes to Homemade Buñuelos. Pile them high on a platter, dusted generously with that cinnamon-sugar. A drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes things to the next level.
These crispy Homemade Buñuelos absolutely slay at dinner parties! I love to serve them with a side of Mexican hot chocolate for dipping. The warmth and spice of the chocolate perfectly complement the crispy sweetness of the buñuelos.
For a truly Instagram-worthy presentation, arrange the buñuelos in a spiral pattern on a plate. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint. I’ve seen people literally gasp when I bring out a platter of these!
Got leftovers? (Highly unlikely, but let’s pretend.) Crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a sweet and crunchy treat. They also make a fantastic addition to a breakfast parfait.
For a seasonal twist, try adding a pinch of pumpkin spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture in the fall. Or, in the summer, top them with fresh mango salsa for a tropical vibe.
Speaking of amazing flavors, have you tried my Creamy Reuben Soup? It’s a flavor adventure on another level.
FAQs:
- Can I make this Homemade Buñuelos spicier?
- Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your cinnamon-sugar mixture for a fiery kick. In fact, I once accidentally dumped a whole teaspoon of cayenne and the results were shockingly delicious! I’m all about those happy accidents, flavor adventurers.
- What if I don’t have shortening for my Homemade Buñuelos?
- You can use butter, but the texture will be slightly different. Shortening creates a flakier crust. If you want an amazing flavor, try coconut oil!
- How do I know when my Homemade Buñuelos is perfectly done?
- They should be golden brown and crispy on both sides. Don’t overcrowd the pot, or the oil temperature will drop, resulting in soggy buñuelos. I struggled with this in my first few batches.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes! You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. That is what I do when I need a quick and tasty treat!
- What kind of oil is best for frying?
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil all work well. Choose an oil with a high smoke point. My personal choice is peanut oil, but remember to keep allergies in mind.
- Can I bake these instead of frying them?
- While I haven’t personally tested it, baking them will result in a completely different texture. Frying gives them that characteristic crispiness. I encourage you to try them fried first, and then let me know how the baking goes!
- How do I keep my Homemade Buñuelos from getting soggy?
- Make sure the oil is hot enough. Drain them well on a wire rack lined with paper towels. Don’t stack them on top of each other until they’ve cooled slightly. This is my secret!
If you are craving more Mexican flavors, give this link a click to see Mexican Buñuelos – Isabel Eats.
CONCLUSION:

This Homemade Buñuelos recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor, a testament to the joy of sharing good food with good company. It embodies everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple techniques, and unforgettable experiences.
My Homemade Buñuelos Power Tips:
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing leads to tough buñuelos.
- Roll the dough thin: Thin dough = crispy buñuelos.
- Maintain the oil temperature: Too low, and they’ll be soggy; too high, and they’ll burn.
Here are some amazing variations I’ve created:
- Chocolate-Dipped Buñuelos: Dip the fried buñuelos in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts. These are always a hit!
- Lemon-Glazed Buñuelos: Drizzle with a tangy lemon glaze.
- Dulce de Leche-Filled Buñuelos: Spread a layer of dulce de leche between two buñuelos. OMG.
The Chocolate-Dipped version gets the biggest reactions, hands down.
I’m confident that you, flavor adventurer, can make this Homemade Buñuelos recipe your own signature dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!
For more bold flavor adventures, check out my White Lasagna Soup Recipe and my Parmesan Mushroom Chicken Soup – they’re guaranteed to blow your mind! And for a deeper dive into the delicious world of fried dough, check out this article on [Sopapillas and Buñuelos: Origins and Variations in New Mexican …].
Go forth and create some Homemade Buñuelos memories! And don’t forget to share your results with me. I can’t wait to see your flavor masterpieces! Find another great recipe for buñuelos at [Easy Buñuelos (4 ingredient Mexican dessert!) – Kitchen Gidget].
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Homemade Buñuelos
These crispy, golden-brown buñuelos are a delightful treat, perfect for dipping in cinnamon sugar or your favorite syrup. This easy homemade recipe brings the taste of Mexico to your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 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 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, combine the 1/2 cup of sugar and cinnamon.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
- Carefully place one buñuelo at a time into the hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the buñuelo from the oil and immediately place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While still warm, dredge the buñuelo in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating both sides.
- Repeat with the remaining dough. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a fun twist, try drizzling buñuelos with chocolate syrup or honey. They’re also delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

