If you are craving a warm, crispy, and sweet treat that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly delightful, you’re going to adore this Simple Homemade Sopapillas with Cinnamon Sugar and Honey Recipe. These fried pastries come out perfectly golden and puffy every time, with a pillow-like texture that’s just waiting to be drenched in honey and coated in cinnamon sugar. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent snack, this recipe brings a little fiesta to your kitchen with pantry staples and straightforward steps that anyone can master. Plus, nothing beats the joy of homemade sopapillas, fresh and warm from your own stove.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The first image shows two round dough balls resting side by side in a white bowl with a light flour dusting inside, placed on a white marbled surface with scattered flour around. The second image features the same white marbled surface where a light brown dough is rolled out flat in a rough oval shape. A wooden rolling pin with visible grain texture lies diagonally on top of the dough, its warm brown color contrasting with the pale dough and surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each component plays a vital role—from the flour providing the perfect chewy base, to the cinnamon sugar adding that iconic spicy-sweet crunch after frying. The balance between warm water and oil creates the unbeatable puffiness and golden color that makes sopapillas so irresistible.

2 cups all purpose flour: The foundation for a soft, yet sturdy dough that fries up perfectly puffed.
1 tablespoon sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance the dough’s flavor without overpowering.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the dough rise and puff up beautifully when fried.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the flavors in the dough.
¾ cup warm water: Warms the dough to help it come together smoothly and activate the baking powder.
2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for getting that crisp, golden-brown exterior.
½ cup sugar (for cinnamon sugar): Combines with cinnamon to create the perfect coating.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The warming spice that makes these sopapillas truly special.
¼ cup powdered sugar (for topping): Adds a delicate sweetness when sprinkled over the warm pastries.
2 tablespoons honey: The finishing touch that brings a sticky, luscious richness.

How to Make Simple Homemade Sopapillas with Cinnamon Sugar and Honey Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

First, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl using a fork. Once well combined, pour the warm water and avocado oil into the dry mixture and mix with your hands. The dough will be slightly sticky but keep working it in the bowl until it forms a manageable ball. This tactile step lets you connect with the dough, ensuring it’s just right for rolling out later.

Step 2: Knead and Rest the Dough

Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on top, but be careful not to overdo it and dry out your dough. Divide the dough into two balls, place them back in the bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let them rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This resting period is key—it relaxes the gluten, making your sopapillas lighter and puffier when fried.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

After the dough has rested, roll each ball out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape about ¼ inch thick. Then, using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 2-inch squares or your preferred size. Let these cut pieces rest for another 10 minutes while you prepare your frying setup. This short pause ensures the dough stays tender and pliable.

Step 4: Heat the Frying Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large deep skillet or Dutch oven until it measures about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Using a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven is a great idea as it maintains steady heat and reduces oil splatter—a big help when frying. Make sure the oil is hot enough by testing with a small piece of dough; it should bubble up immediately and float to the surface.

Step 5: Fry the Sopapillas

Carefully place 3 dough squares into the hot oil at a time. You’ll notice they briefly sink, then puff up and rise to the top—that’s the magic of this recipe in action! Fry each side until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and set on a cooling rack placed over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let the temperature of the oil recover before adding more dough to fry.

Step 6: Coat and Serve

While they’re still warm, dip or sprinkle the sopapillas with your homemade cinnamon sugar mixture for that signature sweet, spicy crunch. Alternatively, sprinkle powdered sugar and drizzle generously with honey for a luscious, sticky finish. These finishing touches make this Simple Homemade Sopapillas with Cinnamon Sugar and Honey Recipe absolutely unforgettable.

How to Serve Simple Homemade Sopapillas with Cinnamon Sugar and Honey Recipe

The image shows a white grid tray filled with two kinds of fried dough pillows, some dusted with white powdered sugar and others plain golden brown. On the right side of the tray, a small white bowl holds more of the golden brown pillows, and a woman's hand is dipping one pillow into a clear jar of amber honey with a wooden honey dipper resting on the jar. The background is a white marbled surface. The image captures the contrast between the white powdered sugar and the warm golden color of the fried pillows, highlighting their texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Beyond the classic cinnamon sugar and honey, try dusting your sopapillas with powdered sugar for a delicate finish or a splash of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a handful of berries can add a refreshing twist, balancing the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

These sopapillas pair wonderfully with a cup of rich Mexican hot chocolate or a simple café con leche for an authentic experience. For a savory-sweet combo, pair them alongside chorizo and eggs or a light fruit salad to round out your meal with exciting contrasts in flavor and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your sopapillas stacked in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin, pouring honey tableside for a dramatic touch. Alternatively, create individual dessert plates garnished with cinnamon sugar, honey drizzle, and a sprig of fresh mint or edible flowers for a festive celebration vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sopapillas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them crisp, avoid stacking tightly; instead, use parchment paper between layers. They’re best enjoyed within this timeframe for peak freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked sopapillas by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. This method prevents them from sticking together. Frozen sopapillas will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or leftover sopapillas in a hot oven (350°F) for about 5 to 7 minutes until crispy and warm throughout. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy. A quick re-fry in hot oil for 30 seconds also refreshes their crispiness beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser and less puffy. For best results, try a half-and-half mix with all-purpose flour to retain some lightness while adding whole grain flavor.

What should the oil temperature be for frying sopapillas?

The oil needs to be around 375°F to ensure the sopapillas puff up and cook quickly without absorbing too much oil. Use a thermometer for accuracy or test with a small piece of dough that should sizzle and float immediately.

Are sopapillas the same as churros?

They are both fried dough desserts but differ in shape, texture, and toppings. Sopapillas are puffed squares or rectangles often drizzled with honey and cinnamon sugar, while churros are ridged sticks coated in cinnamon sugar, sometimes filled or dipped in chocolate.

Can I make sopapillas vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no eggs or dairy. Just be sure to use a plant-based oil for frying and your toppings—honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave for a vegan-friendly sweetener.

Why do my sopapillas not puff up when frying?

Common reasons include oil not being hot enough, dough rolled too thick or uneven, or over-handling the dough causing it to lose elasticity. Make sure your oil is at 375°F and roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness for best puffing results.

Final Thoughts

Making Simple Homemade Sopapillas with Cinnamon Sugar and Honey Recipe from scratch is such a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and amazing aromas. These fluffy, golden pastries offer a perfect balance of crispiness and softness, topped with sweet cinnamon sugar and drizzled honey that feels like a big warm hug on a plate. Give this recipe a try—the joy of creating this restaurant-quality treat at home is truly unbeatable, and your loved ones will thank you for every bite!