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Fluffy, hollow pillows of golden-fried dough, a beloved treat from the American Southwest. Perfect for drizzling with honey or dusting with cinnamon sugar, these pastries are wonderfully light and satisfying.
Prepare the Dough
Rest the Dough
Shape the Sopapillas
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Fluffy, hollow pillows of golden-fried dough, a beloved treat from the American Southwest. Perfect for drizzling with honey or dusting with cinnamon sugar, these pastries are wonderfully light and satisfying.
This southwest recipe takes 45 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 607.47 calories per serving with 6.53g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for dessert or snack.
Fry the Sopapillas
Drain and Serve
Omit the sweet toppings. After frying, split the sopapillas open and stuff them with savory fillings like seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and lettuce to create a main dish.
For a nuttier flavor and more fiber, replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You may need to add a little extra water as whole wheat flour is more absorbent.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg directly into the dry ingredients when making the dough for a warm, spiced flavor throughout.
Instead of honey or cinnamon sugar, try serving with chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
The refined carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour provide a rapid source of energy, which can be useful for a quick boost.
Enjoying a warm, sweet, and satisfying treat like sopapillas can provide a sense of comfort and pleasure, which may help improve mood and reduce stress.
The most common reasons are incorrect oil temperature (too low or too high) or the dough being rolled too thick. Ensure your oil is at a steady 375°F (190°C) and the dough is rolled to an even 1/8-inch thickness.
While you can try, they will not puff up into the classic hollow pillows. Air frying will result in a texture more like a baked biscuit or flatbread rather than the light, crispy, fried pastry.
Sopapillas are best eaten immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore some crispness.
Sopapillas are a deep-fried dessert and are high in calories, fat, and refined carbohydrates. They are best enjoyed as an occasional treat in moderation rather than a regular part of a healthy diet.
One serving of four sopapillas with toppings contains approximately 610 calories. This can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the quantity of toppings used.