Buñuelos

close up view of Buñuelos dough fritters on a plate

Buñuelos, golden fried Mexican fritters topped with cinnamon-sugar, are a holiday delicacy that's impossible to resist. You'll come back to this buñuelos recipe time and time again.

What Are Buñuelos?

Buñuelos are dough fritters covered in cinnamon-sugar. The dough balls are usually flattened into discs before frying. The dessert, which has Mexican and Spanish origins, is frequently served during the Christmas season and on New Year's with .

Buñuelos Ingredients

Buñuelos come together easily with ingredients you likely already have on hand. These are the ingredients you'll need for this buñuelos recipe:

  • Eggs: These buñuelos start with four large eggs.
  • Sugar: You'll need ¼ cup white sugar for the dough, plus another cup for the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  • Oil: Just a teaspoon of vegetable oil goes into the dough, but you'll need another cup for frying.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour adds structure and helps hold the dough together.
  • Baking powder: Baking powder acts as a leavener, which means it helps the dough rise.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor, but it won't make your buñuelos taste salty.
  • Cinnamon: Cinnamon (mixed with sugar) gives the buñuelos their signature warm and cozy flavor.

How to Make Buñuelos

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make buñuelos at home:

  1. Beat the wet ingredients together, then add the dry ingredients.
  2. Turn the dough out and knead until smooth. Roll the dough into balls.
  3. Shape each ball into a 5-inch circle. Let stand for 10 minutes.
  4. Fry until golden brown, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.

How to Store Buñuelos

It's best to eat buñuelos right away so they maintain their texture. If you have leftovers, though, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Editorial contributions by

Buñuelos

(17)
close up view of Buñuelos dough fritters on a plate
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
16

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs

  • ¼ cup white sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup white sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 cup vegetable oil for frying

Directions

  1. Beat eggs and 1/4 cup sugar in a large bowl until thick and lemon-colored; mix in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Combine 1 ½ cups of flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to egg mixture, mixing well until evenly combined.

  2. Turn dough out onto a floured board and knead thoroughly until dough is smooth.

  3. Shape dough into 16 even-sized balls. Flatten and roll each one into a very thin circle about 5 inches in diameter. Let stand uncovered on waxed paper for about 10 minutes.

  4. Meanwhile, combine 1 cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until evenly mixed; set aside. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  5. Lower one circle of dough carefully into the hot oil; fry until golden, turning once, about 30 seconds on each side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain; sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat with remaining dough. Serve or cool and store in airtight containers.

Editor's Note

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount may vary depending on cook time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

244 Calories
15g Fat
25g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 244
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g 20%
Saturated Fat 1g 7%
Cholesterol 47mg 16%
Sodium 181mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 25g 9%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 16g
Protein 3g 6%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 28mg 2%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 31mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.


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