Baked Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting
Light and crispy Mexican-style buñuelos baked to golden perfection and dusted with cinnamon sugar for a festive treat. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 32 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp, chilled and cubed unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar.
- Step 2: Cut 3 tbsp chilled cubed unsalted butter into the flour mixture using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk 3/4 cup milk, 1 large egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Step 4: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Divide into 12 equal portions.
- Step 5: Roll each portion into a thin circle about 6 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough circles to the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and crisp, rotating sheets halfway through for even baking.
- Step 7: While the buñuelos bake, mix 1 tbsp ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Step 8: Remove the buñuelos from the oven and immediately toss each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating both sides.
- Step 9: Serve warm or at room temperature as a sweet snack or dessert.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Baked Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting?
Mexican desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
