Cinnamon Sugar Buñuelos with Mexican Chocolate Sauce
Traditional Mexican fried dough pastries dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a rich, spiced Mexican chocolate dipping sauce. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar 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 420 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup milk
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar for coating
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon for coating
- 2 oz, chopped Mexican chocolate bar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon for sauce
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add 1 large egg and 3/4 cup milk; stir until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth, about 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin 6-inch circle.
- Step 3: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry dough circles, one or two at a time, for about 1-2 minutes on each side until puffed and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 4: Mix 1 cup granulated sugar with 2 tsp ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While still warm, toss each fried buñuelo in the cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.
- Step 5: For the chocolate sauce, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and add 2 oz chopped Mexican chocolate, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 6: Serve buñuelos warm with the Mexican chocolate sauce for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cinnamon Sugar Buñuelos with Mexican Chocolate Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Cinnamon Sugar Buñuelos with Mexican Chocolate Sauce?
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 Cinnamon Sugar Buñuelos with Mexican Chocolate Sauce?
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 Cinnamon Sugar Buñuelos with Mexican Chocolate Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Cinnamon Sugar Buñuelos with Mexican Chocolate Sauce?
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.
