Crisp Cinnamon Buñuelos with Orange Sugar
Thin, crispy Mexican-style fried dough rounds dusted with cinnamon sugar and brightened with a hint of orange zest. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 60 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 190 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
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp, finely grated orange zest
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly combined.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 3/4 cup whole milk and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter until smooth.
- Step 3: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
- Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 5: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, mix 1 cup granulated sugar with 2 tsp ground cinnamon and 1 tbsp finely grated orange zest in a shallow bowl.
- Step 7: Heat about 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep, heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F on a candy thermometer.
- Step 8: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a thin circle about 5 inches in diameter.
- Step 9: Fry each dough circle in the hot oil for about 1-2 minutes per side, flipping when bubbles form and the edges turn golden brown.
- Step 10: Using tongs, transfer the fried buñuelos to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Step 11: While still warm, immediately toss each buñuelo in the cinnamon-orange sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Step 12: Serve warm or at room temperature as a festive sweet treat.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crisp Cinnamon Buñuelos with Orange Sugar take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (40 min prep + 20 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 Crisp Cinnamon Buñuelos with Orange Sugar?
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 Crisp Cinnamon Buñuelos with Orange Sugar?
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 Crisp Cinnamon Buñuelos with Orange Sugar 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 Crisp Cinnamon Buñuelos with Orange Sugar?
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.
