Mexican Cinnamon Buñuelos with Orange Syrup
Traditional Mexican fried dough crisps dusted with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a bright orange syrup for a festive treat. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 55 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 350 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
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Add 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 cup whole milk. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Step 2: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle about 6 inches in diameter.
- Step 4: Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to 350°F. Fry each dough circle for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden and puffed. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 5: Mix 1 cup granulated sugar with 2 tbsp ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Immediately toss the warm buñuelos in the cinnamon sugar to coat.
- Step 6: For the syrup, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 cup fresh orange juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 7: Drizzle the warm orange syrup over the cinnamon-coated buñuelos before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mexican Cinnamon Buñuelos with Orange Syrup take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Mexican Cinnamon Buñuelos with Orange Syrup?
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 Mexican Cinnamon Buñuelos with Orange Syrup?
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 Mexican Cinnamon Buñuelos with Orange Syrup 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 Mexican Cinnamon Buñuelos with Orange Syrup?
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.
