Pan-Fried Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar
Traditional Mexican crispy fried dough discs dusted generously with cinnamon sugar, perfect for a festive dessert or a sweet snack. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 60 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 200 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
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (warm) milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp (melted) unsalted butter
- for frying, about 3 cups vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 3 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with 1/2 cup warm milk and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter.
- Step 3: Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Divide dough into 12 equal portions; roll each into a 6-inch thin circle.
- Step 5: Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat to 350°F.
- Step 6: Fry dough circles two at a time for 1-2 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Step 7: Mix 1 tbsp ground cinnamon with 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Step 8: While still warm, toss each buñuelo in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Step 9: Serve immediately or warm for best crisp texture.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (45 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 Pan-Fried Buñuelos with Cinnamon 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 Pan-Fried Buñuelos with Cinnamon 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 Pan-Fried Buñuelos with Cinnamon 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 Pan-Fried Buñuelos with Cinnamon 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.
