Pan-Fried Mexican Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar
Thin, crispy Mexican buñuelos fried to golden perfection and dusted with a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend for a delightful treat. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 45 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 220 calories and feeds 10, 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
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- for frying (about 4 cups) vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup additional granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar until well combined.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with 3/4 cup milk until smooth, then gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a clean towel and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Step 4: Heat about 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F.
- Step 5: Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and roll each piece on a floured surface into a thin circle about 6-7 inches in diameter.
- Step 6: Fry each dough circle one at a time in the hot oil for about 1 minute per side until golden and puffed, using tongs to flip carefully.
- Step 7: Remove the fried buñuelos and drain on paper towels. Immediately sprinkle each with a mixture of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tbsp ground cinnamon while still warm.
- Step 8: Serve warm for a crisp, sweet Mexican dessert experience.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Mexican Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (30 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 Mexican 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 Mexican 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 Mexican Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). 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 Mexican 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.
