Skillet Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar
Golden fried Mexican buñuelos dusted with cinnamon sugar, crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfect for an indulgent treat. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 40 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 250 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
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- for frying, about 3 cups vegetable oil
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup extra granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Add 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 cup whole milk. Stir until a soft dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 2: Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a 6-inch thin round disc using a rolling pin, dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Heat about 3 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to 350°F. Fry each disc one at a time for 1-2 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown, turning carefully with tongs.
- Step 4: Remove buñuelos with a slotted spoon onto paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, toss them in a mixture of 2 tsp ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until evenly coated.
- Step 5: Serve immediately for crispness with optional honey or syrup for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Skillet Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Skillet 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 Skillet 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 Skillet 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 Skillet 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.
