Spiced Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting
Thin, crisp Mexican-style buñuelos fried to golden perfection and coated with a warm cinnamon sugar blend for festive indulgence. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 32 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 180 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
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for dusting)
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 combined.
- Step 2: Gradually add 3/4 cup warm water, stirring with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 3: Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a thin 6-inch circle with a rolling pin.
- Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat to 350°F.
- Step 5: Fry each dough circle carefully for about 1 minute per side until puffed and golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 6: Mix 2 tsp ground cinnamon with 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a shallow dish. While warm, toss each fried buñuelo in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Spiced Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting?
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 Spiced Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting?
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 Spiced Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting 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 Spiced Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar Dusting?
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.
