Spiced Mexican Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar
Crispy fried dough discs coated in cinnamon sugar offer a traditional Mexican street dessert with warm spice notes. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 35 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 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup additional granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp additional ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 3 tbsp granulated sugar.
- Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 large egg, and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter until combined.
- Step 3: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly on a floured surface for 3-4 minutes until smooth.
- Step 4: Divide dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a thin 6-inch disc.
- Step 5: Heat about 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep heavy skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F.
- Step 6: Fry 2-3 discs at a time for 1-2 minutes per side or until puffed and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 7: In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tbsp ground cinnamon. Immediately toss the warm buñuelos in the cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.
- Step 8: Serve warm for best flavor and crunch.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Mexican Buñuelos with Cinnamon Sugar take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced Mexican 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 Spiced 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.
