Jul 14 2026

Sopapillas Recipe

Time50m
Serves4

4 pieces, plain or la mode

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Dough Ingredients

Frying Ingredients

Optional Toppings

Method

Dough Preparation

  1. 1

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk together until well combined.

  2. 2

    Add Lard

    Add the lard or shortening into the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  3. 3

    Add Water

    Pour in the warm water and mix until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.

  4. 4

    Knead the Dough

    Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 2-3 minutes until smooth.

  5. 5

    Rest the Dough

    Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 20 minutes.

Frying the Sopapillas

  1. 6

    Heat the Oil

    In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  2. 7

    Roll Out the Dough

    After the dough has rested, divide it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece out on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 1/8 inch thick.

  3. 8

    Cut and Fry

    Carefully place one piece of dough into the hot oil. Fry until it puffs up and turns golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

  4. 9

    Repeat

    Repeat the frying process with the remaining pieces of dough.

Serving Suggestions

  1. 10

    Serve

    Serve the sopapillas warm, drizzled with honey, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, or topped with vanilla ice cream as desired.

More from La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen