Home » Recipes » Mexican Buñuelos

Mexican Buñuelos

The Mexican Buñuelos are crisp, golden-fried pastries with cinnamon-sugar that have been a beloved part of Mexican culture for generations. Whether enjoyed during the festive holiday season, particularly during the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, or as a year-round treat, buñuelos invite us on a journey through the rich flavours that have shaped Mexico’s gastronomic landscape.

mexican bunuelosPin

What are Mexican Buñuelos?

Mexican buñuelos, also known as Buñuelos Mexicanos, are a type of fried pastry that originated in Mexico. They are made from a simple dough, typically consisting of flour, water, and a small amount of sugar or salt. The dough is then rolled out into thin, round discs and deep-fried until they puff up and turn golden brown.

The result is a delicate, crispy exterior that gives way to a light, airy interior. Bunuelos are often dusted with cinnamon-sugar or drizzled with a sweet syrup, such as piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) or honey, adding a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements their savoury base.

Mexican Traditions with Buñuelos

Buñuelos are not just a delicious treat – they are a cherished part of Mexican culture and tradition. These fried pastries are often associated with the holiday season when they are served alongside other iconic Mexican dishes and drinks.

The tradition of making and enjoying buñuelos dates back centuries, and the ritual of preparing them has been passed down through generations. In many Mexican households, the entire family gathers to participate in the buñuelo-making process, from rolling out the dough to carefully frying the pastries. This shared experience not only creates delicious memories but also strengthens the bonds of family and community.

Beyond the holiday season, buñuelos can be found year-round in Mexican markets, street vendors, and even upscale restaurants. They are a ubiquitous part of the Mexican culinary landscape, a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring power of food to bring people together.

Mexican Buñuelos Recipe

mexican buñuelos recipePin

These are delectable fried pastries, with their crisp, golden exteriors and cinnamon-sugar. It may seem daunting at first to make Mexican buñuelos, but with a few key techniques and the right ingredients, you can recreate this easy buñuelos recipe in your own kitchen.

buñuelos ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
  • 1⁄2 tsp kosher salt
  • 3⁄4 cup warm water
  • 4 tbsp canola oil, plus about 3 cup to fry the Buñuelos in
mexican bunuelos ingredients
Pin

Topping ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 5 tbsp ground cinnamon

Kitchen Tools

  • Large bowl
  • Rubber spatula
  • Rolling pin
  • Saute pan
  • Medium bowl

How to make mexican buñuelos

Prepare the Dough: Using a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk in the warm water and 4 tbsp of canola oil. Mix together with a rubber spatula until a soft dough forms. Transfer to clean counter space and knead the dough for 8 – 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

mexican bunuelos in process Pin

Roll and Cut the Buñuelos: Roll the dough into a ball, place it into a large bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rest for 30 minutes. Once the 30 minutes are up, divide the dough into 8 parts and roll each piece into a ball. Using a lightly floured counter or cutting board and rolling pin, roll each dough ball into a 6-8 inch circle and stack in between pieces of parchment paper.

Fry the Buñuelos: While the dough is resting, fill a large saute pan with 3 cups of canola oil. Heat the oil to about 350 degrees. Remove 1 rolled out piece of dough from the parchment paper and carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry on both sides for about 45-60 seconds or until a nice light golden colour.

Drain and Coat: Remove from oil and place onto a stack of paper towels to remove any excess oil. In a medium bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. While still warm, place the Mexican buñuelos into the cinnamon sugar mixture and lightly toss to completely coat it.

mexican bunuelos in processPin

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the freshly fried, cinnamon-dusted buñuelos warm, either on their own or alongside your favourite Mexican beverage, like this Mexican Candy Shot or after serving this Mexican Picadillo. Buñuelos are best enjoyed immediately, as their crisp texture and warm fragrant flavours are at their peak when freshly made.

mexican buñuelos recipePin

Mexican Buñuelos

Lyne Proulx
The Mexican Buñuelos are crisp, golden-fried pastries with cinnamon-sugar that have been a beloved part of Mexican culture for generations.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Knead and wait time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 12
Calories 253 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large bowl
  • 1 Rubber spatula
  • 1 Rolling Pin
  • 1 Saute pan
  • 1 Medium bowl

Ingredients
  

BUÑUELOS INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 4 tbsp canola oil plus about 3 cups to fry the Buñuelos in

TOPPING INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 5 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Dough: Using a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk in the warm water and 4 tbsp of canola oil. Mix together with a rubber spatula until a soft dough forms. Transfer to clean counter space and knead the dough for 8 – 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
  • Roll and Cut the Buñuelos: Roll the dough into a ball, place it into a large bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rest for 30 minutes. Once the 30 minutes are up, divide the dough into 8 parts and roll each piece into a ball. Using a lightly floured counter or cutting board and rolling pin, roll each dough ball into a 6-8 inch circle and stack in between pieces of parchment paper.
  • Fry the Buñuelos: While the dough is resting, fill a large saute pan with 3 cups of canola oil. Heat the oil to about 350 degrees. Remove 1 rolled out piece of dough from the parchment paper and carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry on both sides for about 45-60 seconds or until a nice light golden colour.
  • Drain and Coat: Remove from oil and place onto a stack of paper towels to remove any excess oil. In a medium bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. While still warm, place the Mexican buñuelos into the cinnamon sugar mixture and lightly toss to completely coat it.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Serve the freshly fried, cinnamon-dusted buñuelos warm. Buñuelos are best enjoyed immediately, as their crisp texture and warm fragrant flavours are at their peak when freshly made.

Notes

TIPS FOR PERFECT BUÑUELOS:
  1. Use room temperature ingredients for the dough to ensure a smooth, pliable texture.
  2. Knead the dough well to develop the gluten, which will help the buñuelos maintain their shape during frying.
  3. Fry the buñuelos in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
  4. Adjust the frying time as needed, as the thickness of the dough can affect the cooking time.
  5. Experiment with different toppings or fillings, such as honey, cajeta (caramelized goat’s milk), or even savory options like cheese or chorizo.

Nutrition

Calories: 253kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gSodium: 152mgPotassium: 36mgFiber: 2gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 67mgIron: 1mg
Keyword bunuelos americanos, mexican bunuelos, mexican bunuelos recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Tips for Perfect Buñuelos:

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the dough to ensure a smooth, pliable texture.
  • Knead the dough well to develop the gluten, which will help the buñuelos maintain their shape during frying.
  • Fry the buñuelos in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
  • Adjust the frying time as needed, as the thickness of the dough can affect the cooking time.
  • Experiment with different toppings or fillings, such as honey, cajeta (caramelized goat’s milk), or even savory options like cheese or chorizo.
buñuelos mexicanosPin

The Versatility of Buñuelos

One of the most captivating aspects of buñuelos is their versatility. While the classic version is a simple, circular fried pastry dusted with cinnamon-sugar, there are countless variations that have emerged over the years. From the fluffy, yeasted buñuelos of central Mexico to the crisp, flat buñuelos of the Yucatán Peninsula, each region has put its own unique spin on this beloved treat.

Some buñuelos are filled with sweet and gooey dulce de leche, while others are topped with fruit syrups or drizzled with honey. In certain parts of Mexico, buñuelos are made with a touch of anise or orange blossom water. And during the holiday season, buñuelos are often served alongside traditional Mexican drinks, such as ponche (a warm, spiced fruit punch) or atole (a thick, corn-based beverage).

Mexican buñuelos can be enjoyed as a snack, a decadent dessert, or even a component of a larger meal. In some regions, buñuelos are served with savoury dishes, such as pozole (a hominy-based soup) or mole (a rich, complex sauce), creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savoury.

Variations of Mexican Buñuelos

While the basic recipe for Mexican buñuelos remains relatively consistent across the country, regional variations have emerged, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions and local ingredients found in different parts of Mexico.

Oaxacan Buñuelos

In the southern state of Oaxaca, bunuelos are often made with a dough that incorporates anise seeds, giving them a licorice-like flavour. These Oaxacan buñuelos are also known for their larger, more irregular shapes, which are achieved by gently stretching and shaping the dough before frying.

Michoacán Buñuelos

In the central state of Michoacán, buñuelos are often flavoured with a touch of cinnamon and served with a sweet syrup made from piloncillo, the unrefined cane sugar that is a hallmark of Mexican cuisine. The Michoacán version of buñuelos is also known for its lighter, airier texture.

Yucatecan Buñuelos

In the Yucatán Peninsula, buñuelos take on a unique twist, with the addition of grated coconut to the dough. This creates a delightful textural contrast and a tropical flavour that sets the Yucatecan buñuelos apart from their counterparts.

Chihuahuan Buñuelos

In the northern state of Chihuahua, buñuelos are often served with a rich and creamy cajeta (caramelized goat’s milk) sauce. The Chihuahuan buñuelos also tend to be slightly thicker and more substantial than their thinner and crispier counterparts found in other regions.

Whether you prefer the classic cinnamon-sugar dusted version or enjoy exploring innovative variations, there is no denying the appeal of these crispy delights. By learning to make authentic Mexican buñuelos in your own kitchen, you can not only indulge in a delicious treat but also connect with the rich Mexican culture and tradition.

mexican buñuelosPin

I hope you enjoyed this Mexican buñuelos as much I did! If you make this recipe, please share your photos with us on Facebook or Twitter!

Lyne Proulx
Lyne Proulxhttps://ottawamommyclub.ca/
Lyne Proulx is a Certified WEBB Bodywork Pet Practitioner, Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI), Certified Professional Wedding Consultant, and an Event Planner. She loves all things Disney and is an avid teaholic and chocoholic. She coordinated the Annual Infant Information Day/Early Years Expo for the City of Ottawa for 8 years. She was the Queen B of the BConnected Conference, Canada's Digital Influencer and social media Conference in Ottawa and Toronto. She was also the co-chair of the Navan for Kraft Hockeyville 2009-2011 committee that organized five community events within 6 months, and helped Navan reach the top 10 finalists in Canada. In April 2011, she received the City of Ottawa Mayor's City Builder Award.

Join the Ottawa Mommy Club Newsletter

* indicates required

Related Posts

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Recipe Rating




Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

14,939FansLike
402FollowersFollow
12,576FollowersFollow
1,500FollowersFollow
19,699FollowersFollow
1,330SubscribersSubscribe

Recent Stories

Share to...