Mexican Bunuelos Recipe: Crispy, Sweet Holiday Treat You'll Crave

Name: Mexican Bunuelos Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the dough; 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps create lightness and crisp texture; 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough; 3/4 cup warm water: Binds the ingredients and activates gluten; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness; Vegetable oil, for frying: Ensures even and crispy frying; 1 cup granulated sugar: Used for coating the fried bunuelos; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Mixed with sugar for the classic flavor coating

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a traditional Mexican dessert that brings joy with every bite, Mexican Bunuelos are the perfect choice. These crispy, golden fried pastries are dusted with sweet cinnamon sugar and are especially popular during the holidays. Whether served at Christmas, New Year’s, or family gatherings, Mexican Bunuelos offer a nostalgic taste of heritage and celebration. Light, airy, and irresistible, this treat is surprisingly simple to make at home, with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Why Mexican Bunuelos Are a Must-Try Treat

These Mexican Bunuelos are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. They’re perfect for home cooks who want to explore authentic Mexican flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Their light crunch and cinnamon-sugar coating make them a hit among both kids and adults. This traditional Mexican recipe is ideal for festive occasions, offering a sweet treat that’s both satisfying and visually appealing. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment — just a rolling pin and a frying pan.

What You’ll Need to Make Mexican Bunuelos

Each ingredient in this recipe contributes to the bunuelos’ texture, flavor, and traditional charm. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough, providing structure
Baking Powder: Adds lightness and helps create air pockets for that crispy texture
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness
Warm Water: Activates the dough and binds the ingredients
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough
Vegetable Oil (for frying): Provides the high heat needed to crisp up the dough evenly
Granulated Sugar: Coats the surface, giving a sweet crunch in every bite
Ground Cinnamon: Delivers the classic warm spice flavor synonymous with bunuelos

Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Options

Whether you’re out of a key ingredient or catering to dietary preferences, here are some alternatives:

Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for crispy gluten-free bunuelos.
Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter substitute or neutral oil in the dough instead of regular butter.
Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol for the coating.
Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar for a unique flavor variation.

How to Make Mexican Bunuelos at Home

Making homemade Mexican Bunuelos is straightforward, with most of the time spent rolling and frying. Follow these step-by-step instructions for foolproof results:

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add melted butter and warm water gradually, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Knead for about 5–8 minutes until elastic. Cover with a towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
Divide and Roll: After resting, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a thin 8-inch circle. The thinner, the crispier!
Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the correct temperature for crisp frying.
Fry the Bunuelos: Gently slide one dough circle at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 30 seconds per side or until golden brown and puffed. Use tongs to flip and a slotted spoon to remove. Drain on paper towels.
Dust with Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, sprinkle each bunuelo generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. You can also dip both sides for full coverage.
Serve and Enjoy: Let them cool slightly before serving. They are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2–3 days.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mexican Bunuelos

Crafting the perfect Mexican Bunuelos is easier with these expert tips:

Rest the dough: Don’t skip the resting step — it relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.
Roll thin: The thinner you roll, the crispier the bunuelos become.
Temperature check: Use a thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F. Too low and they’ll soak oil; too high and they’ll burn.
Don’t crowd the pan: Fry one or two at a time to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
Cinnamon-sugar timing: Dust them while warm so the coating sticks properly.

How to Serve, Store, and Customize Your Bunuelos

These Mexican Bunuelos are a versatile holiday dessert that pairs well with a variety of flavors and styles:

Serving Suggestions: Pair with Mexican hot chocolate, café de olla, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate. Let it come to room temp before rolling.
Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container at room temperature. To crisp them up, reheat briefly in an oven.
Flavor Variations: Try drizzling with honey, piloncillo syrup, or dulce de leche. You can also add orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
Shape Options: Though traditionally round and flat, you can cut the dough into strips or triangles for fun shapes.

Celebrating Tradition with Every Bite

More than just a dessert, Mexican Bunuelos are steeped in cultural meaning. Often served during Las Posadas, Christmas Eve, or New Year’s festivities, they symbolize prosperity and joy. In some regions, they are broken at midnight on New Year’s Eve as a symbol of letting go of the old year. These crispy, golden discs offer not just a sweet treat but a bite of history and tradition.

Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or discovering this dessert for the first time, making Mexican Bunuelos at home is a satisfying and rewarding experience. They’re easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for holiday celebrations. Enjoy them fresh, crispy, and full of cinnamon-sugar magic.

There’s something truly special about making Mexican Bunuelos from scratch. The process itself is rooted in celebration and tradition, and the result is a dessert that delights with every bite. With their paper-thin crispiness and warm cinnamon-sugar finish, bunuelos are more than just a sweet snack — they’re a festive symbol of joy, abundance, and community. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or just indulging in a weekend treat, these bunuelos promise to impress. Try this recipe once, and it may just become your new seasonal favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Mexican Bunuelos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough for Mexican Bunuelos a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying. Fried bunuelos are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days and reheated briefly in the oven to regain crispiness.

What’s the best oil for frying Mexican Bunuelos?

Use a neutral, high smoke-point oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil. These oils fry the Mexican Bunuelos evenly without affecting the flavor. Make sure the oil reaches a consistent 350°F for best results — too low, and the bunuelos absorb oil; too hot, and they may burn before cooking through.

Are Mexican Bunuelos the same as churros or sopapillas?

Not quite. While all are fried desserts, Mexican Bunuelos are uniquely flat and crispy, like a thin fritter. Churros are piped dough sticks that are soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Sopapillas puff up into pillow-like pockets. Bunuelos stand out for their delicate crispness and cinnamon-sugar finish.

More Relevant Recipes

Cuban Bunuelos – Authentic Recipe: Similar to Mexican Bunuelos, this version features twisted dough fritters with a hint of anise, traditionally served with a sweet syrup. A perfect cultural cousin for those exploring fried desserts in Latin cuisine.
Baked Churros Recipe – Easy Oven Version: For a healthier take on a cinnamon-sugar coated delight, these baked churros deliver all the flavor of traditional churros with less oil. Great for fans of Mexican Bunuelos looking to try another crunchy, spiced favorite.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Puff Pastries: These flaky pastries are filled with brown sugar and cinnamon, echoing the warm spice profile of bunuelos. Perfect for brunch or dessert when you want something crispy, sweet, and easy to prepare.