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Bunuelos

Crispy Mexican fried dough discs dusted with cinnamon sugar - a beloved holiday street food with a shatteringly thin, golden exterior. Plan ahead: dough rests 30 minutes before frying.

60 minMediumServes 12280 cal/serving

MexicanDessertStovetopVegetarianHigh FiberLow CarbHalal-friendlyNut-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1 tsp anise seeds
  • 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (1 tsp cinnamon per 1/4 cup sugar), mixed

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Stir in 1 tsp anise seeds.

  2. 2

    Add 1 beaten large egg and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Add 1/2 cup warm water a little at a time and knead until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Divide into equal balls (about 12 for a standard batch). Cover and rest for 30 minutes.

  3. 3

    On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a very thin round, about 6 to 7 inches in diameter. The rounds should be nearly translucent.

  4. 4

    Heat 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying) in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat to 375°F. Fry one buñuelo at a time, pressing it gently into the hot oil with a spatula, until golden and crispy, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.

  5. 5

    Drain on paper towels. While still warm, dust generously with 1/2 cup mixed cinnamon sugar (1 tsp cinnamon per 1/4 cup sugar) on both sides. Serve immediately.

Questions

Can I make Bunuelos dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Bunuelos gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 2 cups all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Bunuelos keep?

Keep it covered in the refrigerator and eat it within three days.

Can I halve or double Bunuelos?

Yes. As written it serves 12. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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