Bunelos(Fried Sugar Tortillas)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 20 Cuisine: Mexican

Bunelos are fluffy, fried sugar tortillas with a sweet, crispy exterior, perfect for dessert or snack time, enjoyed by all ages with a touch of sweetness and warmth.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine
  • 2 beaten eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Fat for frying

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, heat milk and butter to boiling; then cool.
  2. Stir in beaten eggs.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix well.
  5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth.
  6. Shape the dough into 20 balls.
  7. Let the dough balls rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Roll each ball into a 4-inch circle.
  9. Fry the shaped dough in hot fat until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using buttermilk instead of regular milk. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought tortillas and fry them instead of making your own. To keep the dough from sticking, dust your work surface with a bit of flour. Make sure the frying fat is hot enough to achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve bunelos warm, dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. They pair beautifully with Great Cold Cheese Dip as a savory contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a fruity salsa or as a side with Tex-Mex dishes like Tamale-Chili Pie. Enjoy them as a delicious snack or dessert!

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, place the fried bunelos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in a hot skillet or the oven to restore their crispiness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bunelos(Fried Sugar Tortillas) contains roughly 200 calories, with 4g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value) and iron (15% of the Daily Value).

200 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.6g 7% DV
Total Fat 4.5g 6% DV
Carbs 36.3g 13% DV
Fiber 0.4g 2% DV
Sugar 16.6g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 315.8mg 14% DV
Potassium 118.5mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 10.7mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 69.6mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 5.6mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.6mcg 3% DV
Calcium 208.9mg 16% DV
Iron 2.8mg 15% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a few hours in advance. Just cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you're ready to fry, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling and cooking.

What type of fat is best for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are excellent choices for frying bunelos due to their high smoke points. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and may impart a strong flavor.

Can I add flavors or spices to the dough?

Absolutely! You can infuse the dough with cinnamon or vanilla for a sweet twist. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can also elevate the flavor profile. Experiment with different spices to create your own unique bunelos.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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