Fried Sweet Puffs Bunuelos
Fried sweet puffs, coated with cinnamon and sugar, offer a crispy, airy treat perfect for snacking or dessert, delighting those with a sweet tooth and a love of fried pastries.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour; measure and sift again with salt, baking powder, and sugar.
- Add butter; with fingers, mix until the mixture is coarse.
- Mix eggs with milk and add to the mixture.
- Stir until a soft, solid dough forms.
- Turn onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead until smooth.
- Shape into balls slightly larger than marbles.
- Let stand for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Roll each ball out into a thin circle; cut the center out with a thimble.
- Deep fry until puffy and brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
- Roll in cinnamon and sugar mixture and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying, around 350°F (175°C). If you don't have canola oil, vegetable or peanut oil can work as substitutes. For added flavor, consider mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the dough. For a tasty twist, try coating the puffs with powdered sugar instead of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful fried sweet puffs warm, dusted with cinnamon and sugar. They pair beautifully with coffee or a warm cup of cocoa. For a fun twist, you can serve them with a side of chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread alongside dishes like Best Fluffy Pancakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bunuelos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Sweet Puffs Bunuelos contains roughly 398 calories, with 5g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1082mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature before rolling out and frying.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, gradually add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the bunuelos dense.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives bunuelos their signature puffy texture, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes for a healthier alternative. They won’t be as fluffy, but will still be delicious.
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).