Delicious Mexican Doughnuts (Buñuelos)
Mexican Doughnuts (Buñuelos) are delightful little bites of joy! Picture tender, doughnut-like balls coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar dusting. Yum! Unlike traditional doughnuts that require yeast, these delightful bites are made with baking powder, meaning you can whip them up in no time. Roll them in cinnamon sugar, and you’ve got the perfect treat!
What Are Mexican Doughnuts (Buñuelos)
Mexican Doughnuts or Buñuelos are delightful fried dough balls, popular not just in Mexico but also in Spain and other Latin American countries. In Spain, you’ll find them at local fairs, Christmas markets, and practically every festivity. If you’re unfamiliar with buñuelos, think of them as similar to doughnut holes—specifically the cake kind, not the yeast variant. They make for a fantastic companion to your morning cup of coffee!
Ingredients
- Dry ingredients: All-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar adds sweetness.
- Dairy and eggs: Whole milk, fresh eggs, and melted butter come together for richness.
- Flavors: Ground cinnamon for the delightful dusting.
- For frying: Vegetable oil is what we’ll use for frying these tasty dough balls.
FULL RECIPE and ingredients are always found in the recipe card at the end of the post.
Instructions
- Whisk the wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Set it aside for now.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to blend the ingredients well.
- Make the batter: Pour the milk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until you get a soft, sticky dough. This should take about two minutes.
- Shape the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface. Using a teaspoon, scoop out small amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place these on the floured surface and gently flatten them with your palm or a spoon. Repeat this process for the entire batch.
- Fry the dough balls: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and pour in about two inches of vegetable oil. Carefully add the dough balls, ensuring they have space to move. They should sizzle upon contact with the hot oil. Use a spoon to continuously drizzle hot oil over the tops of the buñuelos while cooking. After about two minutes, flip them over and continue to fry until they turn golden brown all over. Once done, transfer them onto a plate lined with paper towels and repeat for the remaining dough balls.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: In a bowl, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon. Once the buñuelos are still hot, roll them in this delightful cinnamon sugar mixture. Now they are ready to be enjoyed!
Recipe Tips
- Rolling the dough balls: This dough may be a bit sticky at first, so dusting your hands with flour will help prevent it from sticking.
- Best oil for frying: Vegetable oil works best. Sunflower oil is my choice, but canola will also do just fine.
- Check the oil temperature: Test the oil with one dough ball before adding them all. If it sizzles and bubbles, your oil is ready for frying.
- Watch carefully: Buñuelos rise quickly, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Spoon hot oil over them while cooking to help with their rising.
- Immediate coating: For a perfect coating, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mix right after they come out of the hot oil.
- Let them rest: Once removed from the oil, they might seem a bit hard. Don’t worry; they will soften after resting for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Buñuelos and Churros the same thing?
No, while both are fried and share similar batter, buñuelos are like little doughnut holes, whereas churros are long, stick-shaped treats often served with a thick chocolate dipping sauce.
What else can you serve with Mexican donuts?
Buñuelos are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a chocolate dipping sauce, caramel sauce, Nutella, or Dulce de Leche for an extra indulgent treat.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bring it back to room temperature before frying.
Can I bake buñuelos instead of frying them?
For best results, buñuelos are meant to be fried for that classic texture and flavor. Baking them could yield a different texture, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can experiment!
How do I store leftover buñuelos?
Store any leftover buñuelos in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven to help restore some of their crispiness.
