Name: Easy Bunuelos Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons refined coconut oil, melted; ⅔ cup warm water; 6 tablespoons cane sugar; ½ tablespoon cinnamon

Jump to Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that’s perfectly crispy, dusted with cinnamon sugar, and just happens to use pantry staples, this Easy Bunuelos Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients) will steal your heart. These golden disks are classic celebratory treats in many cultures, but with this fuss-free recipe you don’t need a holiday to indulge. Whether you’re looking to start a new family tradition or just craving something comforting and homemade, you’ll love how effortless and satisfying these bunuelos are to make.

Easy Bunuelos Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic behind this Easy Bunuelos Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients) is how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something special. Each one has a purpose, from stretch and bite to that signature dusting of sweetness and spice. Here’s what you’ll need, and why it matters:

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the classic tender crumb you want in every bite of your bunuelo.
Baking powder: Adds just enough lift so the bunuelos bubble up and puff slightly in the hot oil.
Salt: Balances the flavors and makes everything just a little livelier—you’ll miss it if you skip it!
Refined coconut oil, melted: Gives a subtle richness and helps create a dough that’s easy to work with.
Warm water: Binds the dough and helps it stretch to that perfect paper-thin texture that fries up so crispy.
Neutral vegetable oil (canola, peanut, corn, etc.): For frying—pick something mild so the star is the cinnamon sugar, not the oil.
Cane sugar: The base of the sweet coating—extra sparkly and traditional, but regular granulated works in a pinch.
Cinnamon: Infuses that unmistakable warmth and color on top—don’t hold back on the sprinkle!

How to Make Easy Bunuelos Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients)

Step 1: Sift and Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by sifting your flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Add the salt and give it a quick whisk. This step ensures your bunuelos will cook up evenly, and the baking powder will be distributed just right—no surprise puffs or dense spots!

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough

Stir in the melted coconut oil and warm water. Use a spoon or your hands to mix until the dough begins to come together. Don’t worry if it looks a little rough at first—just keep going until there are no dry streaks left.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Transfer the sticky dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for 10 to 15 minutes, using the heels of your hands and folding the dough over itself. You’re aiming for a ball that’s supple, slightly tacky, but not sticking to everything in sight. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle over a little more flour; if too dry, add a splash of water—this is your moment to make bunuelos magic!

Step 4: Divide, Roll, and Rest the Dough

Cut your dough ball into about 8 equal pieces. Roll each one in your palms until it’s smooth, then flatten gently. Cover these with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 30 minutes—this relaxes the gluten, making it so much easier to roll out paper-thin bunuelos later.

Step 5: Shape the Bunuelos

Now the fun part! If you have a tortilla press, line it with plastic and press each dough ball into a thin disc. Otherwise, a rolling pin on a floured counter does the trick. For an authentic touch, finish stretching the bunuelo over your knee (yep, really!) or the rounded back of a bowl, until you can almost see through the dough. Thinness is the secret to those shatteringly crisp edges.

Step 6: Heat the Oil and Prepare Cinnamon Sugar

Pour 1 to 2 inches of your chosen neutral oil into a large stockpot and start heating to 350-375°F. While it heats, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, and line a plate with paper towels to drain the freshly fried bunuelos.

Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully slide one bunuelo at a time into the hot oil—watch for that gorgeous sizzle. Fry for 30 to 45 seconds per side, pressing them gently with a spoon if big bubbles form. Flip once, cooking until each side is gloriously golden. Work in batches for best results!

Step 8: Sugar Them Up and Serve

Transfer each fried bunuelo to the paper towel briefly, then while still warm, lavish both sides with the cinnamon sugar mixture. They’re best eaten right away when crackling fresh, so have your hands (and friends) ready!

How to Serve Easy Bunuelos Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients)

Garnishes

There are endless ways to make these already wonderful bunuelos even more irresistible. Try extra cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of honey, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a wintry touch. If you really want to gild the lily, a little bit of grated citrus zest or a hint of chocolate shavings goes a long way to elevate each bite.

Side Dishes

Bunuelos love company! Serve them with a mug of Mexican hot chocolate, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a fruity salsa for dipping. Even strong coffee or chai makes a perfect match for their crackly texture and cinnamon warmth—let your tastebuds lead the way.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not make your Easy Bunuelos Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients) the star of a dessert platter? Stack them high, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, or tuck a few in a napkin-lined basket for sharing at the table. You can even break them into shards for scooping creamy dips or as a crispy topping for parfaits and puddings. Fun, festive, and fabulous!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have bunuelos left over, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Separate layers with paper towels to help maintain crispness. They’ll soften a touch but still make a lovely snack.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze bunuelos! Once fried and fully cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep well for up to a month. When cravings hit, just reheat as below for that just-fried feel.

Reheating

To recapture that signature crunch, place bunuelos in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Alternatively, a quick pass through an air fryer brings them back to life. Just don’t microwave—they’ll turn limp and lose their shine!

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Bunuelos Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients) gluten-free?

Absolutely! Try replacing the all-purpose flour with a good cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend. Results may be a bit more delicate, but the flavor and spirit of these bunuelos will still shine through.

What oil is best for frying bunuelos?

Neutral oils are key—think canola, peanut, or corn oil. They can handle high heat without smoking and won’t overshadow the cinnamon sugar’s flavor. Avoid olive or coconut oil for frying, as they’ll lend a heavy aftertaste.

Do I have to knead the dough for so long?

Kneading for a good 10 to 15 minutes makes all the difference. It gives you smooth, elastic dough that stretches thin and fries up light. If you’re short on time, knead as much as you can—just know you might get slightly chewier (but still delicious) results.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely. The dough for Easy Bunuelos Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients) can be wrapped tightly in plastic and refrigerated for up to a day. Let it come to room temperature before rolling for easier shaping.

What can I do if my bunuelos aren’t crispy?

If your bunuelos turn out a bit soft, it’s usually a sign the oil wasn’t hot enough, or they were too thick. Make sure your oil is in the right temperature range and take your time stretching each dough round nice and thin before frying.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as tempted as I am by this Easy Bunuelos Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients)—it’s a true celebration of simplicity and joy. Whether you’re making them for a special gathering or just because, you’ll find the process as delightful as the results. Give them a try, share with your favorite people, and watch these crispy, sugary treats disappear!

Easy Bunuelos Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients) Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 20 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 bunuelos 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make easy bunuelos with just 4 simple ingredients. These delicious fried dough treats are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons refined coconut oil, melted
⅔ cup warm water

Rolling:

6 tablespoons cane sugar
½ tablespoon cinnamon

Instructions

Dough – Sift the flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Add the salt and whisk together. Add the melted coconut oil and water to the dry ingredients and mix.
Kneading – Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rolling – Cut the dough into pieces, roll and flatten each piece, then let rest for 30 minutes.
Frying – Heat oil, press dough into thin tortillas, fry until golden brown, and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Mexican