Bunuelos are a popular dessert in many Latin American countries. These crispy fried dough balls, coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just craving a tasty treat, this recipe will guide you through the process of making irresistible bunuelos at home. With a total preparing time of around 45 minutes, you can easily satisfy your sweet tooth in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup warm milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Add the melted butter, warm milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a shallow bowl, mix together the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon for coating the bunuelos.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a ball.
- In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil, frying them in batches until golden brown and crispy. Flip them occasionally to ensure even frying.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried bunuelos from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While still warm, roll the bunuelos in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve the bunuelos warm and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Bunuelos are often enjoyed during festive occasions like Christmas and New Year's Eve in many Latin American countries.
Traditionally, bunuelos are served with a warm spiced syrup called 'piloncillo' or honey.
Bunuelos have variations in different countries - they can be flat or round, crispy or soft, and sometimes even filled with sweet fillings like dulce de leche or fruit preserves.