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Buñuelos: Authentic Mexican Fried Dough Cookies with Piloncillo Syrup Recipe

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3.8 from 87 reviews

Buñuelos are a traditional Mexican treat featuring thin, crispy fried dough circles generously sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and served with a warm, sweet piloncillo syrup. This authentic recipe yields delightfully crunchy buñuelos perfect for dipping or drizzling with syrup, offering a perfect balance of sweet, spiced flavors and satisfying textures.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings (about 13 buñuelos)

Ingredients

Dough

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
  • ½ cup all purpose flour (for rolling out dough)

For Frying

  • vegetable oil (enough for frying)

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Piloncillo Syrup

  • 3 cups warm water
  • 1 piloncillo cone (dark brown sugar cone)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 clove
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, baking powder, salt, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix until evenly incorporated.
  2. Add Oil and Water: Mix 2 tablespoons avocado oil into ¾ cup warm water. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
  3. Form Dough: Use the dough hook to mix for 3-4 minutes until dough forms a cohesive ball.
  4. Knead Dough: Sprinkle a clean work surface with a little flour. Remove the dough and knead by hand for 1-2 minutes until soft and non-sticky, adding flour sparingly if needed.
  5. Rest Dough: Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  6. Divide and Shape Dough: Divide the dough into approximately 13 equal portions weighing about 40-45 grams each. Roll each into a small ball, cover with a towel, and let rest for 20 minutes.
  7. Heat Oil: While dough rests, preheat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350-375°F (175-190°C) for frying.
  8. Prepare Piloncillo Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 3 cups warm water, piloncillo cone, cinnamon stick, clove, and vanilla. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve piloncillo. Reduce heat and simmer gently while frying buñuelos.
  9. Prepare Flour for Rolling: Place the reserved ½ cup flour in a small bowl for rolling dough balls.
  10. Mix Cinnamon Sugar: Combine ½ cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
  11. Roll Out Dough Balls: Take one dough ball at a time, coat it thoroughly in the flour, then flatten and gently press it out into a small circle. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough until about 6 inches in diameter and fairly thin for even frying.
  12. Fry Dough Circles: Carefully place one dough circle in the hot oil. Gently press down with a metal spatula or tongs to prevent large bubbles. Fry for 1-2 minutes until the bottom is crisp and golden, then flip and fry the other side until also golden and crispy.
  13. Drain and Sugar: Remove fried buñuelos and place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. While still hot, sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar on both sides.
  14. Serve: Serve the buñuelos warm with piloncillo syrup on the side for dipping or drizzle syrup over the top for added sweetness.

Notes

  • Use a deep, heavy-bottomed pan for frying to maintain temperature and safety.
  • Keep oil temperature consistent at 350-375°F for best frying results and to avoid soggy or burnt buñuelos.
  • Rolling the dough thin is key to achieving crispy buñuelos that don’t puff up.
  • Cover the dough during resting steps to prevent drying out.
  • The piloncillo syrup adds authentic sweetness but can be substituted with dark brown sugar if unavailable.
  • Exercise caution while frying to avoid splattering hot oil.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/bunuelos-authentic-mexican-fried-dough-cookies-with-piloncillo-syrup-recipe/