Easy Sopapillas with Honey: Irresistibly Crispy Homemade Treats

Natalie

The founder of Cookleez

There’s something truly enchanting about the golden puff of a fresh sopapilla drizzled generously with honey—the perfect harmony of crispness and sweetness that melts in your mouth. I discovered this recipe on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I wanted a comforting treat that felt homemade but didn’t demand hours in the kitchen. These sopapillas are wonderfully simple to make, yet they deliver a delightful crunch and that warm honey kiss that turns any moment into a celebration. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself after a long day, this easy recipe will quickly become your go-to for a sweet, satisfying homemade delight.

Why choose Sopapillas with Honey?

Crisp Perfection: Each sopapilla puffs up with a golden, crunchy shell that’s simply irresistible. Sweet Harmony: The warm drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness that perfectly balances the light pastry. Quick & Easy: This recipe is straightforward, ideal for cooks of all skill levels craving a homemade treat. Versatile Delight: Great for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack that feels special. Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike, these sopapillas make every gathering a hit.

Sopapillas with Honey Ingredients

For the Dough

All-purpose flour – Use fresh flour for tender, flaky sopapillas that puff just right.
Baking powder – Helps the dough rise and become delightfully airy.
Salt – Enhances the dough’s flavor without overpowering the sweet finish.
Warm water – Activates the baking powder and binds the dough smoothly.
Vegetable oil – Keeps the dough soft and adds moisture for perfect puffiness.

For Frying

Vegetable oil or canola oil – Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to achieve golden crispness.

For Serving

Honey – A warm drizzle of honey is the classic touch that makes these sopapillas truly special and unforgettable.

How to Make Sopapillas with Honey

For the Dough:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined and slightly aerated, about 1 minute.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir warm water and vegetable oil into the dry mix until a soft, smooth dough forms, about 2 minutes of gentle mixing.
Knead Dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth and elastic, about 3–4 minutes.
Rest Dough: Cover dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax, making rolling easier.
Roll & Cut: Roll dough to about ⅛-inch thick on floured surface, then cut into 4-inch squares using a sharp knife or cutter.

For Frying:

Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat neutral oil to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer for perfectly golden crispness.
Fry Sopapillas: Working in batches, fry each square 30 seconds per side or until puffed and golden brown, gently flipping once.
Drain: Remove from oil and drain on paper towels until crisp, about 1 minute.
Drizzle Honey: Arrange warm sopapillas on a platter and drizzle honey generously for that sweet finish everyone loves.

Optional: Dust with cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Sopapillas with Honey are perfect for busy home cooks wanting to save precious time during the week! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the dough-making steps, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it to keep it fresh and elastic for rolling. When you’re ready to enjoy, roll out and cut the dough into squares. You can also fry them and store the finished sopapillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for a few minutes to retain that delightful crispness. Just drizzle with honey before serving for that sweet, comforting touch!

Sopapillas with Honey Variations

Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful sopapillas and make them uniquely yours!

Cinnamon Sugar: Mix cinnamon with sugar and sprinkle on the hot sopapillas after frying for a sweet twist.
Chocolate Drizzle: Top with melted chocolate for an indulgent dessert, perfect for chocoholics looking for a sweet experience.
Fruit Filling: Add a spoonful of fruit preserves before frying for a burst of flavor inside your sopapillas; try raspberry or peach for a sweet surprise.
Spicy Honey: Infuse honey with a splash of chili flakes for a sweet-and-spicy experience that tantalizes the taste buds.
Nutty Flavor: Before frying, sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or pistachios, on the dough for an added crunch and rich flavor.
Coconut Flakes: Mix shredded coconut with sugar to sprinkle over your warm sopapillas for a tropical twist.
Vegan Option: Substitute warm water with plant-based milk and use vegetable shortening instead of honey for a vegan-friendly sopapilla treat.
Savory Spin: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory version that pairs beautifully with cheese or dips.

Discovering these variations makes each batch a new culinary adventure; embrace the creativity!

How to Store and Freeze Sopapillas with Honey

Room Temperature: Keep leftover sopapillas at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their crispy texture, allowing for a delightful treat anytime.
Fridge: If you need to store them longer, place the sopapillas in the fridge for up to 5 days. To enjoy their original crunch, reheat them in an oven instead of the microwave.
Freezer: Sopapillas freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat frozen sopapillas, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again before drizzling with honey.

What to Serve with Sopapillas with Honey?

Imagine delighting your family with a breathtaking spread that complements the crispy, honey-drizzled indulgence of your homemade sopapillas.

Mexican Hot Chocolate: The rich and spicy notes of this classic beverage enhance the sweetness of the sopapillas, making each bite a blissful experience.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and zesty mix of seasonal fruits contrasts beautifully with the warm sweetness, offering a refreshing palette cleanser.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Elevate your sopapillas by tossing them in a cinnamon-sugar blend for an extra aromatic twist that warms the soul.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy ice cream pairs perfectly with the sopapillas, creating a delightful contrast of hot and cold sensations.
Churros: For a festive twist, these similar sweet treats echo the flavors of sopapillas while providing another crunchy, satisfying option.
Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet glazed carrots introduce an unexpected savory element, balancing the sweetness of the sopapillas.
Warm Apple Crisp: This comforting dessert, with its tender fruit and crispy topping, complements the texture and sweetness of sopapillas divinely.
Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai create a cozy ambience that perfectly harmonizes with the syrupy sweetness of honey-drizzled sopapillas.

These pairings offer delightful contrasts and complements, transforming your sopapillas into a delightful centerpiece for any occasion.

Expert Tips for Sopapillas with Honey

Oil Temperature Matters: Keep the oil steady at 350°F to ensure sopapillas puff perfectly without absorbing excess oil or burning.
Don’t Over-Knead: Knead just until smooth and elastic; overworking the dough can make the sopapillas tough instead of light and airy.
Roll Evenly Thin: Aim for about ⅛-inch thickness to get that ideal crisp exterior and tender inside—too thick, they won’t puff right.
Drain Properly: Let fried sopapillas rest briefly on paper towels to keep them crispy and prevent sogginess before drizzling honey.
Honey Warmth: Warm the honey slightly for easier drizzling and to enhance that delightful, sticky sweetness on your sopapillas with honey.

Easy Sopapillas with Honey Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my sopapilla dough is the right consistency?
The dough should be soft and smooth but not sticky. It should hold together well when kneaded and feel elastic. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of warm water at a time. If too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour—just enough to handle comfortably.

What’s the best way to store leftover sopapillas to keep them crispy?
I recommend storing them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps the sopapillas delightfully crisp. If you need longer storage, place them in the fridge up to 5 days, and reheat in the oven to revive their crunch.

Can I freeze sopapillas, and if so, how should I do it?
Absolutely! Sopapillas freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap to lock in freshness, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature briefly, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to regain that irresistible crispness before drizzling honey.

What if my sopapillas don’t puff up while frying?
This is usually due to oil temperature being too low or dough thickness. Make sure your oil is at a steady 350°F before frying. Also, roll your dough evenly thin—about ⅛ inch. If dough is too thick or oil too cool, sopapillas won’t puff and may absorb excess oil, leading to greasiness.

Are sopapillas with honey safe for pets or people with gluten allergies?
Sopapillas contain wheat flour, so they’re not suitable for gluten-free diets or pets. For gluten-sensitive friends, consider experimenting with gluten-free flour blends, but note the texture and puffiness may vary. And please, never share fried dough treats with pets—they have sensitive digestive systems!