Easy 4-Ingredient Bunuelos Recipe (Better Than Takeout)

Easy Bunuelos Recipe – Crispy, golden, and dusted with powdered sugar, these 4-ingredient bunuelos are better than takeout and perfect for holiday parties. After making them dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping them crispy and preventing sogginess. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Blueberry White Chocolate Blondies and Peach Crumb Bars – Easy Buttery Peach Dessert Bars Recipe.

What You'll Need for Easy 4-Ingredient Bunuelos Recipe (Better Than Takeout)

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• Optional: Chocolate sauce
• Optional: Whipped cream
• Optional: Fresh berries

How to Make Easy 4-Ingredient Bunuelos Recipe (Better Than Takeout)

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Step 2: Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Step 3: Using a dough hook or your hands, knead the dough for 2 minutes until smooth. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll out each piece on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut each piece into 1/2-inch strips.
5. Step 5: Carefully add a few strips of dough to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Flip occasionally for even frying.
6. Step 6: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried bunuelos from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining dough strips.
7. Step 7: In a shallow dish, combine powdered sugar and cinnamon (if using). Toss the fried bunuelos in the sugar mixture to coat evenly. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Storing & Reheating Easy 4-Ingredient Bunuelos Recipe (Better Than Takeout)

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftover bunuelos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Freezing Easy 4-Ingredient Bunuelos Recipe (Better Than Takeout)

Not recommended for freezing.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Microwave: Not recommended for reheating as it can make the bunuelos soggy.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour and reduce the oil by half, using a non-stick skillet to fry the bunuelos instead.
• Best substitution: If you don't have powdered sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead. Simply blend it in a blender or food processor until it reaches a fine, powdery consistency.
• Make-ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Simply roll out and fry the bunuelos as needed.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If your bunuelos are not crispy, try increasing the oil temperature or frying them for a shorter period. If they are burning, reduce the oil temperature or fry them for a longer period.

Easy 4-Ingredient Bunuelos Recipe (Better Than Takeout)

⏱

Prep

15 minutes

🍳

Cook

30 minutes

⏳

Total

45 minutes

🍽

Serves

4 servings

🥗

Diet

Vegetarian

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Optional Toppings

• Chocolate sauce
• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Step 2: Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Step 3: Using a dough hook or your hands, knead the dough for 2 minutes until smooth. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll out each piece on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut each piece into 1/2-inch strips.
5. Step 5: Carefully add a few strips of dough to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Flip occasionally for even frying.
6. Step 6: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried bunuelos from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining dough strips.
7. Step 7: In a shallow dish, combine powdered sugar and cinnamon (if using). Toss the fried bunuelos in the sugar mixture to coat evenly. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour and reduce the oil by half, using a non-stick skillet to fry the bunuelos instead.
• Best substitution: If you don't have powdered sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead. Simply blend it in a blender or food processor until it reaches a fine, powdery consistency.
• Make-ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Simply roll out and fry the bunuelos as needed.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If your bunuelos are not crispy, try increasing the oil temperature or frying them for a shorter period. If they are burning, reduce the oil temperature or fry them for a longer period.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftover bunuelos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave reheat: Not recommended for reheating as it can make the bunuelos soggy.
• Make ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 48g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sat. Fat: 2g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Easy 4-Ingredient Bunuelos Recipe (Better Than Takeout) FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Easy 4-Ingredient Bunuelos Recipe (Better Than Takeout) and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!