The Crinkle, The Crunch, The Celebration: Diving into the Tradition of Mexican Buñuelos
Buñuelos are more than just a sweet treat. These humble, fried pastries are a crispy, sugary symbol of Mexican celebrations, especially during the warmth and tradition of the Christmas season.
If you’ve tried a traditional Mexican buñuelo, you know how special it is. It’s crisp, thin, and covered in a sweet, spiced coating that’s hard to resist. Here’s a closer look at this holiday favorite.
Two Kinds of Mexican Buñuelo Magic
In Mexico, buñuelos usually come in two main styles:
1. Buñuelos de Rodilla (The Traditional Disc)
This is the classic Mexican buñuelo most people imagine.
- The Batter: The dough is made from a simple, slightly sweetened wheat flour mixture.
- The Technique: The traditional method involves stretching the small balls of dough until they are paper-thin and large—sometimes up to 12 inches wide! This is such a meticulous process that the resulting thin, round shape earned the nickname buñuelos de rodilla, or “knee fritters,” because some traditional cooks would use their knees (covered with a cloth, of course!) as a working surface to achieve that perfect, near-transparent thinness.
- The Finish: After frying to a golden crisp, these discs are either covered with cinnamon-sugar or, more traditionally, soaked in a syrup made from piloncillo, water, and cinnamon sticks.
2. Buñuelos de Viento (The Molded Fritter)
These are a more decorative type that have become especially popular during Christmas.
- The Batter: Unlike the rolled dough, these are made from a thin batter, similar to pancake batter.
- The Technique: These are made using a special metal tool called a rosette iron or buñuelera. The hot iron is dipped in the batter, then placed in hot oil, where the batter puffs up and separates from the mold, creating light, airy shapes like stars or snowflakes.
- The Finish: These delicate fritters are usually coated in cinnamon-sugar, which highlights their light, airy texture.
The Syrup: The Defining Taste of Christmas
The crunch of fried dough is great, but the flavor of a Mexican buñuelo often depends on the deep, smoky sweetness of piloncillo syrup.
Piloncillo is essential here. It’s not just brown sugar—it comes in cones and has a richer, molasses-like flavor. When simmered with water, Mexican cinnamon, and sometimes orange peel or star anise, it makes a thick syrup that defines the holiday experience.
The custom, especially in states like Oaxaca, often involves serving the buñuelos in a clay bowl with the syrup, and then breaking the bowl after finishing the treat. This act is said to symbolize leaving behind the past year and making space for good luck in the new one—a tradition as beautiful as the taste itself!
Whether you enjoy them crunchy and flat or light and airy, buñuelos are a delicious centerpiece of Mexican celebrations. They invite everyone to pause, share, and enjoy the sweetness of tradition.
Would you be interested in learning a few tips for making traditional piloncillo syrup at home?
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What equipment or kitchen supplies do I need?
Mexican Buñuelos
Equipment
- Stand Mixer optional
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 cups oil for frying
- granulated sugar
- ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Add warm water, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix together knead dough for 10 minutes or until dough is smooth. You can use a stand-mixer or your hands to mix dough.
- Roll the dough into a ball, cover it with cloth, and let rest for 25-30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 10-12 equal-sized pieces and roll each piece into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out each ball into a circle.
- Combine your granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and put to the side.
- Heat your frying oil on medium heat. Once it reaches 350 degrees, you can begin frying your circles. Carefully place each rolled circle into the frying pan. Fry each dough circle until golden brown on both sides. Drain any excess oil by transferring it to a plate.
- Sprinkle the Buñuelos with your cinnamon sugar and enjoy!
Video
@roni.tapia.gonzalez Let’s make Mexican Buñuelos ( Mexican Fritters)! This recipe is delicious and easy to make! for more recipes ⬇️ www.ronigonzalez.com Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoon melted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla ¾ cup warm water oil for frying (about 2 cups) granulated sugar ground cinnamon #buñuelos #mexicanfritters #recetasfaciles #easyrecipes #homemade #ronigonzalez #fyp #parati #mexicantiktok #holidayrecipes
♬ Christmas Is Coming – DM Production
Notes
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