If you love quick, irresistible sweets with a hint of nostalgia, Sopapillas Puff is an absolute must-try. Picture this: crisp, flaky pastry squares covered in a golden shimmer of cinnamon sugar, drizzled with warm honey, and finished with a cloud of powdered sugar. This recipe captures the spirit of classic sopapillas but with a genius puff pastry shortcut that brings all the magic to your table in just 20 minutes. It’s a dessert that will spark joy any night of the week—just wait till you take your first bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Serving:
- honey for drizzling
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How to Make Sopapillas Puff
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet and, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice it into 9 even squares. Lay the squares onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure they have a bit of breathing room so they can puff up to perfection.
Step 2: Butter and Sugar Magic
Take the melted butter and, using a pastry brush, lightly coat the tops of each pastry square. This simple step gives the Sopapillas Puff their rich flavor and golden finish. In a separate small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon thoroughly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over all your pastry squares, ensuring every inch is kissed with cinnamon sweetness.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Goodness
Slide your baking sheet into the hot oven and let the magic happen. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the Sopapillas Puff are puffed, crisp, and gorgeously golden brown. As they bake, your kitchen will be filled with the most enticing, nostalgic aroma of cinnamon and melting butter. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly so that they set up but are still warm.
Step 4: The Sweet Finishing Touch
Transfer the slightly cooled Sopapillas Puff onto a serving platter. Drizzle generously with honey, letting it sink into the nooks and crannies. If you love an extra pop of sweetness and a pretty finish, give them a gentle dusting of powdered sugar before serving. This last step is optional, but completely delightful!
How to Serve Sopapillas Puff
Garnishes
A big part of the fun is decorating your Sopapillas Puff! Besides classic honey and powdered sugar, try fresh fruit, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a swirl of whipped cream for a dreamy, dessert-shop look. Each garnish brings out different notes—fruity, creamy, or extra sweet.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving Sopapillas Puff as part of a larger spread, they pair beautifully with hot coffee or Mexican hot chocolate. For a brunch treat, offer alongside fresh fruit salad or cinnamon-spiced apples to balance the richness with something light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, arrange the Sopapillas Puff on a platter in a sunburst pattern and set a bowl of honey in the center for dipping. Or, assemble them like tiny sandwiches with a dollop of whipped cream or sweetened cream cheese in the middle. However you serve them, Sopapillas Puff always steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Sopapillas Puff cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They hold up well at room temperature for up to a day, though the pastry will soften slightly over time.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze baked Sopapillas Puff. Wrap each cooled puff individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, just pull out as many as you need—they’ll keep their quality for about a month this way.
Reheating
To bring that signature crispness back, reheat Sopapillas Puff in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry chewy rather than flaky. Once warmed through, finish with a fresh drizzle of honey and serve immediately.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for Sopapillas Puff?
Absolutely! If you have the time and inclination, homemade puff pastry is a wonderful upgrade and brings even more buttery layers to the final result. Just be sure to roll and chill it according to your recipe before following these baking steps.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen puff pastry?
The gentlest method is to thaw the pastry sheet overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re in a hurry, you can also leave it on the counter for about 30–40 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make parts of the dough too soft or even start to cook it.
Can I make Sopapillas Puff vegan?
You can! Use a dairy-free puff pastry (many brands are naturally vegan) and substitute plant-based butter and agave syrup in place of honey for the topping. They’ll still taste fabulous and have a similar flaky texture.
Why did my Sopapillas Puff not puff up?
This usually happens if the oven isn’t hot enough, or if the pastry is too warm when it goes in. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F and try to keep the pastry cool until just before baking. Also, avoid overworking the dough, which can make the layers stick together.
Is it possible to add fillings to Sopapillas Puff?
Definitely! Try adding a small spoonful of cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves inside each square before baking. Pinch the edges to seal, brush with butter, and bake as usual for an exciting surprise inside every puff.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Sopapillas Puff enough, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. They’re a treat that feels both effortless and extraordinary—perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Give them a try, and I promise, that cinnamon-sugar bliss will win you over every single time.
Print
Sopapillas Puff Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sopapillas Puff is a delightful dessert made with puff pastry squares coated in cinnamon sugar, baked until golden and puffed, then drizzled with honey and dusted with powdered sugar. This easy Mexican-inspired treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Serving:
- honey for drizzling
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare puff pastry: Unfold the puff pastry sheet and cut into 9 even squares. Place on the baking sheet.
- Add toppings: Brush each square with melted butter, then sprinkle with a mix of sugar and cinnamon.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Finish: Drizzle with honey, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
- For a twist, serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
