Authentic Sopapillas Recipe

Sopapillas:

1. In a large bowl add dry ingredients: 3 cups of flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine.
2. Add shortening and using your fingers or a pastry blender, combine it with the flour mix until it is fully rubbed in and the mixture resembles sand.
3. Scoop a well in the center of the flour and shortening mix and add warm water and warm milk. Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture until well combined.
4. Once combined, use your hands to knead the dough, for about 5 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add the remaining 1/3 cup of flour a little at a time. The dough should be just lightly sticky, easy to work with, soft and smooth.
5. Knead the dough into a smooth ball. If needed, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface while you knead it. Once you form a ball, place the dough on a lightly floured surface and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rest for 30 minutes. The dough can also be wrapped in plastic food wrap and refrigerated for 24 hours.

Roll and slice:

1. After 30 minutes, cut the dough into 4, and roll each piece into a small, smooth ball. You can also skip cutting the ball into pieces, and just roll the entire piece, it's just harder to work with it this way.
2. One by one, roll out each ball on a floured surface into an imperfect rectangle that is about 1/8-1/4 inch thick. Cut into 3-inch squares and arrange them on a tray that has been covered with parchment paper.

Fry:

1. Add oil to a deep pan, saucepan, or deep-fryer. If using a pan/saucepan, you need to fill it with at least 4 inches of oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, 375 degrees F, add Sopapillas a few at a time, and fry until golden brown on both sides.
3. Cook only until golden brown on each side. Remove and place on a cooling rack that has been placed inside a baking dish. This is done to drain any remaining excess oil.

Cinnamon Sugar:

1. Add cinnamon and sugar to a large bowl and whisk to combine. Toss one by one, the still hot Sopapillas into the Cinnamon Sugar mixture or just sprinkle it on top.
2. Serve warm drizzled with honey.