There’s just something magical about homemade Flour Tortillas — their pillowy softness, the gentle chew, and those impossibly tender layers that only come from making them yourself. These are the tortillas you’ll want to fill, wrap, dip, scoop and savor, whether you’re impressing friends at a taco night or delighting your family with a breakfast burrito. Nothing compares to that warm, fresh-off-the-skillet flavor, and once you’ve tried them, you might never go back to store-bought again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Classic Flour Tortillas call for just five trusty ingredients, each one lending its own magic to the finished product. The beauty is in their simplicity: every addition brings the right balance of softness, flavor, and old-fashioned comfort.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone, creating a tender but substantial structure for pliable, foldable tortillas.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavor, transforming otherwise plain dough into something you truly crave.
- Baking powder: This secret ingredient helps the tortillas become airy and light, creating those perfect little bubbles as they cook.
- Hot water: Hot water hydrates the dough quickly, melting the fat and creating a smooth, workable consistency for beautifully soft tortillas.
- Unsalted butter: Melted in, it’s the key to rich flavor and a gorgeously supple bite in every tortilla.
How to Make Flour Tortillas
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start off by grabbing your largest mixing bowl — you want plenty of space to work. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This not only combines the flavors evenly but also aerates and lightens the flour, setting the stage for ultra-soft Flour Tortillas.
Step 2: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the hot water and melted butter with the dry mix. Use your hands to mix everything together until you have a single, cohesive dough. This is where the dough begins to form its personality. If things feel a bit sticky, sprinkle in more flour one tablespoon at a time. You want a dough that’s soft, but not tacky.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and knead it about 10 times, just until the texture turns smooth and elastic. This gentle kneading develops just enough gluten for a pleasant chew without making the Flour Tortillas tough.
Step 4: Divide and Rest the Dough
Divide the dough into 12 equal balls and flatten each gently into a puck shape. Lightly flour both sides to prevent sticking, then cover them with a towel to rest. This short rest relaxes the dough, which will make rolling out the tortillas much easier and prevent shrinkage.
Step 5: Roll Out Each Tortilla
Heat a large, dry nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Working one piece at a time, roll a ball of dough into an 8-inch circle. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect — rustic edges just add character to your homemade Flour Tortillas.
Step 6: Cook Until Golden
Place your rolled-out dough into the hot skillet. Cook each side for about a minute (the first side), then 30 seconds after flipping, until you see golden brown spots and the tortilla looks puffed and cooked through. Stack the finished tortillas under a towel to keep them steaming and soft while you repeat with the rest.
How to Serve Flour Tortillas
Garnishes
Give your Flour Tortillas a glow-up by brushing them with a touch of melted butter, sprinkling with flaky salt, or dusting with a little chili powder and lime zest for a flavor punch. For something extra special, try rubbing a garlic clove over the warm surface or tucking in a sprig of fresh cilantro.
Side Dishes
Homemade Flour Tortillas are a natural best friend for fresh salsas, homemade guacamole, and all manner of beans. Scoop up your favorite stews, serve alongside grilled meats, or dunk into queso for a side that can truly hold its own at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your warm Flour Tortillas in a colorful basket lined with a clean cloth, let everyone grab their own, or fold them into quirky shapes for an interactive meal. Try using them as wraps for a vibrant salad, breakfast tacos, or even dessert quesadillas filled with chocolate and fruit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep any leftover Flour Tortillas wrapped snugly in a clean kitchen towel or slip them into an airtight container. They’ll stay soft for up to three days at room temperature, and up to five days if stashed in the fridge.
Freezing
To have ready-to-go Flour Tortillas on hand, simply stack cooled tortillas with parchment paper between each layer, then seal in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months, ready to revive at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
Bring your Flour Tortillas back to life by quickly warming them in a hot skillet for 20-30 seconds per side, or popping them in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel for 10-15 seconds. This will restore their fresh, steamy softness.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and richer color. Just keep in mind, the tortillas may turn out slightly denser, so using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour gives a nice balance.
Why is my dough tough or hard to roll out?
If your dough feels tough, it may need more hydration or resting time. Letting the dough rest before rolling relaxes the gluten, which makes your Flour Tortillas easier to flatten and results in a softer texture.
How do I prevent my tortillas from drying out?
Always keep freshly cooked tortillas stacked and covered with a towel or foil to trap steam. This keeps them moist and pliable until ready to serve.
Can I make smaller or larger tortillas with this recipe?
Absolutely! Just divide the dough into fewer or more balls, depending on your desired size. Adjust the rolling and cooking times as needed for thicker or thinner Flour Tortillas.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, a neutral oil like vegetable or canola works well and will still create soft, flexible tortillas, though you’ll miss out on the rich buttery flavor that makes homemade Flour Tortillas extra special.
Final Thoughts
These homemade Flour Tortillas are the real deal, bursting with freshness and flavor you just can’t get from a wrapper. They’re endlessly versatile and will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Trust me — once you fold, wrap, or tear into a warm stack, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
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Flour Tortillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 tortillas
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious homemade flour tortillas with this easy recipe. These soft and flavorful tortillas are perfect for wrapping your favorite fillings.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 2/3 cups hot water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a work surface. Knead about 10 times until smooth.
- Shape Tortillas: Divide the dough into 12 balls. Flatten each into a disk. Dust with flour and cover.
- Cook Tortillas: Heat a nonstick pan. Roll out a dough ball into an 8-inch circle. Cook each side for 1 minute until golden.
Add the water and butter. Mix with your hands until a cohesive ball forms. Add more flour if sticky.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tortilla
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 225mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
