There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a stack of warm, pillowy Homemade Flour Tortillas straight from your kitchen. These tortillas are buttery, soft, and bursting with fresh flavor—far better than anything you’ll find at the supermarket. With just a handful of pantry staples, you transform the most basic ingredients into something truly special and versatile. Whether you’re folding them around smoky grilled meats, turning them into cheesy quesadillas, or tearing one straight from the pan for a snack, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought wraps again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a small lineup of everyday items come together to form such a crave-worthy bread. Each ingredient is essential: they work in harmony to bring the perfect chewiness, tenderness, and color that make Homemade Flour Tortillas unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the backbone of your dough, providing structure and just enough softness for foldability.
- Salt: Don’t skip this! It enhances the natural flavors of the tortilla and keeps them from tasting bland.
- Baking powder: This little boost creates light air pockets for signature fluffiness—no flat or rubbery tortillas here.
- Hot water: The heat helps melt and distribute the butter evenly for tender tortillas that roll smoothly.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Butter is the secret to incredible richness and a beautiful golden finish instead of dryness.
How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a roomy bowl and whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This is your flavor foundation and mixing thoroughly ensures your Homemade Flour Tortillas rise just right and don’t have pockets of salt or baking powder hiding out.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the hot water and melted butter. Now, get your hands in there! Mixing by hand lets you really feel when the dough is coming together and ensures thorough hydration. If the dough feels too sticky, just sprinkle in extra flour a tablespoon at a time until it holds but isn’t tacky.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it about ten times. This step creates a smooth and elastic ball, delivering that perfect chewy bite Homemade Flour Tortillas are known for. Don’t overwork it—just enough to bring it together.
Step 4: Divide and Rest
Divide the dough into 12 equal balls, flatten each one just a bit, give them a quick flour dusting, and cover with a towel so they don’t dry out. This rest is essential for relaxed gluten, which makes rolling much easier and prevents shrinking in the pan.
Step 5: Heat Your Pan
Place a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. You want a steady, hot surface so your tortillas cook quickly and develop those irresistible golden spots while staying tender inside. No oil needed—the butter in the dough provides all the richness!
Step 6: Roll and Cook
One at a time, roll each ball into an 8-inch circle. Don’t fuss if they’re not perfectly round—they all taste delicious! Cook each tortilla for about one minute per side; you’ll know it’s ready to flip when you spot golden brown bubbles and a few puffy spots.
Step 7: Keep Warm
As you finish each batch, wrap the warm tortillas in a clean towel. This traps steam and keeps them soft until you’re ready to dig in. They stack up beautifully and stay perfectly pliable for stuffing, rolling, or snacking!
How to Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas
Garnishes
The beauty of Homemade Flour Tortillas is that they can be served plain or decked out just the way you like. For extra flair, brush with a bit of melted butter right after cooking and sprinkle with flaky salt, or add a dusting of fresh herbs, like chopped cilantro or chives.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with Homemade Flour Tortillas than delicious sides like smoky refried beans, a bright tomato salsa, or a cool scoop of guacamole. They’re also fantastic alongside scrambled eggs, roasted veggies, or as the base for hearty tacos and wraps.
Creative Ways to Present
Try folding your tortillas into triangles for dipping, crisping them up as impromptu chips, or rolling them around grilled veggies for colorful pinwheels. Stack them high for a rustic breadbasket centerpiece, or cut into strips for a salad topper—your imagination is the only limit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Homemade Flour Tortillas left, wrap them tightly in foil or a resealable bag and store at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Their homemade freshness truly lingers.
Freezing
Homemade Flour Tortillas hold up beautifully in the freezer. Layer pieces of parchment or wax paper between each, seal in a bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Simply take out what you need and let them thaw at room temperature or give them a quick reheat.
Reheating
To restore that fresh-from-the-pan feeling, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet for about 20 to 30 seconds per side or cover them in a damp paper towel and microwave in short bursts. They’ll be soft and flexible, just like new!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and heartier texture. You may need a bit more water, and expect slightly firmer tortillas, but they’re delicious and hearty!
Why is my dough too sticky or too dry?
Flour can vary by brand, climate, or humidity, so don’t worry! If your dough is sticky, add extra flour a tablespoon at a time. If it’s dry, add a splash more hot water until it’s just right—smooth and soft without being sticky.
Can I make Homemade Flour Tortillas without butter?
Absolutely! You can swap in vegetable oil, shortening, or even lard for a different traditional texture. Each fat brings a unique taste and softness, so experiment to see what you love most.
Why do my tortillas get hard as they cool?
If tortillas cool uncovered, they dry out and firm up. Be sure to wrap them in a clean towel right off the pan to trap steam and keep them soft and pliable even as they cool down.
How thin should I roll out Homemade Flour Tortillas?
Aim for about 1/8 inch thick—this gives you a perfect balance of flexibility and heartiness. Don’t stress about perfect circles; homemade charm is all part of the fun!
Final Thoughts
Making Homemade Flour Tortillas is truly a little act of magic in the kitchen—one that’s sure to win over family and friends at any meal. Once you try these soft, buttery rounds, you’ll want to make them a staple in your home too. Don’t be shy: gather your ingredients, roll up those sleeves, and treat yourself to the fresh, warm goodness only homemade can bring!
Print
Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 tortillas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- 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
Dry Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 2/3 cups hot water
- 1½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in hot water and melted butter. Combine with your hands until a dough forms. Add more flour if sticky.
- Knead the Dough: On a work surface, knead the dough about 10 times until smooth.
- Divide and Shape: Divide the dough into 12 balls. Flatten slightly, dust with flour, and cover with a towel.
- Cook the Tortillas: Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Roll out each ball into an 8-inch circle and cook for about 1 minute per side until golden spots appear.
- Serve: Keep the cooked tortillas warm in a towel while you finish cooking the rest.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tortilla
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
