Flour Tortillas
If you’re looking to elevate your next Mexican-inspired meal, this easy flour tortillas recipe is exactly what you need! These homemade tortillas are soft, flexible, and sturdy enough to handle your favorite fillings, from tacos and burritos to hearty enchiladas. Crafted from just five basic ingredients, these tortillas require minimal effort and absolutely no special equipment, making them the perfect option for a quick yet impressive addition to any meal.
With just a bit of mixing and a short cooking time, you’ll have fresh, warm tortillas that blow store-bought versions out of the water. Homemade flour tortillas offer a superior flavor and texture, adding a warm, comforting touch to every bite. Whether you’re planning a Mexican feast or just want to make your favorite wraps from scratch, this recipe is foolproof and packed with delicious results.
Imagine the satisfaction of biting into a homemade tortilla, made by your own hands in less than an hour. Plus, they’re extremely versatile and freeze well, making them a practical staple to have on hand. Let’s dive into this easy flour tortillas recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite!
Key Ingredients for Perfect Flour Tortillas
- Hot Water – The heat from the water helps soften the flour, making the dough pliable and easier to roll out.
- Vegetable Oil, Shortening, or Lard – Adds essential fat for a tender and flavorful tortilla. Each option brings its own unique flavor: vegetable oil for a neutral taste, shortening for extra softness, and lard for a rich, authentic touch.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure for the tortillas. This recipe is designed to work well with standard all-purpose flour for ease and accessibility.
- Baking Powder – Adds a touch of lift to the dough, resulting in a soft, fluffy texture that keeps the tortillas from becoming too dense.
- Salt – Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the taste of the other ingredients.
Simple Steps for Soft, Homemade Flour Tortillas
- Prep the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder to blend evenly.
- Add Oil and Water: Gradually incorporate the oil and hot water. If using a stand mixer, set it to medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the dough begins to form. For hand mixing, use a spoon to combine, then switch to kneading by hand until a sticky ball forms.
- Knead Until Smooth: Continue kneading for a few minutes (on low speed if using a mixer) until the dough is soft, smooth, and elastic.
- Divide and Shape: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and divide into 16 even portions. Shape each piece into a ball, then press slightly flat. Cover with a towel and let the dough rest for at least 15 minutes.
- Roll Out the Tortillas: On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a circle roughly 6 inches in diameter, aiming for an even thickness.
- Cook the Tortillas: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Place each tortilla in the pan, cooking for about 1 minute on the first side or until bubbles form. Flip and cook the other side for 30 seconds until golden.
- Keep Warm: Stack cooked tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to retain their warmth and softness.
Tips for Perfect Flour Tortillas Every Time
- Use Hot Water – Warm water helps the dough come together more easily, especially if you’re hand mixing.
- Rest the Dough – Letting the dough rest before rolling it out gives the gluten time to relax, making it easier to roll thin without shrinking.
- Adjust Heat as Needed – Cast-iron skillets retain heat well, so adjust your burner temperature to avoid burning.
- Use a Towel to Keep Warm – Wrapping freshly cooked tortillas in a towel keeps them soft, and the steam will enhance their pliability.
Delicious Variations
These homemade flour tortillas are easy to customize! For added flavor, try adding minced garlic or herbs to the dough before mixing. A splash of lime juice can also give a tangy twist, making these tortillas especially delightful for tacos. For a more textured bite, substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Storing and Reheating Homemade Tortillas
To keep these tortillas fresh, let them cool completely before storing. In the refrigerator, stack them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 days. When ready to use, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds with a damp paper towel to restore their softness.
For longer storage, separate each tortilla with parchment or wax paper and freeze in a zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months and are easy to reheat on a skillet or in the microwave, making homemade tortillas available anytime!
Enjoy the taste of fresh, warm tortillas made right in your kitchen—perfect for any meal, any day!
Flour Tortillas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil shortening, or lard
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Stand Mixer Method
- In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder, and mix briefly to blend.
- With the mixer set to medium, add the oil and water gradually. Mix for 1-2 minutes, pausing to scrape the bowl’s sides as needed. Once the dough forms into a cohesive ball, reduce the speed to low and continue mixing for another 1-2 minutes until smooth.
Hand Mixing Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Drizzle in the oil and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Pour in the warm water and mix to combine. Using floured hands, knead the dough briefly until it forms a rough, slightly sticky ball.
After Mixing
- Transfer the dough from the mixing bowl onto a floured surface. Divide it into 16 even portions. Shape each piece into a small ball, then gently flatten each with your palm. Cover the dough balls with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for at least 15 minutes or up to an hour.
- When ready to cook, preheat a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a circle approximately 6 inches in diameter. Avoid stacking the rolled tortillas; if needed, use a sheet of lightly floured parchment paper for extra space.
- Place one tortilla in the hot skillet, cooking for about 1 minute, until bubbles form on top and golden spots appear underneath. Adjust heat if needed. Flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds on the other side.
- Transfer cooked tortillas to a stack, loosely wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and warm.
Storage Instructions
- Serve fresh, or let the tortillas cool completely before storage. To refrigerate, place tortillas in a zip-top bag for up to 3 days; microwave with a damp paper towel for 15-30 seconds before serving. For longer storage, separate tortillas with parchment or wax paper and freeze in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.