Next Post
Cheesy Green Chile and Avocado Rice Quesadillas.
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
There’s something so good about a warm flour tortilla fresh from the skillet. They’re soft, a little chewy, buttery, and honestly so much better than the store-bought kind.
The best part is how simple they are. No yeast, no long rise, and no fancy equipment required. Just a handful of pantry staples and a hot skillet for homemade tortillas that are perfect for taco night, quesadillas, and everything in between.
When it comes to flour tortillas, I never thought I would care to take the time to make them at home. But after realizing just how simple they can be, I’ve been making them almost weekly. They’re pretty much a staple for our family’s Mexican dinners.
These are DELICIOUS, and like nothing you’ll find in the grocery store.
Homemade tortillas are softer, chewier, and you just can’t beat the flavor.
Details – mix the dough
Simply mix flour, baking powder, and salt together. Then, add softened butter and hot water. Mix this until a soft, shaggy dough forms, then use your hands to need the dough into a smooth ball.
Let the dough rest for 10 minutes to allow the gluten to settle.
Roll the dough out
Divide the dough into 12 to 14 dough balls, then roll each out using a rolling pin. If you have a tortilla press, that will make things very easy! I don’t have one, but it’s on my list of items to invest in.
I like to roll all the dough balls out before I start cooking any of the tortillas. This helps the cooking process go much easier and smoother.
Cook the tortillas
It’s best to use a cast-iron skillet if you can, then add a drizzle of olive oil. Most people don’t use oil to cook the tortillas, but I’ve found you get a much better outcome with just a small amount of oil in the pan.
Cook until bubbles appear on top. Then. just like a pancake, flip and cook until lightly golden.
These are delicious warm, right off the skillet. Fresh fajitas or tacos can also be stored for up to 3 days, or kept frozen for even longer!
These are also great with quesadillas, skillet verde chicken, chili, and more!
FAQ
Can I make these flour tortillas with coconut oil instead of butter?Yes, coconut oil works here and is already noted in the recipe. The tortillas will still be soft, but the flavor will be less rich and buttery.
Why are my homemade tortillas tough instead of soft?That usually happens when too much flour is added during rolling or the dough doesn’t rest long enough. The dough should stay soft, and the cooked tortillas should be covered with a towel right away to keep them tender.
How do I know when it’s time to flip the tortilla?
Look for bubbles across the surface and light golden color underneath. If the tortilla is browning too fast before it bubbles, lower the heat slightly.
How should I store and reheat leftover tortillas?
Keep them in an airtight container or sealed bag once cool. Reheat in a skillet or wrapped until warm and flexible so they taste soft again.
Lastly, if you make these Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas
Servings: 12 tortillas
Calories Per Serving: 172 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature (or coconut oil)
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions
- 1. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter, then pour over the hot water. Stir until a shaggy dough begins to form.2. Turn the dough out onto a floured counter. Use your hands to knead the dough for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth ball. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let rest 10 minutes. 3. Cut the dough into 12-14 equal wedges, then roll each wedge into a ball (they don't need to be perfect). Use a rolling pin or a tortilla press to roll the dough out into an 8 – inch circle.4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil, then a tortilla. Cook 30-60 seconds, until little bubbles appear on the surface. Flip and cook another 30 seconds, or until the bottom is slightly golden. Set on a plate and cover with a towel. Repeat with the remaining dough. 5. Serve warm (yum!) or save for later. Keep the tortillas stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
Butter: I like the flavor of butter best, but coconut oil can also be used.
Storage: the tortillas can be stored in a food storage bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
This post was originally published on April 19, 2022
Made to us for taquitos and they turned out perfect. Great flavor, and husband preferred these over other homemade tortillas recipes I’ve made.
Hey Kinsey,
Thank you so much for giving this recipe a try and sharing your thoughts—so happy it worked for you!