Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup

Name: Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 3/4 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 cup piloncillo (or brown sugar); 1/2 cup water

Published: November 25, 2025

by Sarah Conley

Why You'll Love This Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup

This incredible Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup:

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the base of the bunuelos; choose unbleached for optimal flavor.
Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise and achieve that perfect light texture.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in this delightful treat.
Eggs: Adds richness and helps bind everything together; fresh eggs work best.
Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess or substitute with non-dairy milk if desired.
Sugar: A must for sweetness; you can adjust according to your taste preferences.

For the Piloncillo Syrup:

Piloncillo: This unrefined cane sugar adds deep flavor—look for it in Latin grocery stores or online.
Water: Just enough to dissolve the piloncillo into a syrupy goodness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, and milk. Mix until you have a smooth dough that doesn’t stick to your fingers—if it does stick like an overly affectionate puppy, add a bit more flour.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out your dough to about a quarter-inch thickness. Don’t worry about perfection; bunuelos are meant to be rustic! Cut into circles using a round cutter or simply trace around a glass.

Step 3: Heat Up Your Oil

In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). It’s ready when a tiny piece of dough sizzles upon contact—just like your excitement when you see dessert!

Step 4: Fry the Bunuelos

Carefully place your cut-out dough circles in the hot oil one at a time. Fry each side until golden brown—about two minutes per side should do it. Transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil and let them cool slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Piloncillo Syrup

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine piloncillo and water. Stir until dissolved and simmer until slightly thickened—this syrup is pure bliss!

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle your warm bunuelos generously with piloncillo syrup right before serving. For an extra touch of indulgence, dust them lightly with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy!

Transfer to plates and drizzle with syrup for the perfect finishing touch. Now gather everyone around because they won’t be able to resist asking for seconds!

You Must Know About Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup

This showstopping Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

First, prepare the piloncillo syrup by simmering water and piloncillo until dissolved. Next, mix the bunuelos dough, roll it out, and fry until golden brown. Finally, drizzle the warm syrup over the bunuelos for a sweet finish.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap out piloncillo for brown sugar if unavailable. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth. For a twist, try infusing the syrup with vanilla or citrus zest!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover bunuelos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about five minutes to regain their crispiness.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup

This professional-quality Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

One time, I brought these Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup to a family gathering, and let me tell you—the plate was emptied faster than you can say “delicious!” My cousin even offered to trade his dessert for another helping!

FAQs

What is Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup?

Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup are traditional sweet treats enjoyed during festive celebrations. These crispy, fried pastries are usually made from a simple dough, which is then shaped into circles and deep-fried until golden brown. The unique flavor comes from the piloncillo syrup, made by dissolving unrefined cane sugar in water, often flavored with cinnamon or vanilla. This delightful combination of textures and flavors makes bunuelos a beloved dessert in Mexican culture, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

How do you make Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup?

To make Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup, start by preparing the dough using flour, baking powder, salt, and eggs. Roll it out thinly and cut into circles before frying in hot oil until golden. For the syrup, dissolve piloncillo in water over low heat, stirring until thickened. Add cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavor. Drizzle the warm syrup over the bunuelos just before serving for a delicious dessert that captures the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine.

Can I make Mexican Bunuelos without piloncillo?

Yes, you can make Mexican Bunuelos without piloncillo if it’s not available. Substitute with brown sugar or regular granulated sugar to create a simpler syrup. While the flavor may differ slightly, this alternative still results in a tasty treat. Simply dissolve your chosen sugar in water on low heat and add some cinnamon for an added depth of flavor. This way, you can still enjoy homemade bunuelos even if piloncillo isn’t on hand.

When are Mexican Bunuelos traditionally served?

Mexican Bunuelos are traditionally served during festive occasions such as Christmas and New Year celebrations. They are also popular during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) as a way to honor loved ones who have passed away. Their crispy texture and sweet syrup make them an excellent choice for special gatherings or holiday feasts. Enjoying these treats together fosters connection and appreciation for cultural traditions among families.

Conclusion

In summary, Mexican Bunuelos with Piloncillo Syrup offer a delicious taste of tradition that is perfect for any celebration. These crispy pastries paired with sweet syrup create a delightful experience that brings people together. Whether you’re enjoying them during holidays or sharing them with friends, their unique flavors will surely impress everyone at your table. So grab your ingredients and start making these delectable treats today!

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