If you love the warm, soft embrace of fresh tortillas, you absolutely must try this Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe. It’s a simple yet magical way to bring a little homemade charm to your meals, creating tortillas that are tender, slightly chewy, and perfectly pliable. Whether you’re making tacos, wraps, or just enjoying them straight off the skillet, these homemade tortillas will quickly become a family favorite that elevates every bite with their fresh, buttery flavor and delightful texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, yet none overshadow the others — keeping things straightforward and delicious. These pantry basics blend perfectly to create a dough that’s easy to work with and bakes up into tortillas with beautiful softness and flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your tortillas, providing structure and tenderness.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Adds a slight lift for fluffiness and softness in each bite.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the dough perfectly.
- 5 tablespoons salted butter (or coconut oil): Introduces rich flavor and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup hot water: Initially softens the flour to help bring the dough together smoothly and easily.
How to Make Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt in a large bowl. This dry base is where all the magic begins. Next, add the room temperature butter and pour the hot water right over everything. Stir quickly until a shaggy dough forms — it might look a bit rough at first, but that’s exactly what you want.
Step 2: Knead to Perfection
Turn the shaggy dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 1 to 2 minutes until it smooths out into a soft, cohesive ball. This step is where the flour softens and the gluten develops just enough to give you stretchy, flexible tortillas. Cover the dough with a damp towel to rest for 10 minutes, allowing it to relax and become even easier to roll out later.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
After resting, divide the dough into 12 to 14 equal pieces and roll each piece into a rough ball — they don’t have to be perfect, just even in size. Using a rolling pin or tortilla press, gently flatten each ball into an 8-inch circle. The light dusting of flour will help keep things from sticking, and the goal is a thin, even tortilla ready to meet the heat.
Step 4: Cook the Tortillas
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small drizzle of olive oil. Place one tortilla on the skillet and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until little bubbles start popping on the surface. Flip it over and cook for another 30 seconds until the bottom is just slightly golden. These quick cooking times ensure the tortillas stay soft and tender. Transfer cooked tortillas to a plate and cover with a towel to keep warm and pliable. Repeat for the rest of your dough balls.
Step 5: Enjoy or Store
Serve your homemade tortillas warm and fresh from the skillet—they’re irresistible that way! If you want to store them for later, keep them in an airtight container for up to three days, preserving their delicious softness.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
Garnishes
Think fresh, vibrant, and simple: a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a bit of crumbled queso fresco can instantly brighten your tortilla experience. These touches add bursts of flavor and that wonderful freshness that pairs beautifully with warm tortillas.
Side Dishes
Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe is versatile enough to pair with a range of sides — from spicy black beans, vibrant Mexican rice, to grilled veggies or tangy salsas. These sides add layers of texture and flavor, making each meal exciting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
You can fold your tortillas into classic tacos stuffed with your favorite fillings, roll them up as burritos bursting with goodies, or cut into strips to crisp up as homemade tortilla chips with a dip. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and create your perfect tortilla meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any tortillas left after your meal, store them in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature. They will stay soft and fresh for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy them without having to start from scratch.
Freezing
To keep your homemade flour tortillas longer, separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen tortillas can last up to two months, so you’ll always have a quick option on hand for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat your tortillas in a hot skillet for about 20 seconds per side or wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings back the fresh, soft texture that makes homemade tortillas so special.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with oil in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use coconut oil, olive oil, or any neutral oil instead of butter. Each will slightly change the flavor, but your tortillas will still turn out soft and tasty.
Why is baking powder included in this Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe?
Baking powder works as a gentle leavening agent, helping the tortillas puff up just a bit as they cook, which results in a lighter and softer texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just let it come back to room temperature before rolling out to ensure easier handling.
What’s the secret to getting perfectly round tortillas?
Practice and patience! Try to roll from the center outward, turning the dough frequently, and don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round—homemade charm means a little imperfection.
How thick should I roll my tortillas?
Aim for about 1/8 inch thick or close to 8 inches in diameter. Too thick, and they might be doughy; too thin, and they risk tearing. This thickness strikes a perfect balance for soft, pliable tortillas.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about making your own tortillas from scratch, and this Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe delivers every time with simplicity and delicious results. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these tortillas will add a heartfelt touch to your meals and become a go-to in your kitchen. I can’t wait to hear which creative ways you try them—I’m already dreaming of my next batch!
Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
These easy homemade flour tortillas are soft, warm, and perfect for wraps, tacos, or burritos. Made with simple pantry staples, they come together quickly and can be cooked right on your stovetop in a skillet for a delicious fresh taste every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 tortillas
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature (or coconut oil)
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt, ensuring they are well incorporated for an even dough.
- Add Butter and Water: Add the room temperature salted butter to the dry ingredients, then pour in the hot water. Stir everything together until a shaggy dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured counter and knead it using your hands for 1-2 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, forming a ball.
- Rest the Dough: Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten for easier rolling.
- Divide and Shape: Cut the rested dough into 12-14 equal wedges. Roll each wedge into a ball; they don’t need to be perfectly round.
- Roll Out Tortillas: Using a rolling pin or tortilla press, flatten each dough ball into an 8-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Cook Tortillas: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small drizzle of olive oil. Place one tortilla in the skillet and cook for 30-60 seconds until little bubbles begin to appear on the surface. Flip and cook the other side for about 30 seconds or until lightly golden.
- Keep Warm: Transfer cooked tortillas to a plate and cover with a clean towel to keep them warm and soft. Repeat the cooking process with remaining dough.
- Serve or Store: Serve the tortillas warm immediately, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days for later use.
Notes
- Use hot water to help make the dough pliable and easy to roll out.
- Resting the dough is essential for tender tortillas and easier rolling.
- Olive oil in the skillet adds flavor and prevents sticking, but you can use butter or skip it if preferred.
- For gluten-free versions, substitute with gluten-free flour blends, though texture may vary.
- These tortillas freeze well—freeze stacked with parchment paper between to prevent sticking.
- Reheat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel.
