Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to capture that soft, pillowy, and utterly fresh taste of a warm tortilla, look no further than this Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe. Made from just five simple pantry staples, these tortillas bring that delightful, satisfying texture and homemade flavor that instantly elevate any Mexican-inspired meal. From their tender crumb to their faintly buttery aroma, these tortillas taste like they’ve just come off a wood-fired stove, making every bite feel like a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, humble ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe to create the perfect tender, flexible flour tortillas. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s enhancing flavor, texture, or ease of handling.

• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundational ingredient that provides structure and chewiness to your tortillas.
• Fine sea salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances the flavors and balances the dough.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a little lift, ensuring the tortillas remain soft and slightly puffed while cooking.
• Hot water (1 cup): Hydrates the flour perfectly to make a pliable and smooth dough.
• Butter (1/3 cup, room temperature): Brings a subtle richness and tender crumb that makes these tortillas irresistible.

How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe

Step 1: Combining the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. This even distribution ensures consistent flavor and texture across every tortilla. Mixing the dry ingredients first is an essential step for creating a smooth dough.

Step 2: Incorporating the Butter

Add the room temperature butter, cut into small pieces, into the dry mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique helps create that tender, flaky texture so loved in homemade tortillas.

Step 3: Mixing in the Hot Water

Slowly pour in the hot water a little at a time, stirring continuously. The heat helps the fat melt and bind with the flour, making the dough easier to work with. Continue mixing until a shaggy but cohesive dough begins to form. Don’t rush—this gradual incorporation is key for perfect softness.

Step 4: Kneading and Resting

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for just 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. Be gentle; over-kneading can make tortillas tough. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten, which will make rolling out much easier.

Step 5: Dividing and Shaping

Divide the rested dough into 12 equal balls if you want medium-size tortillas, or 10 for larger ones. Rolling each piece into a smooth ball helps the dough keep its shape and ensures even cooking. Letting the dough balls sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours is fine if you want to prep ahead.

Step 6: Rolling Out the Tortillas

Lightly flour your countertop and rolling pin. Roll each dough ball into a thin, paper-like circle. The thinner your tortillas, the softer and more flexible they will be. If you have a tortilla press, this step becomes even simpler!

Step 7: Cooking the Tortillas

Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Cook each tortilla for 30 to 60 seconds on one side until bubbles form, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds. The dough will puff in places—that’s the sign of perfect homemade tortillas! Keep finished tortillas warm by stacking them and covering with a clean kitchen towel.

How to Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate your tortillas to a whole new level. Think freshly chopped cilantro, thinly sliced radishes, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These bright touches cut through the richness and add vibrant colors to your presentation.

Side Dishes

Tortillas are incredibly versatile companions at the table. Pair them with grilled meats, salsa, guacamole, or a creamy queso fresco. They also make incredible wraps for breakfast fillings like scrambled eggs and chorizo or simple beans and rice for a hearty vegetarian option.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just stack your tortillas—try rolling them with fillings and cutting into pinwheels for party platters, or slicing them into strips for homemade tortilla chips. You can also wrap them around skewers for taco kabobs, or fold into soft tacos for a fun dinner twist. The possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover tortillas, stack them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—this keeps them soft and ready for reheating.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your homemade tortillas by stacking with parchment paper and placing them inside a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Reheating

To revive the softness and warmth, reheat tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for 15 to 30 seconds per side. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds if you’re in a hurry. Either way, they’ll taste just as fresh as when you first made them!

FAQs

Can I substitute butter with oil in the Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe?

Yes, you can swap butter for an equal amount of vegetable or olive oil. The texture might be slightly different—oil will yield a softer tortilla, while butter provides a bit more flavor and richness.

What does baking powder do in this tortilla recipe?

Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the tortillas puff slightly when cooking, which results in a lighter, fluffier texture instead of a dense flatbread.

How thin should I roll out the tortillas?

Aim for paper-thin circles about 1 to 2 mm thick. The thinner you roll, the softer and more pliable your tortillas will be, perfect for rolling or folding without cracking.

Can I make this Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe gluten-free?

Traditional tortillas require all-purpose flour for their structure, but you can experiment with gluten-free blends. Just keep in mind that texture and elasticity may vary significantly.

Is it necessary to rest the dough?

Resting the dough for at least 10 minutes allows the gluten to relax, making it much easier to roll out the tortillas without shrinking or tearing. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Making your own soft, fresh tortillas at home with this Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe is incredibly rewarding and surprisingly simple. Once you taste the difference from store-bought tortillas, you’ll never want to go back. Give this recipe a try, and watch how it turns even the simplest meals into a comforting celebration of homemade goodness.

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