Homemade Flour Tortillas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something special about freshly made tortillas. They’re soft, pliable, and have a subtle richness that makes every bite better.

This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and comes together easily, making it perfect even for beginners. Once you try homemade tortillas, it’s hard to go back to store-bought.

Another reason to love it is versatility. You can adjust the size, thickness, and even the type of fat used to suit your preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
salt
baking powder
oil, butter, or lard
warm water

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add the oil, butter, or lard and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 20 to 30 minutes.
6. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into a ball.
7. Roll out each ball into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
8. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
9. Cook each tortilla for about 30 to 60 seconds per side, until bubbles form and light golden spots appear.
10. Stack cooked tortillas and cover them with a clean towel to keep them warm and soft.
11. Serve immediately or use in your favorite dishes.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 to 10 tortillas.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Rest time: 20 to 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 to 15 minutes
Total time: about 45 minutes to 1 hour

Variations

You can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or a mix of flours for a softer texture.

For richer tortillas, use lard or butter instead of oil. You can also add a pinch of sugar for a slightly sweeter version.

If you want thicker tortillas, roll them less thin. For thinner, more flexible tortillas, roll them out more evenly.

Storage/Reheating

Store tortillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat, warm them in a skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel to restore softness.

They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day.

Why do my tortillas come out tough?

This can happen if the dough is overworked or not rested long enough.

Can I use a tortilla press?

A tortilla press can be used, but rolling with a rolling pin gives better control for flour tortillas.

What fat works best?

Lard gives the most traditional flavor, but butter or oil also work well.

How do I keep tortillas soft?

Keep them covered with a towel after cooking to trap steam and maintain softness.

Can I make them without baking powder?

Yes, but they may be slightly less soft and fluffy.

Why are my tortillas shrinking when I roll them?

The dough may need more resting time to relax the gluten.

Can I make gluten-free tortillas?

Yes, but you’ll need a gluten-free flour blend designed for tortillas.

How do I know when they are done cooking?

They should have light golden spots and puff slightly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it scales easily for larger batches.

Conclusion

Homemade Flour Tortillas are a simple yet rewarding recipe that brings fresh, authentic flavor to your kitchen. Soft, warm, and versatile, they’re the perfect base for countless meals and a great addition to your cooking routine.

Homemade Flour Tortillas

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Soft, warm homemade flour tortillas with a tender texture and rich flavor, perfect for tacos, wraps, or enjoying fresh off the skillet.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 tortillas
• Category: Bread
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 3 tbsp oil, butter, or lard
• 3/4 cup warm water

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add oil, butter, or lard and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add warm water and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Cover and let the dough rest for 20-30 minutes.
6. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions and roll into balls.
7. Roll each ball into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
8. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
9. Cook each tortilla for 30-60 seconds per side until bubbles form and light golden spots appear.
10. Stack tortillas and cover with a towel to keep warm.
11. Serve immediately or store for later use.

Notes

• Letting the dough rest helps make rolling easier.
• Use lard for the most traditional flavor.
• Keep cooked tortillas covered to maintain softness.
• Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a damp towel.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tortilla
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg