Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe

Introduction

Homemade flour tortillas are soft, warm, and perfect for tacos, quesadillas, or wraps. Making them from scratch is simple and rewarding, delivering fresh flavor and texture that store-bought versions can’t match.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (15 oz / 426 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (8 fl oz / 240 ml) warm water
• ⅓ cup (2 ½ fl oz / 75 ml) vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds to blend the dry ingredients.
2. Step 2: With the mixer running at medium speed, gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil. Continue mixing on low until the dough comes together and forms a smooth ball, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Transfer the dough onto a clean work surface and divide it into 12 even pieces. Shape each piece into a ball using your hands without adding flour to the surface for easier shaping.
4. Step 4: Gently flatten each dough ball to about 3 inches in diameter with the palm of your hand. Cover the pieces with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for at least 15 minutes.
5. Step 5: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out each piece of dough into a 6-inch (15 cm) circle using a rolling pin. Avoid stacking uncooked tortillas to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place one tortilla in the pan and cook for 1 minute, until bubbles form and the bottom shows light brown spots. Flip and cook the other side for 30 seconds. The tortillas should stay soft and lightly browned.
7. Step 7: Stack the cooked tortillas on a plate. They can be stored in an airtight container once cooled or enjoyed immediately with your favorite fillings.

Tips & Variations

• Use warm water to help the dough come together smoothly and create soft tortillas.
• For whole wheat tortillas, substitute half or all the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
• If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix and knead the dough by hand using the same steps.
• Cook tortillas one at a time in a hot, dry pan for the best texture and browning.

Storage

Store leftover tortillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a ziplock bag for up to 8 weeks. To reheat, warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for about 20 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand in a large bowl and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Why are my tortillas not soft after cooking?

Overcooking tortillas can make them crispy. Cook them just until bubbles appear and light brown spots form, then flip quickly to keep them soft and pliable.

Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 57 reviews

Learn how to make soft, homemade flour tortillas from scratch with just a few simple ingredients. This classic recipe produces tender, pliable tortillas perfect for tacos, quesadillas, wraps, or any Mexican-inspired meal. They are easy to make using a stand mixer and cooked quickly on the stovetop for fresh, warm tortillas every time.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 tortillas 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups (15 oz / 426 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (8 fl oz / 240 ml) warm water
• ⅓ cup (2 ½ fl oz / 75 ml) vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds to evenly distribute the ingredients.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: With the mixer running at medium speed, slowly add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients.
3. Form the Dough: Continue mixing on low speed until the dough comes together and forms a smooth ball, approximately 5 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. Divide and Shape: Transfer the dough onto a clean work surface and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball using your hands. Avoid flouring the surface at this stage to keep the dough moist.
5. Rest the Dough: Gently flatten each dough ball with the palm of your hand to about 3 inches in diameter. Cover all flattened dough pieces with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for at least 15 minutes to relax the gluten for easier rolling.
6. Roll Out Tortillas: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll each dough piece into a thin 6-inch (15 cm) circle. Handle carefully and do not stack raw tortillas to prevent sticking.
7. Cook the Tortillas: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place one tortilla into the pan and cook for about 1 minute until bubbles form and the bottom has light brown spots. Flip and cook the other side for 30 seconds. Avoid overcooking to keep tortillas soft and pliable.
8. Stack and Serve: Transfer cooked tortillas to a plate and stack them. Serve immediately for best taste and texture. Fresh tortillas are perfect for tacos, quesadillas, wraps, or burritos.
9. Storage: Store leftover tortillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 8 weeks. Reheat gently before serving.

Notes

• Use warm water (not hot) to help the dough come together smoothly and encourage elasticity.
• Do not overcook the tortillas; they should remain soft and flexible with light brown spots.
• Resting the dough helps make rolling easier and produces a better texture.
• Flour the rolling surface lightly to prevent sticking, but don’t overdo it to avoid dry tortillas.
• These tortillas freeze well and can be reheated on a skillet or microwave.

Keywords: homemade flour tortillas, flour tortillas recipe, Mexican tortillas, soft tortillas, easy tortilla recipe, stovetop tortillas, homemade bread