Best Easy Hojuelas de Navidad Recipe

Thin, crispy fried pastry sheets dusted with sugar are a traditional Christmas sweet. This family-friendly holiday dessert is a light, delicate treat of the posada season.

Cook 50 min Difficulty NORMAL 190 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 1.5 cups
  • large egg 1 piece
  • vegetable oil 1 tbsp
  • warm water 1 cup
  • vegetable oil (for frying) 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • sugar 1 cup
  • ground cinnamon 1 tsp
  • salt 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 24 g 51%
Protein 3 g 6%
Fat 9 g 43%
Serving size 40g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, and about half of the warm water.

  2. 2

    Mix ingredients together with a spoon, then knead by hand, gradually adding more water until a soft, smooth dough forms. Knead for 5–8 minutes for elasticity.

  3. 3

    Cover dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This relaxation ensures maximum crispness.

  4. 4

    Divide dough into small portions. Using a floured surface, roll each into very thin, almost translucent sheets. Aim for even thickness to ensure consistent frying.

  5. 5

    Cut dough into rectangles or desired shapes.

  6. 6

    Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until oil reaches 350°F (175°C).

  7. 7

    Fry the dough sheets in batches, flipping once, until golden and crisp—about 30 seconds per side. Do not crowd the pan; monitor color closely to prevent burning.

  8. 8

    Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

  9. 9

    While still warm, sprinkle hojuelas generously with a mixture of sugar and ground cinnamon to fully coat each piece.

  10. 10

    Cool completely on a wire rack before serving for maximum crunch.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the key ingredients that give Hojuelas de Navidad their signature texture and flavor?
The key ingredients are all-purpose flour, which creates the light crisp pastry, and the sugar-cinnamon mix, which defines the sweet flavor profile. Egg and a touch of oil in the dough help achieve a delicate, blistered crunch when fried. The finishing sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon adds both flavor and a beautiful festive aroma.
Q. How do you ensure Hojuelas de Navidad come out ultra-crispy without burning?
Thinly rolling the dough and resting it well helps create the signature crispness. Fry at 350°F (medium-high heat) and cook each sheet for just 30 seconds per side. Avoid crowding in the pan and monitor their golden hue—overcooking can cause bitterness, while undercooking will leave them chewy.
Q. What should I do if my hojuelas turn out oily or not crisp?
If hojuelas are oily, the frying oil may have been too cool or the dough too thick. Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F and roll dough as thin as possible. Always drain fried hojuelas well on paper towels and let them cool fully on a wire rack, which helps preserve their crisp texture.
Q. How many calories are in one serving, and what is the main source of nutrients?
Each 40g serving contains around 190 kcal. About 51% of calories come from carbohydrates, mainly from flour and sugar, 43% from fat due to frying, and 6% from protein. This makes hojuelas a festive treat best enjoyed in moderation.
AI 채팅 아이콘