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There’s something so good about a warm flour tortilla fresh from the skillet. They’re soft, a little chewy, buttery, and honestly so much better than the store-bought kind.
The best part is how simple they are. No yeast, no long rise, and no fancy equipment required. Just a handful of pantry staples and a hot skillet for homemade tortillas that are perfect for taco night, quesadillas, and everything in between.
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When it comes to flour tortillas, I never thought I would care to take the time to make them at home. But after realizing just how simple they can be, I’ve been making them almost weekly. They’re pretty much a staple for our family’s Mexican dinners.
These are DELICIOUS, and like nothing you’ll find in the grocery store.
Homemade tortillas are softer, chewier, and you just can’t beat the flavor.
Details – mix the dough
Simply mix flour, baking powder, and salt together. Then, add softened butter and hot water. Mix this until a soft, shaggy dough forms, then use your hands to need the dough into a smooth ball.
Let the dough rest for 10 minutes to allow the gluten to settle.
Roll the dough out
Divide the dough into 12 to 14 dough balls, then roll each out using a rolling pin. If you have a tortilla press, that will make things very easy! I don’t have one, but it’s on my list of items to invest in.
I like to roll all the dough balls out before I start cooking any of the tortillas. This helps the cooking process go much easier and smoother.
Cook the tortillas
It’s best to use a cast-iron skillet if you can, then add a drizzle of olive oil. Most people don’t use oil to cook the tortillas, but I’ve found you get a much better outcome with just a small amount of oil in the pan.
Cook until bubbles appear on top. Then. just like a pancake, flip and cook until lightly golden.
These are delicious warm, right off the skillet. Fresh fajitas or tacos can also be stored for up to 3 days, or kept frozen for even longer!
These are also great with quesadillas, skillet verde chicken, chili, and more!
FAQ
Can I make these flour tortillas with coconut oil instead of butter?Yes, coconut oil works here and is already noted in the recipe. The tortillas will still be soft, but the flavor will be less rich and buttery.
Why are my homemade tortillas tough instead of soft?That usually happens when too much flour is added during rolling or the dough doesn’t rest long enough. The dough should stay soft, and the cooked tortillas should be covered with a towel right away to keep them tender.
How do I know when it’s time to flip the tortilla?
Look for bubbles across the surface and light golden color underneath. If the tortilla is browning too fast before it bubbles, lower the heat slightly.
How should I store and reheat leftover tortillas?
Keep them in an airtight container or sealed bag once cool. Reheat in a skillet or wrapped until warm and flexible so they taste soft again.
Lastly, if you make these Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas
Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature, (or coconut oil)
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions
- 1. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter, then pour over the hot water. Stir until a shaggy dough begins to form.2. Turn the dough out onto a floured counter. Use your hands to knead the dough for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth ball. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let rest 10 minutes. 3. Cut the dough into 12-14 equal wedges, then roll each wedge into a ball (they don't need to be perfect). Use a rolling pin or a tortilla press to roll the dough out into an 8 – inch circle.4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil, then a tortilla. Cook 30-60 seconds, until little bubbles appear on the surface. Flip and cook another 30 seconds, or until the bottom is slightly golden. Set on a plate and cover with a towel. Repeat with the remaining dough. 5. Serve warm (yum!) or save for later. Keep the tortillas stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Hi I made them today, easy but the only thing I would do is double the recipe! They are good, homemade and delicious.
Hey Betty,
Happy Monday! I appreciate you giving this recipe a try, so glad to hear it was a hit!
I am having my
Neighbors over for fajitas and everything that goes with it. They asked me to make this recipe for the tortillas as it’s their favorite.
If I ever have any left( I made a double recipe today) – I use it for fried dough in the morning as it’s my grandson’s favorite.
Hey Roberta,
Love to hear this! Thanks for giving this recipe a go, so glad it was enjoyed!
Have a great weekend!☃️
So I’ve made this before, but recently used bread flour and it’s coming out a little tough. Any recommendations to alter the recipe?
Hi Benicia,
Sorry, I have never used bread flour with this recipe before:) I would switch back to the all purpose flour.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help!
Can you freeze the dough?
Hi Madeleine,
Yes, that will work nicely for you. I hope you love this recipe!
Made these tortillas tonight for my burritos. The recipe was easy and had excellent results. I won’t say that I was able to make them perfectly round but it didn’t matter. My burritos looked like burritos and my husband said he loved them. In fact he said the best I’ve ever made! This Recipe is now saved in my“keeper recipes”❤️
Thanks so much, Pammy! Love to hear this recipe turned out well for you, I appreciate you making it! Have a great Monday!
So easy and yummy!! Thank you for sharing!
Hey Angela,
Happy Sunday! Thanks so much for making this recipe, love to hear it turned out well for you!
These were amazing! First time Ive made tortillas and they turned out incredible
Hey Jessica,
Happy Sunday! Thanks so much for making this recipe, love to hear it turned out well for you!
I’ve made these before and delish. I want to know how far ahead of time can I make the dough without cooking or freezing.
Thanks so much, Annette! You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Have a great weekend!
These are delicious! Super easy and the butter instead of lard put them over the top! Now in a regular rotation. Good by themselves, with beans etc.
Hey Jan,
Thanks so much for making this recipe and your comment, love to hear it was a winner!
Not good. The dough is very stiff and not soft like a tortilla after cooking. No bubbles either. What a waste!
Hi Donna,
Very sorry to hear this, was there anything you may have adjusted in the recipe? Let me know how I can help!
Love this recipe. I let it rest for 20 minutes and they rolled out (and stayed rolled out) better.
One question: can I freeze the dough balls or does it need to be cooked first? Thank you.
Hey Carmen,
Awesome! Thanks so much for making this recipe:) Yes, you can go ahead and freeze the dough balls.
Have a great Thursday!
These are not very thin and way way too much baking soda! I knew it when I saw it but wanted to trust it. So tired of people putting recipes up and putting incorrect measurements
Hi Deb,
Sorry to hear this. This is a tried and true recipe, I promise all of the measurements are correct:)
Well the recipe is perfect and NOWHERE does it say BAKING SODA.
Love the recipe! Question, if I were to pre make the dough before dinner, can it rest in the fridge before cutting them into the sizes I want and frying them? Thank you!
Hey Kev,
Awesome! Thanks for making this recipe and your feedback, love to hear it was a hit!
I would just keep the dough covered on the counter.
Happy New Year!🥂🎆
The easiest and best tortillas. this will be a family staple for years to come! Thank you!!
Hey Megan,
Awesome!! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your comment, love to hear it was enjoyed!
Have a very Happy New Year!🥂🎆
Great recipe. Simple and delicious! It’s a keeper. I’ll definitely be making these again. Thank you!!!
Hey Laurie,
Yay!! Love to hear this recipe turned out well for you, I appreciate you making it!
Happy Sunday!
They are very good. I just couldn’t get them to bubble as much as I’d like
Hey Arlene,
Love to hear this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it and your comment!
Happy Holidays!🎄