Want to make Colombian Buñuelos (Buñuelos Colombianos) just like Julieta Madrigal from the Disney movie Encanto? Here is a great activity and recipe for making Colombian Buñuelos, the perfect sweet and cheesy little snack for the holidays.

What are Colombian Buñuelos?

Colombian buñuelos are a type of fried dough fritter that are a popular snack in Colombia. They are typically served during the holiday season, but can be enjoyed year-round. They are a sweet and savory comfort food which brings back memories of years past and new beginnings.

When properly made, Buñuelos are hard on the outside, with a slight crisp when bitten into, with a warm cake-like inside. Fill up a basket and pass around the room, these Colombian snacks hit the spot.

Colombian Buñuelos on a plate

Colombian Buñuelos on a plate – ©ArepasDelGringo

How Are Buñuelos Made?

Buñuelos are made by mixing flour, sugar, salt, and cheese to create a dough. The dough is then rolled out and cut into small circles, which are then fried in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy.

Note: If you want to make traditional and authentic buñuelos, you need to use Queso Costeño, which is a salty, harder, fresh cheese. Unfortunately, outside of Colombia it can be hard to find, so a replacement often used is Queso Fresco or Feta cheese.

After frying, the buñuelos are eaten as is. Additionally, they are often served with hot chocolate or coffee, making them the perfect snack for a cold day.

What are Some Colombian Buñuelos Making Tips?

  • Keep an eye on the temperature of the oil, it should not overheat. If the oil begins to overheat, lower the temperature.
  • Buñuelos can splatter oil when frying. Please use caution when ever using oil or deep frying.
  • If the outsides begin to crack the oil is too hot.
  • The cheese needs to be finely grated. It will make a smoother dough.
  • Buñuelos should not be very greasy when finished cooking, the paper towel should soak up most of the oil.
  • Keep an eye on the cheese to flower ratio, this can mess with the taste and texture.

What is the best Colombian Buñuelos Recipe?

In addition to being delicious, buñuelos are also a fun and easy recipe to make at home. To make your own buñuelos, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • ¾ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup yucca flour or tapioca starch
  • 1 cup finely grated feta cheese
  • ½ cup finely grated Queso fresco or fresh farmer cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon milk

What are the Steps to Make Colombian Buñuelos?

To make the dough, combine the ingredients minus the oil in a large mixing bowl. Mix ingredients until the dough comes together, and knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

Next, roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut the dough and roll into small round balls.

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 300-320 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully add the dough balls to the hot oil, and fry until they are golden brown and crispy.

Next, remove the buñuelos from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Drizzle the sugar mixture over the buñuelos and serve while they are still warm.

Now What?

If there are leftovers, buñuelos can be reheated in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or placed in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes at 250, because who doesn’t like leftovers, right?

Lastly, enjoy your homemade buñuelos with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee, and savor the delicious flavors of Colombia.

Colombian Buñuelos Recipe & Steps

Colombian Buñuelos Recipe
 
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Colombian buñuelos are a type of fried dough fritter that are a popular snack in Colombia. They are typically served during the holiday season, but can be enjoyed year-round. They are a sweet and savory comfort food which brings back memories of years past and new beginnings.
Author:
Recipe type: Snack
Cuisine: Colombian
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • ¾ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup yucca flour or tapioca starch
  • 1 cup finely grated feta cheese
  • ½ cup finely grated Queso fresco or fresh farmer cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
  1. To make the dough, combine the ingredients minus the oil in a large mixing bowl. Mix ingredients until the dough comes together and knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
  2. Next, roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut the dough and roll into small round balls.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 300-320 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully add the dough balls to the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until they are golden brown and crispy.
  4. Remove the buñuelos from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Optional: Drizzle the sugar mixture over the buñuelos and serve while they are still warm.

Are you going to make Buñuelos?

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