If you’ve ever wished for soft, pillowy, and perfectly warm tortillas that melt in your mouth, this Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe is exactly what you need. Nothing beats the aroma and taste of freshly made tortillas, and making them at home is surprisingly simple and rewarding. Each bite has the perfect balance of warmth and tenderness, offering a fresh canvas for all your favorite fillings and dishes. Once you try this recipe, you will never want to go back to store-bought tortillas again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe lies in its simplicity. The handful of ingredients work beautifully together to create tortillas that are soft, flavorful, and flexible—ideal for everything from tacos to wraps.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the flour.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the tortillas’ texture.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Hydrates the dough perfectly and helps it become soft and pliable.
How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining your all-purpose flour and salt in a large bowl. This simple step ensures that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving your tortillas consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add the unsalted butter to the flour mixture, then use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This small addition is the secret to tender, melt-in-your-mouth tortillas.
Step 3: Add Water and Knead
Slowly pour in the warm water while stirring. Once combined, knead the dough with your hands until it is smooth, soft, and elastic. This kneading develops the right texture, ensuring your tortillas will be pliable and easy to roll.
Step 4: Divide the Dough
Divide the dough into eight equal portions and shape each into a small ball. This helps you create uniformly sized tortillas that cook evenly and look beautiful on your plate.
Step 5: Roll Out the Tortillas
On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a thin circle, about 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Rolling them thin is key to achieving those classic soft and flexible tortillas that fold without cracking.
Step 6: Cook the Tortillas
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each tortilla for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they puff slightly and get golden brown spots—this is where the flavor really comes alive.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Serve your freshly made tortillas warm for the best experience, perfect for wrapping your favorite fillings or simply enjoying with a dab of butter.
How to Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your servings with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced onions, or a squeeze of lime to add a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors that complement the soft texture of your homemade tortillas beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these tortillas with hearty sides such as grilled meats, sautéed veggies, or a zesty bean salad. Their neutral taste and tender texture make them an ideal companion for a wide array of dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these tortillas into something special by using them as wraps filled with colorful grilled veggies and creamy avocado, or cut them into triangles, crisp them up for homemade tortilla chips, and serve with salsa or guacamole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, stack your tortillas with parchment paper in between and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to three days, ready to be warmed and enjoyed again.
Freezing
For longer storage, place the tortillas in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper layers to prevent sticking. Frozen tortillas can last up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Reheat tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 20 seconds. This restores their softness and warmth as if they were just made fresh.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with oil in this Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe?
Yes, you can replace butter with a mild-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil. The texture might be slightly different—oil tends to produce a softer, more flexible tortilla—but it’s a great alternative for those who prefer not to use butter.
Do I have to use warm water, or can I use room temperature water?
Warm water helps the dough come together more easily and encourages a softer texture, but room temperature water can work as well if warm water isn’t available. Just be sure to knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten.
How thin should I roll the tortillas?
Roll your dough to about 6 to 8 inches in diameter and as thin as you can manage without tearing. Thin tortillas cook quickly and stay flexible, perfect for folding and rolling without cracking.
What’s the best way to keep tortillas soft after cooking?
Stack cooked tortillas with a clean kitchen towel or wrap them in foil to trap steam and keep them soft. Avoid exposing them to air, which can dry them out and make them tough.
Can I use this recipe for whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Replacing all-purpose flour with whole wheat may result in a denser, heartier tortilla. You might need to adjust the water slightly to achieve the right dough consistency, but it’s a wholesome variation worth trying!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own tortillas from scratch, and this Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe makes it so approachable that anyone can try it. Once you taste these soft, warm tortillas fresh off the skillet, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy some of the best tortillas you’ve ever made at home!
Print
Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 tortillas
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This recipe makes soft, warm homemade tortillas perfect for wraps, tacos, or as a side to your favorite meals. Made with simple pantry ingredients, these tortillas are quick to prepare and cook on the stovetop to achieve a lightly golden, slightly puffed texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup warm water
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour and salt, ensuring they are evenly mixed for consistent flavor.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the unsalted butter to the flour mixture and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which will make the tortillas tender.
- Add Water: Gradually pour in the warm water while stirring to bring the dough together. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth and soft, ensuring pliable tortillas.
- Divide the Dough: Split the dough into 8 equal-sized balls to prepare for rolling out individual tortillas.
- Roll Out the Tortillas: On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a thin, round circle about 6 to 8 inches in diameter, which is ideal for rolling or folding.
- Cook the Tortillas: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place each rolled tortilla on the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden brown spots appear and the tortilla slightly puffs, indicating it’s cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the homemade tortillas warm with your favorite fillings, such as meats, beans, vegetables, or use them as wraps for sandwiches.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot for easier dough formation.
- If dough is sticky, add a little more flour as needed while kneading.
- Keep cooked tortillas warm by wrapping in a clean kitchen towel.
- These tortillas can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Reheat on a skillet or microwave before serving for best texture.
