Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of tearing into soft, warm, and pillowy tortillas fresh off the skillet, this Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe is exactly what you need. Nothing beats the comforting aroma and incredible taste of flour tortillas made by hand, with simple ingredients coming together to create a versatile staple that elevates any meal. Whether you’re wrapping up your favorite fillings or just enjoying them as a side, these tortillas bring that authentic, fresh-from-the-kitchen magic to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays its part to achieve the perfect balance of softness, flavor, and flexibility that defines a superior flour tortilla.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your tortillas, providing structure and tenderness when kneaded just right.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor subtly, making every bite more satisfying.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives your tortillas a light, airy texture without weighing them down.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or vegetable shortening): Adds richness and moisture, creating that soft, pliable feel everyone loves.
• 3/4 cup warm water: Binds the dry ingredients into a cohesive dough, allowing for easy rolling and cooking. Adjust as needed for perfect consistency.

How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. This ensures the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed, helping your tortillas cook up with consistent texture and flavor.

Step 2: Incorporate the Fat

Add your butter or shortening to the flour blend. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to work it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs, resembling little pea-sized bits of dough. This step is crucial since the fat creates pockets of tenderness that melt away in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Water Gradually

Slowly pour in the warm water while mixing with your hands or a spoon. You want the dough to come together into a ball but not be too sticky or dry. Comfortably soft dough is your goal, so take your time adding water a bit at a time until you hit the perfect elasticity.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 2 to 3 minutes. The process develops the gluten structure, which will give your tortillas that delightful chew. If it clings too much, sprinkle a touch more flour; if it feels stiff, dampen with a few drops of water.

Step 5: Rest the Dough

Divide your dough into 8 to 10 equal balls and cover them with a clean kitchen towel. Letting the dough relax for 20 to 30 minutes softens the gluten, making these tortillas tender and easier to roll out later—this little pause is pure magic!

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

After resting, grab a ball and roll it out using a rolling pin into a thin circle roughly 6 to 8 inches wide. Don’t stress about perfect shapes; those rustic edges add character and authenticity to your tortillas.

Step 7: Cook the Tortillas

Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. No oil required! Place a tortilla onto your hot pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles appear. Flip and cook the other side until you see golden-brown spots emerge. This quick, high-heat cooking seals in softness and creates that irresistible tortilla aroma.

Step 8: Keep Warm

As each tortilla finishes, stack it in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm and moist. This trick helps maintain softness and makes it easier to enjoy them fresh all at once.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Now for the best part—serve your homemade tortillas with tacos, wraps, burritos, or simply enjoy them as a warm, comforting side. Freshly made homemade flour tortillas have a way of making every meal feel special.

How to Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a squeeze of lime can brighten your tortilla-wrapped creations. The freshness of these elements pairs beautifully with the warm softness of your homemade tortillas.

Side Dishes

Serve your tortillas alongside classic Mexican sides like refried beans, spicy salsa, guacamole, or Mexican rice. These complementary dishes bring layers of flavor and texture that highlight the humble tortilla’s versatility.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by using these tortillas as mini pizza bases, cutting them into strips for chips, or even folding them over breakfast eggs and cheese. Their softness and neutral flavor make them an ideal canvas for countless culinary adventures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover tortillas tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed prevents drying out and preserves their tender texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze tortillas between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months, ready whenever you need a quick homemade touch to your meal.

Reheating

To revive stored tortillas, warm them gently in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave briefly. This brings back that fresh-out-of-the-pan softness and pliability.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter with oil in this Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil instead of butter or shortening, but butter adds a richer flavor. Oil may yield a slightly different texture, often less tender, so it’s a matter of personal preference.

Why are my tortillas turning out tough?

Tough tortillas usually result from over-kneading or rolling the dough too thick. Try kneading gently just until smooth and roll them thin. Also, ensure the dough rests properly to relax the gluten for soft, pliable tortillas.

Can I make this dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated, wrapped tightly, for up to 24 hours. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling and cooking for the best results.

Is baking powder necessary in the recipe?

While baking powder isn’t mandatory, it contributes to a lighter and fluffier tortilla texture. Without it, your tortillas might be a bit denser but still tasty.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Traditional flour tortillas rely on gluten for their structure, so substituting with gluten-free flours will change the texture dramatically. For gluten-free tortillas, look for recipes specifically designed with appropriate flour blends.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe will quickly become one of the most rewarding kitchen adventures you take on. There’s nothing like the feeling of making something so simple from scratch and transforming it into a delicious and versatile kitchen staple. I can’t wait for you to taste how fresh, warm, and soft these tortillas are — your meals will never be the same!

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