Flour Tortillas

Flour tortillas are a staple in my kitchen. They’re perfect for burritos, tacos, quesadillas, wraps, or just as a quick snack with a bit of butter. In this blog, I’ll show you exactly how to make flour tortillas. There’s something so satisfying about making them from scratch! Sure, picking up a pack at the store is quick and easy, but there’s a unique sense of satisfaction that comes with rolling out each tortilla by hand.

I want you to experience that feeling too! That’s why I created this simple flour tortilla recipe! With it, you’ll enjoy making something you use all the time while knowing exactly what’s going into it. Once you make them, you’ll see just how simple it is to create fresh, warm, and soft flour tortillas that are perfect for any meal, right in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love These Flour Tortillas

These flour tortillas are miles better than store-bought. They’re soft, fluffy, and have just the right amount of chew. That’s exactly what you want in a tortilla! Plus, you can feel good knowing there are no preservatives or unknown additives here. Just a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry: flour, salt, baking powder, melted butter (or oil), and warm water. With these basics, you’re all set to make homemade tortillas that taste incredible and complement any of your favorite dishes!

What Makes These Flour Tortillas Comforting?

• Fresh flour tortillas add warmth and comfort to any meal, from breakfast burritos to wraps.
• The smell and taste of freshly cooked tortillas are unmatched.
• Making them at home fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma.
• Each tortilla is soft, pillowy, and brings a small bite of comfort.
• When paired with a favorite meal, tortillas create a truly soul-soothing experience.

Just 5 Ingredients for Flour Tortillas

This recipe makes 6 to 8 medium tortillas.

• All-Purpose Flour: The main base of the tortilla. The flour provides structure and texture. 
• Salt: This gives the tortilla a savory flavor.  
• Baking Powder: Adds some lift which makes the tortillas soft and fluffy. 
• Melted Butter or Oil: This adds richness and keeps the dough tender and flavorful. 
• Warm Water: This hydrates the flour, helping to form the dough. The warm temperature of the water makes kneading easier. 

How to Make Flour Tortillas

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
2. Add Butter or Oil: Add the melted butter (or oil) to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
3. Add Warm Water: Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 2-3 minutes, until smooth.
5. Rest the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with a towel, and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Divide the Dough: After resting, transfer the dough onto a floured work surface and divide it into six equal portions.
7. Roll Out the Dough: Flour your rolling pin and roll each piece into a flat circle, about 6 inches in diameter. You can also use a tortilla press for even thickness.
8. Cook the Tortillas: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until lightly browned and cooked through.
9. Keep Warm: Remove the tortillas from the skillet and keep them warm in a towel while you cook the remaining tortillas.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve and enjoy with your dish of choice!

Tips for These Flour Tortillas

• Use Warm Water (Not Hot): Warm water helps hydrate the flour for a smoother dough, while hot water can make it tough. 
• Rest the Dough: Letting the dough rest for 10-15 minutes helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll out.
• Knead Until Smooth: This helps develop the gluten, which gives the tortillas a better texture. Doing this will also prevent your tortillas from tearing as you roll them out thin. 
• Roll Each Ball Evenly: Roll each dough ball into an even circle to ensure uniform cooking. Aim for thin, even circles.
• Preheat the Skillet and Keep it Hot: Make sure your skillet is preheated to the right temperature. A hot skillet gives you those golden spots that add a bit of flavor with each bite.
• Keep an Eye on Them: Cook each side for about 1-2 minutes. If the skillet is too hot, the tortillas may burn before they cook through, so keep an eye on them and adjust the heat as needed.  

How to Serve These Flour Tortillas

The possibilities are endless! Use these tortillas to make tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. They’re perfect for wraps, too! Try them with scrambled eggs and bacon or sausage for breakfast or your favorite ingredients for lunch and dinner. If you have a taste for a little something sweet, spread a bit of butter on them and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. You might be surprised by what a treat that can actually be! These tortillas are so versatile and simple, they’ll quickly become a go-to for any meal.

Freezing Instructions for Flour Tortillas 

Like many recipes on this site, this flour tortilla recipe is perfect for scaling up if you want to make a big batch for future meals. You can easily double or triple the ingredients to prepare a larger amount of dough and follow cooking instructions from there. Having a stash of homemade tortillas in the freezer means you’ll always have some on hand. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Separate the Tortillas: Place a piece of parchment or wax paper between each tortilla to prevent sticking.
2. Place in a Freezer Bag: Put the tortillas in a resealable freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
3. Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave. Following these steps will keep your flour tortillas tasting fresh!

How to Reheat Flour Tortillas

1. On the Stove: Warm a dry skillet over medium heat, then heat each tortilla for 15-30 seconds per side until soft and warm.
2. In the Oven: Wrap a stack of tortillas in foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
3. In the Microwave: Wrap a few tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds to keep them soft and prevent drying.

Making flour tortillas from scratch is simple, fun, and so rewarding! This recipe brings the warmth and comfort of fresh, homemade tortillas to your table with just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re filling them with your favorite ingredients or enjoying them on their own, these tortillas add a homemade touch that you’ll love. So, give this recipe a try, and let the joy of homemade flour tortillas be the star of your next meal. Cheers to comfort food!

Flour Tortillas

Recipe by Madison AmaraCourse: Quick, Side Dishes, SnacksDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

12

minutes

Total time

32

minutes

These flour tortillas are miles better than store-bought. They’re soft, fluffy, and have just the right amount of chew. That’s exactly what you want in a tortilla! Plus, you can feel good knowing there are no preservatives or unknown additives here. Just a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 cup melted butter or oil

• 3/4 cup warm water

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
• Add the melted butter (or oil) to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
• Add the melted butter (or oil) to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 2-3 minutes, until smooth.
• Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with a towel, and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
• After resting, transfer the dough onto a floured work surface and divide it into six equal portions.
• Flour your rolling pin and roll each piece into a flat circle, about 6 inches in diameter. You can also use a tortilla press for even thickness.
• Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until lightly browned and cooked through.
• Remove the tortillas from the skillet and keep them warm in a towel while you cook the remaining tortillas.
• Serve and enjoy with your dish of choice!

Notes

• Using warm water helps hydrate the flour for a smoother dough, while hot water can make it tough. 
• Letting the dough rest for 10-15 minutes helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll out.

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