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Homemade Tortillas Recipe

This homemade tortillas recipe makes warm, soft, and chewy tortillas using just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for tacos, wraps, or served on their own.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 Tortillas
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons lard or butter/shortening
  • 1 cup hot tap water

Method
 

Mix Dry Ingredients:
  1. In a large bowl or mixer, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Incorporate Lard:
  1. Cut in the lard using your fingers, pastry cutter, or mixer on low speed until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Add Hot Water:
  1. Gradually add hot water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead just until combined—not sticky, but pliable.
Rest the Dough:
  1. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let rest for 45 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.
Shape Dough Balls:
  1. Divide dough into 12 equal balls (or fewer for larger tortillas). Roll each ball until smooth.
Roll Out Tortillas:
  1. On a floured surface, roll each dough ball into a thin round, about 6–8 inches in diameter.
Cook the Tortillas:
  1. Heat a dry cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook each tortilla for 30–60 seconds per side until golden spots appear.
Keep Warm:
  1. Transfer cooked tortillas to a clean towel or tortilla warmer to stay soft and steamy.

Notes

Use hot water to help incorporate the lard and make the dough smoother.
Don’t skip the resting time—it’s essential for soft, pliable tortillas.
A cast iron skillet works best for even browning.
Roll evenly and flip only once for the best texture.