There’s something deeply satisfying about making flour tortillas from scratch. The way the dough comes together—warm, soft, and pliable—fills the kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. These homemade tortillas have a pillowy texture and a rich, buttery flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match.
Whether you’re wrapping them around slow-cooked meats, rolling them into burritos, or enjoying them straight off the skillet with a smear of butter, they bring warmth and authenticity to every bite.
Unlike store-bought tortillas, which often contain preservatives and unnecessary additives, this simple five-ingredient recipe keeps things wholesome and fresh. Plus, making them at home allows you to control the texture—whether you like them ultra-soft for tacos or slightly crisped up for quesadillas.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing them with Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists for a sweet treat or serving them alongside Crockpot Enchiladas for a cozy, flavor-packed meal.
Making tortillas from scratch isn’t just about the end result—it’s about the process. The feeling of kneading the dough, rolling it out, and watching it puff up on a hot skillet makes it a truly hands-on and rewarding experience. So, let’s dive in and make the best flour tortillas you’ve ever had!
Why This Recipe Stand Out?
- Unmatched Freshness – There’s nothing like the soft, warm texture of a freshly made tortilla straight off the pan. Once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
- Super Versatile – These tortillas work for everything—tacos, burritos, wraps, and even as a quick flatbread for dipping.
- Easy to Make – With just five basic ingredients, this recipe is simple enough for beginners but rewarding enough for seasoned cooks.
- Customizable – You can tweak the flavor by using coconut oil instead of butter or adding herbs and spices to the dough.
- A Fun, Hands-On Experience – Rolling out and cooking tortillas is a satisfying process that makes cooking feel like an art form.
Flour Tortillas Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Dough cutter or knife
- Clean kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons salted butter at room temperature (or coconut oil)
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually pour in hot water and knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out each ball into a thin circle.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each tortilla for 30-45 seconds per side until lightly golden.
- Transfer cooked tortillas to a clean kitchen towel and cover to keep warm.
- Serve warm with your favorite fillings or dips.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 172kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 4.5g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Helpful Tips For This Recipe!
- Use Warm, Not Boiling Water – Hot water helps the dough stay soft and pliable, but if it’s too hot, it can make the dough sticky and hard to handle. Aim for warm—not scorching.
- Let the Dough Rest for Maximum Softness – After kneading, let the dough rest for at least 20 minutes. This helps relax the gluten, making rolling easier and giving you softer, more flexible tortillas.
- Roll Evenly for the Best Cooking Results – Uneven thickness means some parts will cook too fast while others stay raw. A light, even hand with the rolling pin ensures perfect tortillas every time.
- Don’t Overflour the Surface – A lightly floured surface prevents sticking, but too much flour can make the tortillas dry and tough. Use just enough to keep things smooth.
- High Heat = Better Puffing – Cooking on medium-high heat encourages beautiful air pockets to form, giving your tortillas that perfect light and airy texture. If they’re not puffing, your pan might not be hot enough!
- Store Properly to Keep Them Soft – Stack warm tortillas inside a clean kitchen towel or wrap them in foil to keep them steamy and soft. Reheat on a dry pan for the best texture.
- Make a Big Batch & Freeze – These tortillas freeze beautifully. Just separate them with parchment paper, store in a ziplock bag, and reheat when needed!
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
