First of all, thank you for being here! I absolutely love sharing those passed-down, pantry-staple recipes that become instant family favorites — and this one is truly special. These Sweet Mexican Pancakes, or Gorditas de Azúcar, are a warm, golden, sweet treat that has completely won over my household.
Every morning, my husband grabs one of these straight off the plate — still warm if he’s lucky — and says, “These are really made from just a few basic ingredients?” Yep. Every. Time. 😄
This recipe is simple, nostalgic, and the definition of comfort food. If you grew up with these, one bite will take you right back. And if you’ve never had them? Welcome to your new favorite treat.
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What Are Gorditas de Azúcar?
Gorditas de Azúcar are sweet, thick Mexican pancakes or griddle cakes, traditionally made from flour, sugar, milk, and butter. They’re soft, slightly chewy, gently sweet, and beautifully golden once cooked.
They’re sort of like a cross between a pancake and a soft cookie — but made to be handheld, snackable, and perfect with coffee, tea, or as an after-school treat.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
- 🧡 Made with pantry staples — flour, sugar, butter, milk, egg
- ✨ No fancy equipment needed
- 🌞 Perfect for breakfast or merienda (afternoon snack)
- 👶 Kid-approved, husband-devoured
- 🧈 Golden, buttery, and slightly crisp on the outside
- 🧁 Soft and pillowy inside, with a kiss of sweetness
What Do They Taste Like?
Soft, lightly sweet, buttery, and comforting — like the best parts of a pancake, a sugar cookie, and a biscuit combined. The vanilla adds warmth, while the crispy skillet browning gives them a little texture and toasty flavor.
They’re delicious on their own but just as good with a dusting of powdered sugar or a smear of butter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional for serving:
- Extra butter
- Powdered sugar
- Jam or cajeta (Mexican caramel)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Rolling pin
- Round cookie cutter or glass
- Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan
- Spatula
How to Make Sweet Mexican Pancakes (Gorditas de Azúcar)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine:
- Flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar — stir to mix.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until a dough begins to form.
It should be soft but not sticky — similar to biscuit dough. Add a tiny bit of flour if needed.
2. Knead & Roll
Lightly flour your surface and knead the dough for 1–2 minutes until smooth.
Roll it out to about ½-inch thick.
Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles (around 3 inches wide is perfect).
3. Cook Until Golden
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. No oil needed — the butter in the dough will do the work!
Cook each gordita for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly puffed. Flip and repeat on the other side.
4. Serve Warm & Enjoy!
Serve warm from the skillet or keep them warm in a towel-lined basket.
Top with a pat of butter, powdered sugar, or honey — or enjoy them just as they are.
Tips for Perfect Gorditas de Azúcar
- Don’t over-knead — just enough to bring the dough together.
- Make sure your skillet is hot but not smoking, to avoid burning the outside before the inside cooks.
- Want them extra tender? Add a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt to the dough.
- You can also sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top after cooking for a fun twist.
How to Store & Reheat
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Fridge: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months, layered with parchment.
To reheat, just pop them in a toaster oven or warm skillet — they come right back to life!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these like pancakes?
Kind of! But they’re thicker, chewier, and firmer — more like soft griddle cakes or hand pies.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk and vegan butter. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add cinnamon or nutmeg?
Absolutely — add ½ tsp cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough and refrigerate it overnight, or cook them all and reheat as needed.
In Summary…
These Sweet Mexican Pancakes (Gorditas de Azúcar) are:
- Simple
- Sweet
- Buttery
- Nostalgic
- Totally addictive
They’re the kind of recipe that feels like home — no matter where you’re from. And best of all? They’re made from ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
So roll out that dough, warm up your skillet, and get ready to fall in love — one golden, sugar-dusted bite at a time.
More Classic Comfort Bites You’ll Love:
- Abuelita’s Mexican Hot Chocolate
- Cinnamon Sugar Buñuelos
- Tres Leches Pancakes
- Homemade Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Let’s Stay Connected!
If you make these gorditas, I’d LOVE to see your creations!
📸 Tag me on Instagram or Pinterest — I always love seeing your versions!
💬 Drop a comment or review below and share your favorite topping — butter? cinnamon sugar? cajeta? Let’s talk!
Nutritional Info (Per Gordita – Approx. 12 servings)
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 27g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
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