Soft Homemade Flour Tortillas with Butter
Fresh flour tortillas made with butter instead of traditional lard create exceptionally soft, pliable wraps perfect for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. The addition of baking powder gives these tortillas a slightly puffy texture while the butter provides rich flavor and tender bite. Best served warm, these tortillas stay flexible for days when properly stored, making them ideal for meal prep or family taco nights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl
- 2
Add softened butter and work into flour with hands until mixture resembles sandy fine crumbs
- 3
Pour hot water gradually while mixing with hands, adding just enough to form sticky dough that pulls from bowl edges
- 4
Transfer dough to clean counter and knead for 5 minutes until soft, elastic, and smooth
- 5
Oil baking sheet and plastic wrap, pinch off golf ball sized portions and roll into balls
- 6
Place dough balls on oiled sheet, cover with oiled plastic wrap and rest 20-30 minutes at room temperature
- 7
Preheat large non-stick pan or comal over medium heat until very hot
- 8
Flour work surface, flatten one dough ball and roll thin, rotating frequently to prevent curling
- 9
Roll until super thin 10 inch diameter and nearly see-through
- 10
Cook 20-30 seconds per side until bubbling and golden brown spots appear
- 11
Stack warm tortillas in dry kitchen towel, transfer to zip-top bag when cool
Tips
Use an infrared thermometer to ensure pan reaches 500°F for proper blistering and quick cooking that keeps tortillas tender.
Keep tortillas warm in a dry towel while cooking remaining batch to maintain flexibility and prevent drying out.
Add water gradually while mixing - too much makes sticky dough difficult to roll, too little creates cracked edges.
Good to Know
Store in zip-top bag at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week
Dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated, bring to room temperature before rolling
Serve warm for best texture and flexibility
Common Mistakes
Avoid overheating pan to prevent burning before tortillas cook through
Don't skip resting time to ensure easy rolling without shrinking
Keep cooked tortillas covered to prevent drying and cracking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
softer, more tender tortillas
FAQ
Can I make these without baking powder?
Yes, but tortillas will be denser and less puffy. They'll still taste great but have a more traditional flat texture.
How long do these tortillas keep fresh?
Store in sealed bag at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week. Warm briefly before serving for best texture.
Can I freeze homemade flour tortillas?
Yes, freeze up to 3 months separated by parchment paper in freezer bags. Thaw at room temperature and warm in dry pan.