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A stack of golden-brown flour tortillas on a wooden cutting board with fresh cilantro and corn in the background.

Flour Tortillas

Allison Dennison
Learn how to make soft, pliable flour tortillas from scratch with just 5 simple ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, oil, and warm water. Perfect for tacos, wraps, burritos, and more, these homemade tortillas are quick, budget-friendly, and irresistibly delicious!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Rest Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 12 Tortillas
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl – For combining the ingredients and kneading the dough.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons – To ensure precise measurements for the flour, baking powder, salt, and water.
  • 1 Rolling Pin – Essential for rolling out the dough into thin, even tortillas.
  • 1 Pastry Cutter or Fork – Useful for incorporating the fat (oil, lard, or butter) into the flour mixture.
  • 1 Skillet or Griddle – A cast-iron skillet or non-stick griddle works best for cooking tortillas.
  • 1 Spatula – For flipping the tortillas while cooking.
  • Damp Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap – To cover the dough while it rests, preventing it from drying out.
  • 1 Flat Surface or Cutting Board – For rolling out the dough into tortillas.
  • 1 Tortilla Warmer or Clean Kitchen Towel – To keep the tortillas warm and soft after cooking.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups All-purpose flour (or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose)
  • ½ tsp Baking powder
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • 3 tbsps Vegetable oil, lard, or butter
  • ¾ cup Warm water

Instructions
 

  • Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Incorporate the Fat: Add the oil, lard, or butter and work it into the flour using your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Add Water: Slowly pour in the warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 1–2 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Let It Rest: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.
  • Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into 8–10 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it into a thin, round tortilla using a rolling pin.
  • Cook the Tortillas: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook each tortilla for 30–60 seconds per side until lightly golden and bubbly. Stack cooked tortillas and keep them covered to stay soft.

Notes

Storage and Reheating for Homemade Flour Tortillas

Proper storage and reheating of your homemade flour tortillas ensure they stay soft, fresh, and delicious. Here’s how to store and bring them back to life when needed:

Storage Instructions:

  1. Room Temperature:
    • If you plan to use the tortillas within 1–2 days, let them cool completely, then stack them and wrap tightly in a clean kitchen towel. Store in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature.
  2. Refrigerator:
    • For longer storage (up to 5–7 days), place the completely cooled tortillas in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Separate each tortilla with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
  3. Freezer:
    • To store tortillas for up to 3 months, stack the cooled tortillas with parchment paper between each one. Place them in a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
    • Pro Tip: Flatten the bag to prevent the tortillas from freezing in odd shapes.

Reheating Instructions:

  1. Skillet or Griddle (Best Method):
    • Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet and warm for 20–30 seconds on each side, or until soft and heated through.
    • Pro Tip: Lightly mist the tortilla with water if it feels dry before reheating.
  2. Microwave (Quick Option):
    • Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave in 20–30 second intervals until warm and pliable.
    • Note: This method is great for softening tortillas quickly but may result in less charred flavor.
  3. Oven (For Larger Batches):
    • Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the tortillas in foil and place in the oven for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through.
  4. Direct Flame (Optional for Charring):
    • If you have a gas stove, you can briefly toast each tortilla over an open flame using tongs, flipping frequently to prevent burning. This method adds a smoky, charred flavor.

Pro Tips:

  • Always keep tortillas covered or in a tortilla warmer after reheating to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Avoid overcooking during reheating, as this can make the tortillas stiff or brittle.
  • Frozen tortillas can be reheated directly without thawing—just separate them carefully and warm using one of the methods above.
With these storage and reheating methods, your homemade flour tortillas will remain soft, fresh, and ready to enjoy whenever you need them!
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