Name: Homemade Flour Tortillas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; ¾ cup hot water

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Soft, warm, and perfectly flexible, these homemade flour tortillas are the ultimate upgrade to store-bought versions. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of tortillas that are buttery, tender, and ideal for tacos, wraps, quesadillas, or simply enjoying warm with a bit of butter. Once you try them fresh off the skillet, you’ll never want to go back to packaged tortillas again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade flour tortillas are not only easy to make but also taste far superior to store-bought ones. They’re soft, chewy, and full of flavor thanks to melted butter. You’ll also love how versatile they are—whether you’re serving them with Mexican-inspired dishes or using them as a base for wraps and snacks. Plus, they require only basic ingredients and no special equipment, making them accessible for any home cook. Homemade Flour Tortillas

Ingredients

2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
4 tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 cup hot water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
Pour in melted butter. Mix using a fork or fingers until the texture resembles cornmeal.
Add hot water and stir until the dough comes together. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.
Cover dough and let rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Keep unused portions covered to prevent drying out.
Roll each piece into a 6–8 inch round.
Cook each tortilla on the hot griddle until bubbly and golden, then flip and cook the second side.
Place finished tortillas in a warmer or under a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and warm.
Repeat with remaining dough.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 tortillas
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Whole Wheat Tortillas: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor.
Herb-Infused Tortillas: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the flour mixture for a unique twist.
Flavored Tortillas: Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to the dough for extra flavor.
Vegan Option: Replace butter with olive oil or vegetable shortening.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep tortillas wrapped in a clean towel or sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Stack tortillas with parchment paper between them, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm tortillas on a hot skillet for 15–20 seconds per side, or wrap them in foil and heat in a 300°F oven until warm.

FAQs

Can I use oil instead of butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute butter with vegetable oil or olive oil. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but they’ll still be soft and delicious.

Do I really need to let the dough rest?

Yes, resting allows the gluten to relax, which makes the dough easier to roll and prevents shrinking during cooking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature before rolling.

Why are my tortillas stiff?

Overcooking is the most common reason tortillas turn stiff. Make sure to cook them just until golden spots appear.

Can I use whole wheat flour only?

Yes, but the tortillas will be denser and less flexible. A 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour usually gives the best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have a rolling pin?

You can use a bottle, glass jar, or even your hands to flatten the dough. Just aim for an even thickness.

How do I keep tortillas soft after cooking?

Place them in a tortilla warmer or stack them under a clean, damp kitchen towel to trap steam and keep them pliable.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe scales up easily. Just be sure to divide and cover the dough pieces so they don’t dry out.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, but you’ll need a gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for baking. Results will vary depending on the brand.

Do I need a cast-iron skillet to cook tortillas?

No, any heavy-bottomed skillet will work, though cast iron retains heat well and helps create the best golden spots.

Conclusion

Making homemade flour tortillas is a simple process that yields soft, flavorful, and versatile results. With just a few ingredients and a bit of resting time, you’ll have tortillas that are far superior to store-bought versions. Perfect for tacos, quesadillas, wraps, or simply enjoying warm with butter, these tortillas are a recipe worth mastering for your kitchen.