Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas

These easy homemade flour tortillas are soft, chewy, and perfect for tacos, wraps, or enjoying on their own!

There’s nothing quite like homemade flour tortillas—warm, fresh, and so much better than store-bought. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients, requires no special equipment, and results in the most delicious tortillas you’ll ever taste.

Whether you’re making tacos, wraps, or quesadillas, these homemade tortillas are the perfect base for all your favorite meals.

Why Make Homemade Flour Tortillas?

• Fresh Ingredients: Only five basic pantry staples—no preservatives or additives.
• Better Flavor: Soft, chewy, and with a hint of toasty goodness.
• Versatile: Perfect for tacos, wraps, enchiladas, and even dessert crepes.
• Budget-Friendly: Make 12 tortillas for less than the cost of a store-bought pack.

Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 cup warm water

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Tortillas

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Add all ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix for about 1 minute, then check the consistency. If the dough is sticky and clings to the bottom of the bowl, add more flour 1-2 tablespoons at a time, mixing well between each addition. You shouldn’t need to add more than ½ cup in total.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.

Step 3: Divide and Roll the Dough Out

Once the dough is smooth and no longer sticky, divide it into 12-16 equal portions, depending on the desired size of your tortillas. Roll each portion into a ball.

Cover the dough balls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for about 20 minutes. This allows the dough to relax, making it easier to shape.

Step 4: Shape Tortillas

Using a tortilla press or rolling pin, press each ball into a thin, round shape. Work on a nonstick surface and keep extra flour nearby to prevent sticking if needed.

Step 5: Cook the Tortillas

Lightly spray the surface of each tortilla with olive oil spray. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat and cook each tortilla for about 1 minute per side, or until lightly browned and bubbles form.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your homemade flour tortillas are ready to be filled with your favorite ingredients or enjoyed plain!

How to Make Flour Tortillas Without a Tortilla Press

No tortilla press? No problem! You can easily shape homemade flour tortillas using a rolling pin or even common household items. Here’s how:

1. Prepare Your Surface: Lightly flour a clean countertop, cutting board, or another flat, nonstick surface to prevent sticking.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Flatten each dough ball slightly with your hands, then use a rolling pin to roll it into a thin, round tortilla. Start in the center and roll outward, rotating the dough slightly after each roll to maintain a circular shape.
3. Alternative Tools: If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use the side of a glass, a wine bottle, or even a sturdy water bottle as a makeshift rolling pin. Just be sure the surface is clean and smooth.
4. Check the Thickness: Aim for a thin, even layer—about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the tortilla, the better it will cook.
5. Tips for Uniformity: Don’t worry if your tortillas aren’t perfectly round; a rustic look adds to the charm of homemade tortillas. To help achieve a more uniform shape, roll slowly and evenly, adjusting as needed.

By using this method, you can still achieve soft, delicious homemade tortillas without the need for a tortilla press!

Tips for Perfect Flour Tortillas

• Use warm water: It helps the dough come together more easily and creates a softer texture.
• Roll evenly: Aim for thin, even tortillas to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on the skillet to avoid drying them out.

Storage Instructions for Homemade Tortillas

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Wrap in plastic or place in a zip-top bag for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Stack tortillas with parchment paper between each, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

You may also be interested in this post that shares how to warm tortillas and how to keep tortillas soft.

Serving Ideas for Homemade Flour Tortillas

1. Tacos: Pair these tortillas with your favorite taco fillings like grilled chicken, carne asada, or roasted veggies.
2. Wraps: Use them for burritos or sandwich wraps.
3. Breakfast: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and avocado for a delicious morning meal.

Q&A’s About Making Homemade Tortillas

Are homemade flour tortillas worth it?

Absolutely! Homemade flour tortillas are softer, more flavorful, and chewier than store-bought ones. The fresh taste and texture can’t be replicated by anything you’ll find pre-packaged. They’re a fantastic addition to tacos, fajitas, and quesadillas.

Do tortillas need baking powder?

No, baking powder isn’t absolutely necessary for making tortillas. Without it, the tortillas will still taste great, though they might be thinner and less fluffy. If you prefer a thicker, softer tortilla, adding baking powder can help achieve that texture.

Which flour is best for tortillas?

All-purpose flour is the most commonly used, but you can customize your tortillas by mixing in whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. If you choose whole wheat, you might need to add a bit more water to ensure the dough is soft and pliable.

Why are my tortillas not soft?

If your tortillas turn out stiff, it could be due to overcooking or not letting the dough rest long enough. Ensure the skillet isn’t too hot, and keep the tortillas covered after cooking to retain moisture. Proper storage is important, you may want to read these tips on how to keep tortillas soft.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.

Do I need a tortilla press to make homemade flour tortillas?

No, a rolling pin works perfectly for this recipe. Check out the step by step instructions above for more tips.

This recipe combines traditional methods with simple techniques to deliver the best homemade flour tortillas. By using baking powder for fluffiness, oil for flexibility, and warm water for softness, these tortillas are everything you could want—and more.

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