Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe: Fresh, Soft, and Flavorful

Ingredients for Homemade Flour Tortillas

Gather simple, everyday ingredients to make soft, flavorful tortillas:

• 1 & 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor)
• 1/2 cup (120mL) warm water

Substitutions and variations: you can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier tortilla, or use a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free version. For a vegan option, use coconut oil or another plant oil. Small adjustments in hydration or kneading time may be needed with different flours.

How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the vegetable oil and warm water to the dry mixture. Stir until the mixture begins to form a shaggy dough. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 1–2 minutes until smooth and soft. The dough should be pliable but not sticky; add a touch more flour if it sticks excessively.

Step 3: Divide and Rest the Dough

Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Cover the dough balls with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rest for 15–20 minutes. Resting relaxes the gluten and makes rolling much easier.

Step 4: Roll and Cook the Tortillas

On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a very thin circle—aim for under 1/8 inch (about 3 mm). Heat a dry skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-low heat until hot. Cook each tortilla for about 1–2 minutes per side, flipping once the surface begins to bubble and brown spots appear. Adjust heat as needed so the tortillas cook through without burning.

Step 5: Keep Them Warm

Stack cooked tortillas on a plate lined with a clean tea towel and cover them to retain steam and softness while you finish the batch. Serve warm, or cool completely before storing.

1. Rest the dough: Allowing the dough to rest makes it easier to roll and produces a more tender tortilla.
2. Keep them covered: Cover cooked tortillas with a towel to keep them soft and pliable; a slightly damp towel works well if your kitchen is dry.
3. Control the heat: Medium-low heat is ideal—too hot and the outsides will char before the center cooks, too cool and tortillas will be tough.
4. Cast iron skillet: A cast iron pan gives the best, even browning and those characteristic golden spots.
5. Roll thin and even: Consistent thickness prevents doughy centers and ensures soft, foldable tortillas.