There’s nothing like the smell of warm, easy homemade tortillas fresh off the skillet. This simple recipe makes soft, flexible tortillas your whole family will love—and you’ll never want store-bought again.
As a mama who cares about what goes on our plates, I started taking a closer look at the ingredient lists on store-bought tortillas—and honestly, I didn’t love what I found. So many of them are packed with preservatives, seed oils, and weird ingredients I couldn’t even pronounce, and the better-for-you options- don’t even get me started. They’re crazy expensive and still never tasted quite right.
I wanted a tortilla that felt just as nourishing as the rest of our meals—simple, wholesome, and truly delicious. These easy homemade tortillas check all the boxes I was aiming for: they’re soft, pliable, made with real ingredients, and come together in no time. Once you try them, I promise you’ll never want to buy store-bought again!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- They are soft, flexible, and easy to roll or fold- making them great for tacos, wraps, quesadillas, and more.
- Budget-friendly with pantry ingredients that you already more than likely have on hand.
- Freezer-friendly and perfect for batch prep
- Customizable if you’d like to add some herbs or needed a gluten-free option.
Ingredients Breakdown
- All-purpose flour – The base of the dough.
- Salt – Just a pinch brings out all the flavor.
- Baking powder (optional) – Helps create a slightly puffier, softer tortilla. You can skip it if you prefer a thinner wrap.
- Butter – Adds richness and makes the tortillas soft and flavorful.
- Warm water – The secret to a smooth, stretchy dough that’s easy to work with.
How to Make the Easiest Homemade Tortillas
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Incorporate Fat:
Pour in the melted butter and mix with your hands or a spoon until the mixture is crumbly.
3. Add Water & Knead:
Slowly add the warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth. The dough should be soft but not sticky—add a tiny bit more flour if needed.
4. Rest the Dough:
Cover and let it rest for at least 20 minutes (or up to an hour). This makes the tortillas more pliable.
5. Divide:
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll them into balls.
6. Roll:
Roll each ball into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
7. Cook:
Heat a dry skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Cook each tortilla for 30-45 seconds per side, until bubbles form and light brown spots appear. Avoid overcooking to keep them soft.
8. Keep Warm & Serve:
Stack tortillas and wrap them in a kitchen towel or tortilla warmer to keep them warm and pliable.
Tips for the Softest, Most Pliable Tortillas
- Always use warm water to keep the dough soft.
- Don’t skip the rest time!
- Avoid overcooking to keep them from cracking.
- Store with a damp towel for lasting softness.
- Freeze between parchment if you plan to use later.
How to Store & Reheat
Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days, in the fridge for a week, or freeze up to 3 months. Make sure if you freeze the tortillas you put parchment paper in between each tortilla for easier use when ready to use.
Reheat on a hot skillet for 20–30 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20–30 seconds. Keep warm tortillas wrapped in a towel to stay soft and pliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free flour to make these tortillas?
Yes! You can try a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture will be different—softer and a bit more delicate.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and cooking.
Why are my tortillas not soft or pliable?
Make sure your dough is soft but not sticky and roll them out evenly. Cooking them on medium heat and not overcooking will keep them soft and pliable.
Can I freeze these tortillas?
Yes! Just stack them with parchment paper in between and store in a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen on a skillet.
More Real Food Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Homemade Cheese Crackers
- Easy Cheesy Garlic Rice Recipe
- Homemade Chocolate Syrup
- Homemade Vanilla Wafers
If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave a 5-star rating below! Be sure to tag me @simplychelseahome on Instagram so I can see your delicious results!
Easy Homemade Tortillas
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix with your hands or a spoon until the mixture is crumbly.
- Slowly add the warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth. The dough should be soft but not sticky—add a tiny bit more flour if needed.
- Cover and let it rest for at least 20 minutes (or up to an hour). This makes the tortillas more pliable.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll them into balls. Roll each ball into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Heat a dry skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Cook each tortilla for 30-45 seconds per side, until bubbles form and light brown spots appear.
- Stack tortillas and wrap them in a kitchen towel or tortilla warmer.
Notes
- Use warm water—it helps the dough stay soft.
- Let the dough rest for at least 20 minutes.
- Don’t overcook—flip as soon as light brown spots appear.
- Store in an airtight bag.
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