Easy Homemade Tortillas from Scratch

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

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

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe details.

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.

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.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with tacos, fajitas, or burrito bowls for an easy family dinner
• Use as a wrap for grilled chicken, shredded beef, or roasted veggies
• Make quick quesadillas with cheese, leftover meat, or beans
• Enjoy alongside eggs, bacon, or breakfast potatoes for a simple breakfast wrap
• Cut into wedges and serve warm with butter, honey butter, or homemade dips
• Keep a batch on hand for easy lunches throughout the week

Frequently Asked Questions

More Real Food Recipes You’ll Love

Easy Homemade Tortillas

These soft, pliable tortillas come together with just a few pantry staples—no preservatives, no weird ingredients. Perfect for tacos, wraps, and real food family meals!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:10 minutes mins

Rest Time:20 minutes mins

Total Time:40 minutes mins

Course: Breads & Wraps

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 8 tortillas

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking powder optional
• 3 tbsp butter melted
• ¾ cup warm water

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Pour in the melted butter and mix with your hands or a spoon until the mixture is crumbly.
3. 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. Cover and let it rest for at least 20 minutes (or up to an hour). This makes the tortillas more pliable.
5. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll them into balls. Roll each ball into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
6. 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.
7. 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.