Soft and Chewy Homemade Flour Tortillas

These soft, chewy homemade flour tortillas are incredibly easy to make with just a handful of pantry staples. There’s no yeast involved, and in just about 30 minutes, I can have fresh, warm tortillas that are far better than store-bought. Whether I'm using them for tacos, wraps, or just enjoying them warm with butter, these tortillas are always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and simple this recipe is. With no rising time required and just a short resting period, I can whip up a batch of homemade tortillas in less time than it takes to run to the store. The texture is perfectly soft with a hint of chew, and the flavor is rich thanks to the butter. I’ve found these tortillas are incredibly versatile, whether I'm filling them with grilled veggies, meats, or using them as a base for pizzas and wraps. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so I always make extra for later.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt

• 5 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature (or coconut oil)

• 1 cup hot water

Directions

1. I start by mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Then I add the butter and pour in the hot water. I stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms.

2. I turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 1–2 minutes until smooth. After that, I cover it with a damp towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.

3. Once rested, I divide the dough into 12–14 pieces, shape them into balls, and roll each one into an 8-inch circle. Sometimes I use a tortilla press to speed things up.

4. I heat a skillet over medium-high and drizzle in a little olive oil. I cook each tortilla for about 30–60 seconds on the first side, until bubbles start to appear, then flip and cook another 30 seconds until lightly golden. I keep them warm under a towel as I work through the batch.

5. I like to serve them warm, but when I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container or freeze them for future meals.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 tortillas.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Yield: 12 tortillas

Variations

• When I want a dairy-free option, I use coconut oil instead of butter. The flavor changes slightly, but the texture is still lovely.

• For a bit of extra flavor, sometimes I add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs to the dough.

• I’ve also rolled the tortillas smaller for street taco-size or larger for burritos, depending on what I need.

storage/reheating

I keep the cooked tortillas in a sealed food storage bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I know I won’t use them quickly, I freeze them and just pull out what I need. To reheat, I warm them on a skillet for about 20 seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for 15–20 seconds.

I’ve also frozen the dough balls. I just thaw them completely before rolling and cooking, which is a big time-saver for busy days.

FAQs

How do I keep homemade tortillas soft?

I keep them wrapped in a clean kitchen towel as they come off the skillet. This traps steam and helps keep them soft and pliable.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped in the fridge. When I’m ready, I just let it come to room temperature before rolling and cooking.

Why are my tortillas tough or dry?

Overcooking can make them tough, so I only cook each side briefly. Also, I make sure the dough isn’t too dry by adjusting with a splash more water if needed.

Do I need a tortilla press?

Not at all. I usually roll mine out with a rolling pin, and they turn out great. A tortilla press is just a convenience.

Can I make these gluten-free?

This recipe is based on all-purpose flour, so it won’t work the same with gluten-free flour. I’d need a specific gluten-free tortilla recipe for the best results.

Conclusion

These homemade flour tortillas are one of those recipes I come back to again and again. They’re quick, satisfying, and taste far better than anything I can buy. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, I can enjoy warm, fresh tortillas any time I want. Whether I’m using them for tacos, wraps, or a snack straight from the pan, they never disappoint.