Homemade Spiced Flour Tortillas: Easy, Flavorful & Made from Scratch

Forget bland, store-bought tortillas. Learn how to craft incredibly soft, chewy, and flavorful flour tortillas infused with savory fajita seasoning, right in your own kitchen!

I’ve always approached life with a healthy disregard for tradition and social norms. While others might chase the latest fashion trends, I find more joy in practical comfort. I don’t stress over “bikini season,” and despite my fondness for a good brew, my college days were far from a party animal stereotype. So, when it comes to cooking, why would I stick to traditional recipes when I can add my own unique twist?

That very philosophy led me to create these incredible Homemade Spiced Flour Tortillas. I eat tortillas constantly – they’re a weekly staple in my kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into quick and easy dinners. Buying a pack two to three times a month made me realize it was time to take matters into my own hands and elevate my tortilla game.

Why Make Homemade Tortillas? The Flavor & Freshness Difference

If you’ve only ever experienced store-bought tortillas, you’re in for a revelation. Homemade tortillas offer a level of freshness, flavor, and chewiness that simply cannot be replicated by mass-produced versions. The difference is night and day. Imagine a warm, pliable tortilla, subtly infused with spices, fresh off the skillet – it truly takes any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Beyond the superior taste, making tortillas from scratch gives you complete control over the ingredients. No unnecessary preservatives or additives, just pure, simple goodness. There’s also an immense satisfaction that comes from creating something so fundamental and delicious with your own hands. Plus, despite what you might think, they are ridiculously easy to make. No yeast, no complicated steps – if you can roll out pizza dough, you can master these.

The Unexpected Twist: Spiced Tortillas with Fajita Seasoning

Traditionally, flour tortillas are kept plain, serving as a neutral canvas for whatever delicious fillings they’ll embrace. But for someone like me, who rarely strays from the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine, a plain tortilla felt like a missed opportunity. That’s why I decided to break the rules and infuse my tortillas with a secret ingredient: homemade fajita seasoning.

This simple addition transforms a humble tortilla into a flavor powerhouse. The smoky, savory notes of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder from the fajita seasoning complement any Mexican-inspired dish perfectly. It adds an extra layer of depth, making your tacos, burritos, or quesadillas sing with flavor before you even add the main fillings. You can use your favorite store-bought blend, but trust me, homemade fajita seasoning takes it to the next level.

Another “rule” I happily broke was my choice of fat. Instead of plain shortening, I opted for butter-flavored shortening. This gives the tortillas a beautiful golden hue, rather than the typical stark white, and imparts a subtle richness that enhances the overall taste. It’s these small deviations from the norm that truly make a recipe your own, reflecting your personal taste and culinary adventure.

Mastering the Homemade Tortilla Process

The thought of making tortillas from scratch might seem daunting, especially given how thin they are. However, I promise you, it’s far easier than you imagine. The dough is incredibly forgiving, and the process is quite therapeutic. There’s no finicky yeast involved, which means no waiting for a temperamental rise – just simple mixing, kneading, and resting.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Spiced Flour Tortillas:

The Right Flour: All-purpose flour works wonderfully for soft, pliable tortillas.
Warm Water: Using warm water helps the shortening melt easily and aids in the formation of a cohesive dough, making it easier to knead.
Don’t Skip the Kneading: A few minutes of kneading develops the gluten just enough to give the tortillas their characteristic chewiness without making them tough.
Resting is Key: The one “downfall” (if you can call it that) to making homemade tortillas is the need for two resting periods. However, these rests are crucial. The first rest allows the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to relax, making the dough much easier to roll out. The second rest after dividing helps the individual balls relax even further, ensuring smooth, even rolling. Think of it as an investment in perfectly soft tortillas!
Rolling Technique: Aim for an even thickness (about 8 inches in diameter) without tearing. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round – they’ll still taste amazing! A light dusting of flour on your surface prevents sticking.
Hot Skillet: Cook your tortillas on a dry, hot skillet (cast iron or non-stick works best). You want to see small bubbles form on the surface, and light brown spots appear on both sides. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll become stiff.

Versatile Uses for Your Spiced Creations

These spiced tortillas are incredibly versatile and will elevate almost any meal. I frequently use them for quick and easy dinners. For example, they are amazing in Buffalo Chicken Dip Quesadillas or Summer Squash and Mushroom Quesadillas. Beyond quesadillas, consider these delicious applications:

Tacos: Perfect for any kind of taco – fish tacos, chicken tinga, ground beef, or vegetarian options. The seasoning in the tortilla itself adds an extra layer of flavor.
Burritos & Wraps: Ideal for wrapping up your favorite burrito fillings, from breakfast burritos to hearty lunch wraps.
Crispy Chips: Cut them into triangles, bake or fry until crispy, and serve with Garden Salsa or a decadent Jalapeno Popper Dip.
Enchiladas: Their fresh flavor makes them excellent for rolling up into enchiladas, whether baked in a savory sauce or served “wet.”
Mini Pizzas: Use them as a thin, crispy base for individual pizzas.

Make Ahead & Freezing for Convenience

While the dough resting times prevent this from being a “pull together dinner after work” recipe, these tortillas are perfect for meal prepping. Dedicate a few hours on a day off, and you can make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week or even stock your freezer.

Storing Cooked Tortillas: Once cooked, allow them to cool completely. Stack them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking, then store in an airtight bag or container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Cooked Tortillas: For longer storage, stack cooled tortillas with parchment paper between each, then wrap the stack tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen tortillas in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature. Reheat them quickly on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-30 seconds per side, or microwave briefly until warm and pliable.

Homemade Spiced Flour Tortillas

Yield:
8 tortillas

Homemade flour tortillas made from scratch with fajita seasoning added, perfect for adding an extra kick to your favorite Mexican dishes.

Print Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fajita seasoning (optional – homemade or store-bought)
1/4 cup vegetable shortening (butter-flavored shortening for a richer color/flavor)
1 cup warm water

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and fajita seasoning until well combined. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, gently melt together the shortening and warm water over low heat. Remove from the heat and pour this mixture over the dry flour mixture. Stir with a spoon or spatula until a loose ball of dough begins to form.
Transfer the dough from the bowl to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes, or until it comes together into a smooth, elastic ball.
Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a clean dish towel, and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour. This allows the gluten to relax and the flour to fully hydrate, making the dough easier to roll.
After the first rest, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a small, smooth ball. Cover the dough balls with the towel again and let them rest for another 30 minutes. This second rest is important for ensuring the tortillas roll out easily and evenly.
While the dough is resting for the second time, preheat a dry cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat.
On a lightly floured surface, take one dough ball and roll it out into an 8-inch circle. Aim for an even thickness.
Once the skillet is hot, carefully place one rolled tortilla into the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until small bubbles appear on the surface and the underside has light brown spots.
Flip the tortilla and cook for another 30-60 seconds on the second side, until it also develops light brown spots and is cooked through.
Remove the cooked tortilla from the skillet and place it on a plate covered with a clean dish towel to keep it warm and soft while you cook the remaining tortillas.
Repeat the rolling and cooking process with the remaining dough balls.
Allow the tortillas to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or bag.

Notes

© Chocolate Moosey. All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish a recipe, please rewrite it in your own words or link back to the post for the recipe.

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Embrace Your Inner Rule-Breaker!

Making your own tortillas is a rewarding experience, transforming a basic staple into something truly special. And by adding a twist like fajita seasoning, you’re not just making food; you’re creating an experience that reflects your unique taste and desire for flavor.

So, next time Cinco de Mayo rolls around, or you’re just craving something fresh and delicious for dinner, skip the store-bought options. Embrace the simple joy of making these homemade spiced flour tortillas from scratch. They’re easy, flavorful, and a testament to the fact that sometimes, breaking a few rules in the kitchen leads to the most delicious results. Happy cooking!