Arthur All-Purpose Flour Tortilla Recipe

Why Make Your Own Flour Tortillas at Home?

Have you ever taken a bite of a store-bought tortilla and thought, This could be better? That was me a few years ago. I grew up loving soft, chewy tortillas wrapped around my favorite fillings. But no matter how many brands I tried, they never quite matched the homemade ones from my grandmother’s kitchen. So, I decided to try making my own—and let me tell you, it changed everything.

Homemade flour tortillas are soft, pliable, and packed with fresh flavor. Plus, they contain none of the preservatives or artificial ingredients found in store-bought versions. And the best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make.

With just a few pantry staples—like Arthur all-purpose flour, salt, and oil—you can whip up a batch of warm, fresh tortillas in under an hour. Whether you’re making tacos, burritos, or just a buttery tortilla to snack on, this Arthur all-purpose flour tortilla recipe will become a kitchen staple.

The Secret to Soft and Stretchy Tortillas

What makes a flour tortilla soft and flexible? It all comes down to three things:

1. The right flour – Arthur all-purpose flour gives tortillas the perfect balance of elasticity and softness.
2. Fat content – Whether you use oil, butter, or lard, fat is key for tender tortillas.
3. Resting the dough – Letting the dough rest allows gluten to relax, making rolling much easier.

“A tortilla that cracks when you fold it? That’s a crime in the kitchen! Follow these tips to keep yours soft and pliable.”

Ingredients for Arthur All-Purpose Flour Tortilla Recipe

Essential Ingredients

• Arthur all-purpose flour (the star of the recipe!)
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Warm water
• Oil (or melted butter/lard for extra flavor)

Optional Additions for Flavor Variations

• Garlic powder for a savory kick
• A dash of sugar for a slightly sweeter tortilla
• Whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste

📌 The full ingredient list with exact measurements is in the recipe card below!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Flour Tortillas

Step 1: Mixing the Dough

Start by combining Arthur all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients. Slowly add the oil, mixing it with your hands or a wooden spoon until the flour resembles coarse crumbs.

Now comes the magic—warm water. Adding warm water (not hot, not cold) is the secret to soft tortillas. Slowly pour it in while mixing until a dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but not too wet.

Once combined, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. This step helps develop gluten, giving your tortillas the perfect elasticity. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water; if it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour.

“A little patience here pays off—kneading well ensures your tortillas are soft and stretchy.”

Wrap the dough in a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This step is crucial! It relaxes the gluten, making rolling much easier later.

Nutritional Values (Per Tortilla)

Step 2: Resting Time for Gluten Relaxation

Once the dough is mixed and kneaded, patience becomes your best friend. Resting the dough for at least 30 minutes is essential. Why? Because it allows the gluten to relax, making the tortillas much easier to roll out. If you skip this step, your dough will be too tight, and your tortillas will shrink back after rolling.

💡 Pro tip: Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out while it rests.

Many home cooks rush this step, but trust me—this Arthur all-purpose flour tortilla recipe deserves the extra time. If you have more time, letting the dough rest for an hour will make it even softer!

“Soft tortillas aren’t just about ingredients—they’re about patience too.”

Step 3: Rolling Out Thin Tortillas

After resting, divide the dough into equal portions. The standard size for homemade tortillas is about 8-inch rounds, but you can make them smaller or larger depending on your needs.

• For street tacos, make small 4-inch rounds
• For burritos, go for 10-inch rounds
• For quesadillas, a 12-inch tortilla works best

Take one dough ball and lightly flour your work surface. Use a rolling pin (or a tortilla press if you have one) to roll it out as thin as possible. A perfect flour tortilla should be almost translucent before cooking!

Common mistake: If your tortilla keeps shrinking after rolling, let it rest for another 10 minutes before trying again. This means the gluten isn’t fully relaxed yet.

“Rolling tortillas should feel like stretching pizza dough—gentle but firm!”

Step 4: Cooking for the Perfect Texture

Now, for the fun part—cooking your tortillas!

🔥 Heat a dry cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. A hot pan is key to getting the signature golden brown spots.

1. Place one rolled-out tortilla in the hot skillet.
2. Cook for 30-40 seconds until bubbles form.
3. Flip and cook the other side for another 30 seconds.
4. Flip one last time for an additional 10 seconds (this step gives it extra fluffiness).

Repeat with the remaining tortillas, stacking them in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and soft.

💡 If your tortilla is hard or stiff after cooking, you may have overcooked it. Try reducing the cooking time slightly next time.

“Soft, warm, and flexible—that’s the goal for every tortilla!”

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Even the best cooks run into problems. Here are a few common tortilla mistakes and how to fix them:

Why Are My Tortillas Too Hard?

🔹 Problem: Overcooking or too much flour during rolling
✅ Solution: Reduce cooking time and use less flour when rolling

Why Do My Tortillas Shrink After Rolling?

🔹 Problem: Dough hasn’t rested long enough
✅ Solution: Let it rest an extra 10-15 minutes

How to Get Perfectly Round Tortillas?

🔹 Problem: Uneven rolling
✅ Solution: Rotate the dough after each roll for even shaping

How to Store and Reheat Homemade Tortillas

So, you’ve made a batch of delicious Arthur all-purpose flour tortillas—now what?

Best Storage Tips for Freshness

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days
• Freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months

💡 Place a sheet of parchment paper between each tortilla before freezing to prevent sticking.

Reheating Without Drying Out

• Microwave: Wrap in a damp towel and heat for 15 seconds
• Stovetop: Warm in a dry pan for 10-15 seconds per side
• Oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 300°F for 5 minutes

Creative Ways to Use Your Homemade Tortillas

Now that you have a fresh batch of homemade flour tortillas, the possibilities are endless!

Classic Tacos and Wraps

🌮 Fill with grilled chicken, beef, or veggies for authentic tacos
🥙 Make a soft burrito with rice, beans, and guacamole

Tortilla Chips and Other Snacks

🔹 Cut into triangles, bake, and season for homemade tortilla chips
🍕 Use as a thin pizza crust for a quick snack

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of Arthur all-purpose flour?

Yes! You can substitute up to 50% of the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.

Can I make tortillas without a rolling pin?

Absolutely! A tortilla press makes it even easier. You can also use a flat-bottomed plate to press the dough.

Why are my tortillas cracking?

They might be too dry. Make sure to add enough water and don’t overcook them.

Explore More Delicious Recipes

• Tortilla Quiche Bake Recipe
• Easy Tortilla Wraps
• Almond Flour Tortillas Recipe

Conclusion

Making your own homemade flour tortillas using Arthur all-purpose flour is a game-changer. Not only are they softer, fresher, and more flavorful than store-bought versions, but they’re also incredibly easy to make with just a few pantry staples. Whether you’re rolling them out for tacos, burritos, or even a quick snack, the effort is well worth the reward.

By following this Arthur all-purpose flour tortilla recipe, you’ll never have to settle for dry, stiff tortillas again. With the right technique—resting the dough, rolling it thin, and cooking it just right—you’ll master the art of making perfectly soft and flexible tortillas every time.

So, why wait? Grab your flour, warm up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy the best homemade tortillas ever! Once you taste them, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

“A homemade tortilla isn’t just food—it’s an experience. Make it, taste it, and enjoy every bite!”

Let me know if you need any last refinements!

Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!

Arthur All-Purpose Flour Tortilla Recipe

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• Author: Rita
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 tortillas
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft, chewy, and incredibly easy to make, this Arthur all-purpose flour tortilla recipe delivers restaurant-quality tortillas right from your kitchen. Perfect for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or enjoying on their own, these homemade flour tortillas are fresh, flavorful, and free of preservatives. With simple pantry ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll never want store-bought tortillas again.

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Ingredients

Arthur all-purpose flour – 3 cups
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
Warm water – 1 cup
Oil or melted butter – ⅓ cup

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Instructions

In a large bowl, mix Arthur all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until combined
Add oil and mix until the flour resembles coarse crumbs
Slowly pour in warm water while stirring until a soft dough forms
Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic
Cover with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions
Roll each dough ball into a thin round tortilla on a lightly floured surface
Heat a dry cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat
Place one tortilla in the skillet and cook for 30-40 seconds until bubbles form
Flip and cook the other side for another 30 seconds until golden brown spots appear
Flip once more for an additional 10 seconds for even cooking
Transfer to a clean towel to keep warm and repeat with remaining dough balls

Notes

Resting the dough is essential for soft, pliable tortillas
For extra flavor, substitute butter or lard for the oil
Avoid overcooking to prevent dry tortillas
Use a tortilla press for even, round tortillas

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes, Resting Time 30 minutes
• Category: Bread, Tortillas
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tortilla
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Homemade flour tortillas, soft flour tortillas, Arthur all-purpose flour tortillas, easy tortilla recipe, best flour tortilla recipe