Oh, you are going to LOVE these Coffee Gorditas! Seriously, they’re my new obsession. I first whipped these up on a lazy Sunday morning, just looking for something a little different to start the day. You know how I am, always tinkering with flavors! I took the classic, comforting base of masa – that wonderful corn dough that’s so central to Mexican cooking – and decided to infuse it with the rich, bold taste of coffee. The result? A perfectly tender, slightly sweet, delightfully chewy gordita with this amazing subtle coffee note running through it. It’s like a warm hug in every bite, and the aroma while they’re frying? Heavenly!
Why You’ll Love These Coffee Gorditas
Seriously, these Coffee Gorditas are a game-changer! Here’s why you should make them ASAP:
- Super Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to masa, these come together really quickly.
- Unique Flavor: That hint of coffee is just divine and totally unexpected in the best way.
- So Versatile: Perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a little treat with coffee.
- Masa Magic: You get that lovely, slightly chewy texture that only masa can provide.
A Taste of Tradition with a Coffee Twist
Gorditas are such a beloved part of Mexican food culture, and I just adore them. Taking that classic, comforting masa base and giving it a coffee twist for these Coffee Gorditas feels both traditional and excitingly new. It’s a simple way to elevate a familiar favorite into something truly special and memorable.
Gathering Your Coffee Gorditas Ingredients
Okay, so getting the ingredients together for these Coffee Gorditas is pretty straightforward, but a couple of things are key for that perfect texture and flavor. You’ll need:
- 2 cups masa harina – Make sure it’s specifically for tamales or tortillas. This is crucial for the right texture!
- 1 cup warm water – We’re talking around 105–115°F (40–46°C). Not too hot, not too cold, just nice and cozy.
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee – Or even better, espresso! Make sure it’s cooled down completely. This is where our coffee magic happens.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Just a touch to bring out the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – To balance all those flavors.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For the dough itself.
- Additional oil for frying – You’ll want about 1/2 inch deep in your skillet. Vegetable oil works great here.
That’s really it! No fancy pre-processing needed for these ingredients, just grab them and get ready to mix up some deliciousness.
Mastering the Art of Making Coffee Gorditas
Alright, let’s get down to business and make these amazing Coffee Gorditas! It’s really not complicated, promise. We’re basically making a flavored masa dough and then frying it up until it’s golden and puffy. Just a few key steps and you’ll be a gordita pro in no time!
Preparing the Coffee Gorditas Dough
First things first, we need to get our dough ready. Grab a good-sized bowl and toss in your 2 cups of masa harina, that 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give it a quick whisk to mix everything up. Now, start pouring in your 1 cup of warm water and that cool 1/4 cup of coffee. Mix it all together with your hands or a sturdy spoon until it starts to come together into a soft dough. If it feels a little too dry, add a tiny splash more water; if it’s too sticky, a little more masa harina. Then, turn it out onto a clean counter and knead it for about 5 minutes. You want it to feel smooth and pliable, not sticky or crumbly. This kneading is super important for the texture of your Coffee Gorditas!
Shaping and Cooking Your Coffee Gorditas
Once your dough is perfectly smooth, it’s time to shape these lovely Coffee Gorditas. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a little ball, and then gently flatten it out into a circle, about 4 inches across. Don’t make them too thin, maybe about 1/4 inch thick. If they crack around the edges, just pinch them together. Now, get a skillet ready with about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. You want it hot enough that a tiny piece of dough sizzles right away, but not so hot that it burns instantly. Carefully slip 2 or 3 of your shaped gorditas into the oil – don’t crowd the pan! They’ll puff up as they cook, which is exactly what we want. Fry them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they’re a beautiful golden brown. Use tongs to flip them gently. Once they’re nicely browned on both sides and look puffy, scoop them out and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps get rid of any extra oil so they’re not greasy.
Tips for Perfect Coffee Gorditas Every Time
Want to make sure your Coffee Gorditas turn out absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that really make a difference. First off, keeping your oil at the right temperature is key. Medium heat is usually spot on, and you want it hot enough to sizzle but not smoke. If you throw in too many at once, the oil temperature drops, and they can get greasy. So, fry them in small batches – two or three at a time is perfect. And that coffee? Make SURE it’s completely cooled before you add it to the masa. Hot liquid can mess with the dough consistency, and nobody wants that!
Coffee Flavor Enhancement
For a really robust coffee punch in your Coffee Gorditas, don’t be afraid to use espresso instead of regular brewed coffee. It makes the coffee flavor so much richer and more intense, and it’s just divine!
Adding Warm Spices
If you’re like me and love a little something extra, try adding just a tiny pinch of cinnamon right into the masa dough when you mix everything together. It pairs SO beautifully with the coffee and adds this lovely warmth that just takes the Coffee Gorditas to another level.
Serving and Enjoying Your Coffee Gorditas
These Coffee Gorditas are honestly best served warm, right after they’ve cooled just enough so you don’t burn your fingers! That’s when they’re at their peak – slightly crisp on the outside, wonderfully soft and chewy inside, with that amazing coffee aroma. They’re fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. It’s just a really comforting, simple treat that feels a little bit special.
Delicious Topping Ideas
When it comes to topping these delightful Coffee Gorditas, keep it simple to let that coffee flavor shine! A drizzle of warm honey is absolutely divine, or just a smear of good old butter. Fresh fruit, like some berries or sliced banana, adds a nice freshness too. Honestly, they’re so good, you might not even need toppings!
Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Gorditas
Got questions about whipping up these yummy Coffee Gorditas? I totally get it! Working with masa can sometimes feel a bit mysterious, and adding coffee is a new twist. Let’s clear up some common things:
Can I make Coffee Gorditas ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare the masa dough for your Coffee Gorditas a few hours ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature. It’s best to shape and fry them closer to when you want to eat them for the freshest texture!
What kind of coffee should I use for Coffee Gorditas?
For the best flavor in your Coffee Gorditas, I really recommend using strong brewed coffee or, even better, espresso! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before you mix it into the masa. It really makes that coffee flavor pop!
How do I prevent my Coffee Gorditas from becoming greasy?
The trick to avoiding greasy Coffee Gorditas is all about the oil temperature. Make sure your frying oil is hot enough – it should sizzle immediately when you drop a little dough in. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry them in small batches so the oil temperature stays stable. Draining them well on paper towels also helps!
Nutritional Estimate for Coffee Gorditas
Just a heads-up, this nutritional info for our lovely Coffee Gorditas is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use and how big you make your portions. But, to give you a general idea:
- Serving Size: 1 gordita
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 3g
Magnificent Coffee Gorditas: 1 Taste Sensation
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 gorditas 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Coffee Gorditas are a sweet and savory masa-based treat infused with coffee flavor, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine masa harina, sugar, and salt.
- Gradually add warm water and cooled coffee, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
- Flatten each portion into a 4-inch circle.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Carefully place 2-3 gorditas in the hot oil.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings like honey, butter, or fresh fruit.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gordita
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Coffee Gorditas, masa, Mexican breakfast, fried dough, coffee flavored masa