Homemade Flour Tortillas: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Tortillas

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.

Incorporate Fat: Add the shortening, lard, or melted coconut oil to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Warm Water: Gradually add the warm water to the flour mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough comes together into a shaggy mass.

Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add flour or water as needed to adjust consistency.

Rest the Dough: Place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and let rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.

Divide the Dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.

Shape into Balls: Roll each piece into a smooth ball.

Rest Again: Place the dough balls on a plate, cover, and let rest for another 15-20 minutes.

Roll Out Tortillas: Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out each dough ball into a thin circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter.

Heat Skillet: Heat a dry cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.

Cook Tortillas: Place one tortilla in the hot skillet. Cook for 30-60 seconds per side, until small bubbles form and the tortilla begins to brown slightly.

Keep Warm: Stack cooked tortillas in a tortilla warmer or wrap in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm and pliable.

Repeat: Repeat the cooking process with the remaining tortillas.

Serve: Serve warm with your favorite fillings.