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Stacked belizean flour tortilla recipe on a floral gold-rim plate with melting butter
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Foolproof Belizean Flour Tortilla Recipe

Soft, pliable Belizean flour tortillas made with pantry staples and no lard, tested for guaranteed foldability.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10 tortillas
Calories: 145kcal

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoon cold butter or shortening, cubed
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water, plus more as needed

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  • Add the cold cubed butter and work it into the flour with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of fat throughout.
  • Pour in the warm water gradually, stirring with a fork until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand directly in the bowl for 3–4 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.
  • Cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
  • Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a round about ⅛ inch thick, rotating a quarter turn every few rolls to keep the shape even.
  • Heat a cast-iron skillet or comal over medium-high heat with no oil. Cook each tortilla for 30–45 seconds per side, until light golden bubbles form and the tortilla puffs slightly.
  • Stack finished tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm and soft while you cook the remaining dough.

Notes

  • Keep the butter cold until the moment it's cut into the flour — softened butter blends in rather than staying in distinct pieces, which reduces tenderness.
  • Don't skip the 15–20 minute rest; it relaxes the gluten and prevents tearing when rolling thin.
  • For a coastal twist, substitute half the water with coconut milk.
  • Dough can be made up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated, tightly wrapped; bring to room temperature before dividing and rolling.
  • Cooked tortillas freeze well for up to 3 months when stacked with parchment between each one.