These Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas with Honey are a beloved traditional treat in Chilean cuisine, perfect as a comforting dessert or appetizer. Made from a tender, slightly savory pumpkin dough and fried until golden and crisp, these sopaipillas are then served with a drizzle of honey for a sweet twist. Their simplicity, nostalgic flavor, and versatility (they can be served savory too!) make them a must-try for fall or any time you crave something cozy and satisfying.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus ¼ cup for kneading)

• 400 g pumpkin (or 1 cup unsweetened pumpkin purée)

• 3 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• Honey (to taste, for serving)

• Oil (for frying)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Purée:

• Boil pumpkin until fork-tender. Drain and reserve some of the cooking water.

• Let it cool completely, then mash into a smooth purée.

2. Make the Dough:

• In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.

• Add the pumpkin purée and melted butter. Stir to combine.

• If dough is too sticky, add flour; if too dry, add reserved pumpkin water.

3. Rest the Dough:

• Cover and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

4. Shape the Sopaipillas:

• On a floured surface, knead the dough until smooth and elastic.

• Roll out to about ¼ inch thick and cut into medium-sized circles using a glass or cookie cutter.

• Pierce each with a fork to prevent puffing.

5. Fry:

• Heat oil in a pan or deep fryer.

• Fry each round until golden and crispy (a few minutes per side).

• Drain on paper towels.

6. Serve:

• Drizzle with honey and enjoy warm.

Nutrients (Per Sopaipilla)

• Calories: 184.8 kcal

• Fat: 11 g

• Saturated Fat: 1 g

• Carbohydrates: 18 g

• Sugar: 0.5 g

• Protein: 2.6 g

• Sodium: 60 mg

• Fiber: 1.1 g

• Cholesterol: 1 mg

• Potassium: 88 mg

A Glimpse Into Chilean Tradition

Sopaipillas have deep roots in Latin American cuisine, with regional variations across countries. In Chile, they are uniquely made with pumpkin, giving the dough a slight sweetness and vibrant color. The inclusion of pumpkin not only softens the texture of the dough but also adds moisture and a subtle depth of flavor. While savory sopaipillas are often served with pebre (a Chilean salsa) or mustard, the sweet version—sopaipillas pasadas—is bathed in a spiced molasses or served with a generous drizzle of honey.

These treats are commonly made during autumn and winter, especially when rain pours and the streets of Santiago are lined with vendors frying up fresh sopaipillas. Their inviting aroma and golden hue offer warmth and familiarity, making them a beloved part of Chilean street food culture.

Pumpkin: The Star Ingredient

Pumpkin plays a central role in this recipe, not just as a flavoring agent but as a structural component. When cooked and puréed, pumpkin becomes creamy and smooth, integrating seamlessly into the dough. It lends natural sweetness and a mild earthiness, which pairs beautifully with honey.

You can use freshly cooked pumpkin or canned, unsweetened pumpkin purée. However, traditionalists will argue that real pumpkin, boiled and mashed by hand, gives the dish its authentic texture and taste. The choice is yours depending on the time and ingredients available.

The natural moisture in the pumpkin also reduces the need for excess fat or dairy, making this a relatively wholesome fried treat when compared to other pastries.

A Dough That Comes Together Easily

The dough is simple and quick to make, requiring only basic pantry ingredients like flour, baking powder, salt, and butter. Once the purée is added, the mixture becomes soft, pliable, and easy to work with. A brief resting period allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll and shape.

After resting, the dough is rolled out and cut into small rounds. These circles are traditionally pierced with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during frying, resulting in an even, golden-brown finish. The circles can be made as large or as small as desired, but medium-sized sopaipillas are most common for easy serving and snacking.

Frying for the Perfect Crispness

Like most classic fried pastries, sopaipillas benefit from hot oil and quick cooking. A few minutes on each side is all it takes to transform the soft dough into a crispy, golden disc. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the soft, pumpkin-rich interior is what makes them so irresistible.

To minimize excess oil, it’s best to drain the sopaipillas on paper towels or a wire rack immediately after frying. They can be served warm or room temperature, but when freshly fried, they have that perfect balance of texture and warmth that defines the best comfort food.

A Drizzle of Honey: Sweet Simplicity

The final touch is what elevates these sopaipillas from snack to dessert—a generous drizzle of honey. The honey complements the subtle sweetness of the pumpkin and adds a sticky, glossy finish that enhances every bite. You can use classic honey, maple syrup, or even chancaca (a traditional Chilean spiced molasses syrup) if you want to follow the most authentic version of sopaipillas pasadas.

For those who enjoy more complex flavors, infusing the honey with cinnamon or orange zest can add a beautiful aromatic layer. This extra step takes just a few minutes but enhances the depth of the final dish significantly.

Versatility and Variations

One of the things that makes Chilean pumpkin sopaipillas so special is their flexibility. While they are delicious with honey, they’re equally enjoyable served savory. A few popular variations include:

Savory Toppings – Serve warm with mustard, pebre, or avocado.
Chancaca Sauce – Simmer brown sugar or chancaca with cinnamon sticks, orange peel, and cloves for a traditional syrup.
Add-ins – Incorporate chopped herbs like oregano or rosemary into the dough for a savory edge.
Make Them Mini – Small sopaipillas make excellent party bites or finger food options.

Whether you lean sweet or savory, this dough is a blank canvas for your creativity.

A Fall Favorite That Deserves a Spot on Your Table

These Chilean pumpkin sopaipillas with honey are especially perfect for the fall season, thanks to their warm flavors and golden hue. They pair wonderfully with spiced teas, hot chocolate, or even mulled wine. Their cozy texture and inviting appearance make them a wonderful treat for Thanksgiving, Halloween gatherings, or autumn brunches.

You can even turn them into a fun cooking project with kids, who will enjoy cutting out circles of dough and watching them puff up in the hot oil.

Conclusion

Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas with Honey are more than just a dish—they’re a celebration of culture, comfort, and culinary simplicity. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can recreate one of Chile’s most cherished treats in your own kitchen. Whether you drizzle them with honey for dessert or serve them alongside savory dips, these golden bites promise warmth, nostalgia, and flavor in every piece. Perfect for fall, holidays, or any time you crave something homemade and heartwarming, sopaipillas are sure to become a favorite you’ll return to again and again.