Sopaipillas

Instructions

• Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, vegetable oil, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and warm water and stir with a rubber spatula until a sticky dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes, until no longer sticky.
• Place the dough on a plate or baking sheet and cover with a damp cloth. Let rest for 15 minutes.
• Divide the dough into 3 equal balls, cover again with damp cloth, and let rest for 30-60 minutes.
• Make the chocolate dipping sauce: Add the dark and milk chocolate and coconut oil to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted. Stir in the ancho chile powder and cinnamon. Whisk in the warm cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a thin dipping sauce consistency is reached. Stir in the vanilla. Set aside.
• Fill a Dutch oven or large pot fitted with a deep fry thermometer with about 3 inches (7 cm) of vegetable oil. Heat the oil until it reaches 400°F (200°C).
• While the oil is heating, shape the sopaipillas: On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 of the 3 dough balls to a 8-inch (20 cm) square. Cut into 4 4-inch (10 cm) squares, discarding any extra trimmed dough. Place the squares on a baking sheet and cover with a damp towel. Repeat with the remaining dough.
• Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set near the pot of oil.
• Gently transfer one square of dough into the hot oil as a tester--it should float to the surface within a few seconds. As soon as the dough floats, flip it over immediately. Keep turning the dough every 5 seconds or so, until it puffs up like a pillow and turns light golden brown, about 1 minute. Remove from the oil and drain on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough squares, frying 2-4 at a time, or however many will fit without crowding the pot.
• Drizzle half of the sopaipillas with the honey and dust with the powdered sugar. Serve the other half with chocolate dipping sauce. Serve immediately.
• Enjoy!