Grandma Mercie’s Flour Tortilla With Warm Melted Butter
There is something undeniably comforting about a warm homemade flour tortilla. Soft, flexible, and fragrant, it carries a sense of tradition and home that packaged tortillas simply cannot match. Grandma Mercie’s flour tortillas were the kind everyone waited for, the kind that puffed beautifully on the skillet and were always served with a drizzle of warm melted butter. Simple ingredients turned into something meaningful and memorable.
Making tortillas from scratch is an old tradition passed down through generations, and each family has its own method. Grandma Mercie’s version was cherished for how soft and delicate the tortillas were, yet sturdy enough to wrap around any filling. The real magic was in serving them hot from the pan, brushing the surface with butter so it melted instantly and soaked into the warm dough. Eating one fresh felt like a treat all on its own.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
⅓ cup vegetable oil, lard, or shortening
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons melted butter for serving
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. These dry ingredients form the structure of the tortillas and help create a soft texture.
Add the oil, lard, or shortening. Work it into the flour with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step helps create tenderness and flexibility in the finished tortillas.
Slowly pour in the warm water, mixing with your hand or a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes until smooth. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.
Divide the dough into twelve small balls. Cover them with a towel and let them rest for at least fifteen minutes. Resting relaxes the gluten and makes rolling much easier.
Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat. Roll each dough ball into a thin circle on a floured surface. Try to keep the thickness even so the tortilla cooks uniformly.
Place the rolled tortilla onto the hot skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom shows light golden spots. Flip and cook the other side. Each tortilla should take about one minute per side.
As each tortilla finishes, place it on a plate and brush with melted butter while still warm. Stack them and cover with a clean towel to keep them soft.
Serving Suggestions
These tortillas are delicious on their own with only the melted butter. They also pair beautifully with eggs, beans, grilled meats, cheese, or simple vegetables. Their soft texture makes them perfect for tacos, wraps, or quick snacks.
Freshly made tortillas taste best within the first day, but they keep well wrapped in a towel and stored in an airtight container. To reheat, warm them on a hot skillet for a few seconds until soft again.
There is a timeless comfort in making tortillas by hand. Each step connects to a long tradition of simple kitchen moments. Grandma Mercie’s recipe continues that tradition, offering warmth, familiarity, and a taste of home in every bite.