Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips

It’s funny how the simplest things can sometimes bring the most joy. Recently, I was in a bit of a dessert rut. We craved something sweet after dinner, but the thought of baking a whole cake or pie felt like too much effort on a busy weeknight. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips. Honestly, I was skeptical at first. Tortilla chips for dessert? Could it really be good? Well, let me tell you, the moment these warm, crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated triangles emerged from the oven, my skepticism vanished. The aroma alone was intoxicating – a blend of warm cinnamon, sweet sugar, and toasty tortilla. My family, initially intrigued by the unusual concept, devoured them within minutes. The kids declared them “the best chips ever,” and even my usually dessert-reserved spouse went back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). These Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are now a staple in our house – a go-to for quick dessert cravings, unexpected guests, or just a simple, delightful treat. They’re ridiculously easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and fun dessert or snack, look no further. This recipe is a game-changer!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips. We’ve kept the ingredient list short and sweet, focusing on pantry staples to make this recipe as accessible as possible.

• Flour Tortillas (10-12, 6-inch size): These form the base of our crispy dessert chips. Using flour tortillas ensures a delicate crispness and slight chewiness that complements the cinnamon sugar perfectly. You can use white or whole wheat tortillas depending on your preference, but for the most classic flavor and texture, white flour tortillas are recommended. Ensure they are fresh and pliable for easy cutting.
• Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Melted butter is crucial for both flavor and texture. It adds a rich, buttery note to the chips and acts as the perfect adhesive for the cinnamon sugar mixture to cling to. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the recipe, ensuring the sweet flavors shine through. Melt the butter completely and let it cool slightly before brushing onto the tortillas to avoid making them soggy.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Granulated sugar provides the primary sweetness and contributes to the delightful crispness of the chips as they bake. Its coarse texture helps to create a satisfyingly crunchy coating. White granulated sugar is the classic choice for this recipe, providing a clean, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• Ground Cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Cinnamon is the star spice, lending its warm, aromatic, and slightly spicy notes to these chips. Use good quality ground cinnamon for the best flavor. Adjust the amount slightly to your preference – if you love a strong cinnamon flavor, you can add a bit more, or reduce it slightly for a milder taste.
• Optional: Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a subtle warmth and depth to the sweetness. While optional, a teaspoon of vanilla extract really elevates the taste and complements both the cinnamon and sugar beautifully. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, rather than imitation vanilla.
• Optional: Pinch of Salt (1/8 teaspoon): A tiny pinch of salt might seem counterintuitive in a sweet recipe, but it actually works wonders to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors. Salt helps to prevent the dessert from being overly sweet and brings out the nuances of the cinnamon and vanilla. Just a small pinch is all you need.

Instructions

Making Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips is incredibly simple and quick. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of delicious crispy treats. We’ve broken down each step to ensure clarity and success, even for beginner bakers.

1. Preheat Your Oven to 350°F (175°C): Start by preheating your oven to the correct temperature. This is crucial for ensuring the tortilla chips bake evenly and become perfectly crispy without burning. Oven temperatures can vary slightly, so using an oven thermometer to verify the temperature is always a good idea, especially for baking. While the oven preheats, you can prepare the tortillas and cinnamon sugar mixture.
2. Prepare the Tortillas: Stack the flour tortillas on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each tortilla into your desired shape. For classic tortilla chips, cut each tortilla into 6 or 8 triangles by first cutting it in half, then in quarters, and then again into eighths if desired. Alternatively, you can cut them into strips for longer chips or even use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for a more whimsical presentation, especially if you are making these with kids. Cutting the tortillas into smaller, uniform pieces ensures even baking and crispness. Once cut, set the tortilla pieces aside.
3. Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter. If microwaving, heat it in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. If using a saucepan, melt it over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once melted, let the butter cool slightly for a minute or two. This prevents the butter from being too hot when you brush it onto the tortillas, which could make them soggy.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. If you are using vanilla extract and salt, add them to the sugar-cinnamon mixture now. Whisk or stir the mixture thoroughly until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This ensures that each chip will be coated with a consistent and flavorful cinnamon sugar blend. A shallow dish or plate is ideal for this step as it makes it easier to coat the tortilla chips evenly.
5. Brush the Tortillas with Melted Butter: Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This makes for easy cleanup and prevents the chips from sticking to the baking sheet. Arrange the cut tortilla pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping. Using a pastry brush or even the back of a spoon, lightly brush the top side of each tortilla piece with the melted butter. You don’t need to soak them in butter, just a light, even coating is sufficient. The butter will help the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere and contribute to the crispy texture.
6. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately after brushing with butter, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously and evenly over the buttered tortilla pieces. You can gently press the sugar mixture into the tortillas with your fingers to help it stick better. Make sure each chip is nicely coated with the sweet spice blend. If you prefer a more intensely flavored chip, you can even coat both sides. To do this, after coating one side, carefully flip the chips and repeat the butter brushing and cinnamon sugar coating on the other side. However, coating just one side is perfectly sufficient for a delicious result.
7. Bake to Crispy Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 8-12 minutes, or until the tortilla chips are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them as baking times can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your tortillas. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly, so start checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark. The edges should be lightly browned, and the chips should feel firm to the touch when they are done.
8. Cool and Crisp Up: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, they will crisp up further. Resist the urge to move them while they are still hot as they are delicate and can break easily. Allowing them to cool completely on the baking sheet ensures maximum crispiness. If you want them to cool even faster and crispier, you can transfer them to a wire rack to allow air to circulate around them.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once completely cooled and crispy, your Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are ready to be served! Enjoy them immediately for the best crispness and flavor. They are delicious on their own as a snack or dessert, or you can serve them with dips like chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or even fruit salsa for a more elaborate treat. Store any leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutritional information per serving of Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This is based on a recipe yielding approximately 6 servings.

• Serving Size: Approximately 5-6 chips – This is an estimated serving size and can be adjusted based on individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Calories per serving: ~150-200 kcal – The calorie count will depend on the size of the chips and the amount of butter and sugar used. This is a moderate calorie snack, perfect for a treat.
• Fat: ~8-10 grams per serving – Fat content primarily comes from the butter used in the recipe. This is primarily saturated fat, so moderation is key.
• Sugar: ~15-20 grams per serving – Sugar content is derived from the granulated sugar coating. This contributes to the sweet taste and crispy texture of the chips.
• Sodium: ~50-75 mg per serving – Sodium content is relatively low, primarily from the tortillas and a minimal amount from butter if salted butter is accidentally used.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary. Consult a nutritionist for precise dietary information.

Preparation Time

Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are incredibly quick to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or impromptu gatherings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes – This includes the time to cut the tortillas, melt the butter, and mix the cinnamon sugar. The simplicity of the ingredients and steps makes the preparation process very efficient.
• Cook Time: 8-12 minutes – Baking time is short and sweet, just enough to crisp up the tortillas and caramelize the sugar. The quick baking time ensures you can have these treats ready in no time.
• Total Time: 18-22 minutes – From start to finish, you can have a batch of warm, crispy Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips ready in under 25 minutes. This makes them an ideal choice for a quick dessert or snack when time is limited.

How to Serve

Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different occasions and preferences. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Warm and Fresh: The absolute best way to enjoy these chips is warm, straight from the oven (after cooling slightly to crisp up). The warmth enhances the cinnamon aroma and the crisp texture is at its peak.
• With Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the chips or serve it on the side for dipping. The richness of the chocolate pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar.
• With Caramel Sauce: Similar to chocolate sauce, caramel sauce adds a decadent and gooey element that complements the crispy chips and cinnamon perfectly.
• With Fruit Salsa: For a lighter and refreshing option, serve with a vibrant fruit salsa made with diced mango, pineapple, strawberries, and a hint of lime. The sweet and tangy fruit salsa provides a lovely contrast to the cinnamon sugar chips.
• With Whipped Cream or Yogurt: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy coolness that balances the warmth and sweetness of the chips.
• Crumbled over Ice Cream: Break the Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over vanilla, cinnamon, or chocolate ice cream for added texture and flavor.
• Alongside Coffee or Tea: These chips make a delightful accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Their sweetness and crispness are a perfect complement to a hot beverage.
• As a Light Dessert after a Meal: Serve a small plate of Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips as a simple and satisfying light dessert after dinner. They are not overly heavy, making them a perfect sweet ending to any meal.

Additional Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips

To ensure your Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are always a hit, here are some extra tips and tricks to keep in mind:

1. Use Fresh, Good Quality Tortillas: Starting with fresh flour tortillas makes a big difference in the final texture. Older, drier tortillas might become too brittle and break easily. Look for pliable tortillas that are soft to the touch.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than baking, resulting in soggy chips instead of crispy ones. If necessary, bake in batches to ensure proper crisping.
3. Watch Them Closely While Baking: Tortilla chips can bake quickly, and ovens vary in temperature. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning. They are done when they are golden brown and crispy at the edges.
4. Adjust Cinnamon Sugar Ratio to Taste: Feel free to adjust the ratio of cinnamon to sugar according to your preference. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a bit more cinnamon. If you prefer a sweeter chip, you can slightly increase the sugar.
5. Experiment with Different Sugars: While granulated sugar is classic, you can experiment with other types of sugar for subtle flavor variations. Brown sugar will add a hint of molasses flavor and a slightly softer texture. Coconut sugar will provide a less refined sweetness and a slightly caramel-like note.
6. Add a Touch of Spice: For a bit of warmth and complexity, consider adding a pinch of other spices to the cinnamon sugar mixture. A tiny pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a very small pinch of ginger can add a delightful depth of flavor.
7. Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftover Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips (though they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their crispness for a few days. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator as they can become soft.
8. Reheat for Extra Warmth (Optional): If you want to serve leftover chips warm, you can briefly reheat them in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes. Watch them carefully to prevent burning. Reheating is best done soon after they are made, as they might not regain their original crispness perfectly after being stored for an extended period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips

Here are some common questions people ask about making Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips, along with detailed answers to help you succeed every time.

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Corn tortillas will result in a denser, slightly chewier chip with a more pronounced corn flavor. Flour tortillas generally yield a lighter, crispier chip that is more delicate. If using corn tortillas, you may need to bake them for a slightly shorter time as they tend to crisp up faster. Experiment with both to see which you prefer! For a sweeter dessert chip, flour tortillas are generally favored due to their milder flavor which allows the cinnamon and sugar to shine.

2. Can I use different types of sugar besides granulated sugar?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various types of sugar to customize the flavor and texture of your Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips. Brown sugar will add a warm, molasses-like flavor and a slightly chewier texture due to its moisture content. Coconut sugar provides a less refined sweetness and a subtle caramel note. For a lighter, less processed option, you could even try using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, but be aware that these might not caramelize in the same way as regular sugar and may alter the texture slightly. Granulated sugar is the classic choice for its crispness and clean sweetness, but feel free to get creative!

3. How do I store leftover Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips to keep them crispy?
The key to keeping Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips crispy is proper storage. Once they are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture from getting in, which can make the chips soft. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator as the humidity can cause them to lose their crispness. Stored correctly, they should stay crispy for 2-3 days, although they are best enjoyed fresh. If they do lose a bit of crispness over time, you can try briefly reheating them in a low oven to help restore some of their crunch.

4. Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips in an air fryer instead of an oven?
Yes, air fryers are a fantastic alternative for making Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips! They often result in even crispier chips in less time than a traditional oven. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the buttered and cinnamon-sugar coated tortilla pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to work in batches. Air fry for 5-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, checking them frequently to prevent burning. Air fryers cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them.

5. Can I add other toppings or glazes to these chips?
Definitely! Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are a wonderful base for other toppings and glazes. You can drizzle them with melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white), caramel sauce, or a simple powdered sugar glaze. For a richer topping, try a cream cheese frosting or a Nutella drizzle. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds), shredded coconut, or sprinkles over the chips after glazing for added texture and visual appeal. Get creative and experiment with your favorite sweet toppings!

6. Are Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips vegan?
Whether Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are vegan depends on the type of tortillas and butter you use. Most flour tortillas are vegan, but it’s always best to check the ingredient list to ensure they don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients like lard. To make this recipe fully vegan, simply use vegan butter or a plant-based butter alternative. Olive oil or coconut oil can also be used in place of butter, but they will slightly alter the flavor and texture. By using vegan-friendly tortillas and butter, you can easily enjoy a delicious vegan version of these crispy treats.

7. Are Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips gluten-free?
No, traditional Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips made with flour tortillas are not gluten-free. However, you can easily make them gluten-free by using gluten-free corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas. Ensure that all other ingredients, like vanilla extract (if using), are also certified gluten-free if you are strictly avoiding gluten. Always check the labels of your ingredients to confirm they are gluten-free if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

8. Can I prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture and cut tortillas ahead of time for a party?
Yes, absolutely! You can definitely prep ahead to make things easier when you’re ready to bake. You can cut the tortillas into your desired shapes and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. You can also mix the cinnamon sugar mixture and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. When you’re ready to bake, simply melt the butter, brush the tortillas, coat them with the cinnamon sugar mixture, and bake as directed. This make-ahead strategy is perfect for parties or gatherings, allowing you to assemble and bake the chips quickly when your guests are ready for dessert.