Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are the perfect sweet treat when you’re craving something crispy with just the right amount of sweetness. I discovered this simple recipe years ago during a movie night when we ran out of popcorn, and it’s been a family favorite ever since! With just a few pantry staples, you can transform ordinary tortillas into a dessert that’s both impressive and incredibly easy. The warm cinnamon aroma that fills your kitchen as these bake is absolutely heavenly – reminiscent of those mall cinnamon rolls we all secretly love. Ready in under 15 minutes, these chips are perfect for dipping in fruit salsa or enjoying on their own.
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Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 chips
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cinnamon sugar tortilla chips are buttery, sweet, and perfectly crisp! They’re baked or air-fried to golden perfection and make the ultimate quick dessert, snack, or party treat.
Ingredients
6 small flour tortillas
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Cooking spray (if air frying)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), or set air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
3. Brush both sides of tortillas with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
4. Stack tortillas and cut into 6 or 8 wedges using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
5. Arrange chips in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
6. Bake for 8–10 minutes (or air fry for 5–7 minutes), flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Chips will crisp up more as they cool.
8. Serve alone or with fruit salsa, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce.
Notes
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Try with cinnamon and brown sugar for deeper flavor.
• Great with fresh berry salsa or vanilla yogurt dip!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
Quick & Easy Preparation
These cinnamon sugar tortilla chips require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor impact. All you need are flour tortillas, melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar – ingredients you likely already have in your pantry! I love that I can whip these up in just 10 minutes when unexpected guests arrive or when my sweet tooth demands immediate attention. The simplicity is part of their charm; just brush, sprinkle, cut, and bake. Even on my busiest weeknights, I can manage this recipe without breaking a sweat. The hardest part? Waiting those few minutes while they crisp up in the oven!
Versatile Sweet Treat
What makes these chips truly special is their incredible versatility. They’re perfect on their own as a sweet snack, but they also elevate so many desserts. Serve them alongside fresh fruit, dip them in chocolate sauce, or crumble them over ice cream for added texture. My daughter loves using them to scoop up yogurt parfaits for breakfast, while my husband prefers them with his afternoon coffee. They’re also a hit at parties when paired with fruit salsa or caramel dip. I’ve even packed them in lunchboxes as a special treat – much more exciting than regular chips!
Essential Tips & Tricks
Perfect Crispiness Every Time
Achieving the ideal texture is crucial for these cinnamon sugar tortilla chips. The secret? Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. I recommend 350°F (175°C) for even browning without burning. Watch them closely after the 6-minute mark – they can go from perfectly golden to overdone in seconds! Another pro tip: use a silicone brush to apply the butter evenly, ensuring complete coverage without soaking the tortillas. For extra crispiness, let them cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. This allows them to firm up properly, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Flavor Enhancements
While the classic cinnamon-sugar combination is delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to your cinnamon sugar mixture creates a more complex spice profile. For a Mexican-inspired twist, try mixing in a tiny bit of chili powder – the sweet-heat combination is surprisingly addictive! You can also swap the butter for coconut oil to add a subtle tropical note. For special occasions, I like to sprinkle a bit of vanilla sugar instead of regular sugar for an aromatic boost. The possibilities are endless once you master the basic recipe!
Serving Ideas & Creative Variations
Perfect Pairings
These cinnamon sugar tortilla chips shine brightest when paired with the right complementary flavors. My absolute favorite combination is serving them with a fresh fruit salsa made from diced strawberries, mango, and a hint of lime. The contrast between the crisp, sweet chips and juicy fruit is simply divine! They also pair beautifully with chocolate fondue, caramel sauce, or cream cheese dip. For brunch gatherings, I arrange them alongside a yogurt bar with various toppings. During fall, they’re perfect with warm apple butter or pumpkin dip. The textural contrast makes every bite interesting and keeps guests coming back for more.
Creative Twists
Don’t limit yourself to the traditional triangle shape! Get creative with presentation by using cookie cutters to make festive shapes – stars for holidays, hearts for Valentine’s Day, or circles for a more elegant look. For a dessert nacho platter, arrange the chips on a serving tray, drizzle with chocolate sauce, sprinkle with mini marshmallows and fresh berries, then broil briefly until the marshmallows are golden. Another variation I love is making cinnamon-sugar tortilla bowls by draping the prepared tortillas over oven-safe bowls before baking – perfect for holding ice cream! You can also layer them with whipped cream for a quick Mexican-inspired napoleon.
Storage & Troubleshooting Guide
Proper Storage Methods
To maintain optimal freshness, store your cinnamon sugar tortilla chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp for up to 3 days this way. If you live in a particularly humid climate, add a paper towel to the container to absorb excess moisture. Avoid refrigerating the chips as this can make them soggy. If you want to prepare them in advance for a party, I recommend making the cinnamon-sugar mixture ahead of time but baking the chips just before serving. If they do lose some crispness, a quick 2-minute reheat in a 300°F oven will refresh them perfectly!
Common Issues & Solutions
The most frequent problem with homemade chips is uneven browning. To prevent this, rotate your baking sheet halfway through cooking and make sure your tortillas are cut into similar-sized pieces. If your chips aren’t crisping properly, they might need a bit more time in the oven – but watch carefully to prevent burning! Too much butter can make them soggy rather than crisp, so use a light hand when brushing. If your cinnamon sugar isn’t sticking well, try applying the butter more generously or slightly pressing the sugar mixture onto the tortillas before baking. For chips that are too hard, you likely overcooked them – next time, reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for cinnamon sugar tortilla chips?
Yes! Corn tortillas work beautifully but may require a slightly shorter baking time. They offer a different texture and slight corn flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon sugar.
How do I know when the chips are done baking?
Look for golden brown edges and a firm center. They’ll continue to crisp as they cool, so don’t wait until they’re completely hard in the oven.
Can I make these cinnamon sugar tortilla chips in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes. They cook faster in an air fryer, so check them frequently to prevent burning.
Are these suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
You can easily adapt this recipe using gluten-free tortillas and plant-based butter. The cinnamon and sugar components are naturally vegan and gluten-free.
How far in advance can I make these for a party?
For best results, make them no more than 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container and give them a quick reheat if they lose crispness.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips have become my go-to recipe whenever I need a quick sweet treat that impresses without much effort. There’s something magical about transforming a simple tortilla into a crispy, sweet delight that everyone loves. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as an afternoon snack, or using them to elevate your dessert game, they never disappoint. I’d love to see your creations on Pinterest! The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and how it brings a touch of sweetness to ordinary moments.