Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are a delightful, sweet snack that effortlessly combines crispy textures with a delightful blend of cinnamon and sugar. These oven-baked chips deliver a satisfying crunch and emit an inviting aroma, perfect for a cozy evening treat or a festive gathering. Originating from traditional Mexican cuisine, this recipe is a playful twist on classic tortillas, transforming them into a snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Ideal for holidays, birthday parties, movie nights, or simply as a quick dessert, these chips are simple to whip up, sure to impress friends and family alike.
What You’ll Need for Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
Complete Ingredients List
- 8 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives
For those needing substitutions or wishing to explore creative variations, there are several options:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas made from corn or rice.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or a dairy-free butter spread.
- Sugar-Free: Consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a sugar-free version.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a unique twist!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
Making cinnamon sugar tortilla chips is a straightforward process that only requires a few steps to achieve that crispy, sweet perfection.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving that delightful crunch on your tortilla chips without burning them.
Step 2: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix well to ensure that the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. Setting this aside allows flavors to meld.
Step 3: Brush Tortillas with Melted Butter
Take your 8 flour tortillas and lay them out on a clean surface or cutting board. Use a pastry brush or spoon to evenly spread 3 tablespoons of melted butter over each tortilla, making sure you cover the entire surface, including the edges. This step is crucial to ensure that the sugar mixture adheres properly and the tortillas bake to a perfect golden color.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
Once each tortilla is brushed with melted butter, generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. Be generous, but make sure not to overwhelm the tortillas—an even layer is key!
Step 5: Cut and Arrange on Baking Sheet
Now, cut each tortilla into wedges, aiming for at least 8 triangles per tortilla. Arrange these wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 6: Bake the Tortilla Chips
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 9 to 11 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want them crisp and slightly golden, but not burnt. They will continue to harden as they cool.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven and allow the chips to cool at room temperature. Cooling them helps them maintain their crispiness—and they’ll be delightful to snack on shortly after!
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
These cinnamon sugar tortilla chips are best served warm or at room temperature, allowing their crunchy texture to shine. Arrange them in a colorful bowl or on a platter for an inviting presentation.
Perfect Pairings & Toppings
While these chips are delicious on their own, they can be enhanced further:
- Dips: Serve them with a warm chocolate sauce, caramel dip, or even whipped cream cheese for a decadent experience.
- Fresh Fruits: Pair with slices of strawberries, bananas, or apples for a fresh contrast to the sweet chips.
- Ice Cream: Introduce these chips alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, creating a dessert experience that is both unique and indulgent.
Storing & Preserving Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
Best Storage Methods
To keep your chips fresh, store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature. They can last up to 3 days, but they are definitely best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating or Freezing Tips
If you haven’t eaten them all within a few days, you can revive the chips by placing them back in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain their crispiness. Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended, as it can compromise their texture upon thawing.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Overlapping Wedges: Make sure each tortilla wedge is in a single layer; overlapping can lead to uneven baking.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Using a wrong heat setting can cause burning or undercooking. An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
- Skipping Cooling: Allowing the chips to cool on the baking sheet maintains their crunch. Rushing to stack them can lead to sogginess.
Helpful Tricks for Success
- Butter Brushing Technique: Brush the tortillas with butter only once they are placed on the baking sheet for better control.
- Control Your Cinnamon Sugar Ratio: If you like a more intense cinnamon flavor, feel free to adjust the sugar and cinnamon ratio to suit your palate, ensuring a balanced taste.
Fun Variations of Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists
Incorporate a variety of flavors by including:
- Choco-Cinnamon Version: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the baked chips for a chocolate-cinnamon fusion.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds along with the cinnamon sugar for added texture and flavor.
Dietary-Friendly Adjustments
Making your chips suitable for various dietary preferences is easy:
- Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
- Keto-Friendly: Opt for low-carb tortillas and sugar alternatives to create a keto-friendly treat.
FAQs
What If My Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips Don’t Turn Out Right?
If your chips are too dry, they may have been baked for too long. Cut cooking time back and keep an eye on your chips. If they are overly oily, reduce the amount of butter used. Not crunchy enough? Allow more baking time, keeping the color in mind to avoid burning.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
You can prepare the tortilla chips ahead of time by baking and storing them as instructed above. They retain their crispiness for up to three days when stored properly. For a fresher taste, consider making them just before serving.
What Ingredients Can I Swap?
If you can’t find flour tortillas, you can substitute them with corn tortillas. Other possible swaps include using brown sugar instead of white, or various spices such as ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 64 chips (8 tortillas cut into 8 wedges each) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and sweet Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are easy to make with flour tortillas, cinnamon, sugar, and butter. Perfect as a snack or dessert accompaniment.
Ingredients
- 8 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Brush each tortilla evenly with melted butter.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over each tortilla.
- Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges and arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until crisp and lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and cool at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free corn or rice tortillas for a gluten-free version.
- Replace butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter for dairy-free option.
- Swap sugar with stevia or erythritol for sugar-free variation.
- Try other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 chips
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cinnamon sugar tortilla chips, baked tortilla chips, sweet snack, cinnamon chips, easy dessert snack