Meta Description: Discover the easiest way to make crispy, sweet baked cinnamon sugar tortilla chips at home. This simple recipe turns leftover tortillas into a perfect dessert or snack, ready in minutes.
😋 A Sweet Revelation: The Magic of Baked Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
I was at a local restaurant a few years ago, and after a delicious meal, they brought out a small bowl of what looked like fried cinnamon chips with a scoop of ice cream. I took one bite, and my world changed. The chip was impossibly crispy, covered in a sweet, crackly cinnamon sugar coating, and it was so much better than I expected. It was such a simple dessert, but the combination of flavors and textures was a total game-changer. I went home that night determined to recreate them, but with a healthier twist. My thought process was, “Why fry them when you can bake them?” And so, the journey to the perfect baked cinnamon sugar tortilla chips began.
This recipe is the result of that quest. It’s a complete game-changer because it takes something so simple—a flour tortilla—and turns it into a gourmet-level dessert or a fantastic sweet snack. The process is incredibly easy and quick, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or a fun activity with the kids. It’s also an amazing way to use up those extra tortillas sitting in your pantry. We’ve all been there—you buy a pack for tacos, and suddenly you have a handful left with no clear purpose. This recipe gives them a delicious new life. You’ll be amazed at how a little bit of butter, sugar, and cinnamon can transform a humble tortilla into a truly addictive treat.
These homemade cinnamon sugar chips are crispy, sweet, and have a warmth from the spice that is just so comforting. They are a brilliant alternative to fried versions, offering a healthier, lighter option without sacrificing any of the flavor or satisfying crunch. This dish is my go-to when I want a quick dessert, something to serve at a casual get-together, or just a little something sweet to snack on while watching a movie.
✅ Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe is how few ingredients it requires. Chances are, you already have everything you need in your kitchen right now.
- 6 large flour tortillas: Use medium-sized flour tortillas for the best results. Corn tortillas will also work but will have a different, denser texture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Butter adds incredible flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.1
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar: The key to that sweet, crispy coating.
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star of the show! Make sure your cinnamon is fresh for the best flavor.
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Total preparation time: 5 minutes. Total cooking time: 10-12 minutes.
- Prep Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).2 Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Cut the Tortillas: Stack your tortillas on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut them into 8 equal triangles, like a pizza. You can also get creative and use cookie cutters to make fun shapes.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon until they are well combined. This is your magic dust!
- Coat the Tortillas: Arrange the tortilla triangles on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Using a pastry brush or a spoon, lightly brush both sides of each tortilla triangle with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle and Bake: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered tortillas. Make sure every single chip is coated. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chips are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a flash!
- Cool and Crisp: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chips cool completely on the sheet. As they cool, they will become even crispier. This is an important step you shouldn’t skip!
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, transfer your homemade cinnamon sugar chips to a bowl and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed the day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days.
🌟 Pro Tips and Variations
This simple recipe is just the beginning. You can easily adapt it to create a variety of delicious treats.
Spice It Up:
- Nutmeg or Allspice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Ginger: For a bit of warmth, a small amount of ground ginger works wonderfully.
- Cardamom: A touch of cardamom can give the chips an exotic, fragrant twist.
Sweetness Variations:
- Brown Sugar: Swap out half of the granulated sugar for brown sugar. This will give the chips a slightly caramel-like flavor and a chewier texture.
- Sweetener: For a lower-sugar option, you can use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Topping and Serving Ideas:
- Ice Cream: Serve the warm chips with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm, crispy chips and cold, creamy ice cream is pure bliss.
- Fruit Dip: Create a simple dip by mixing plain Greek yogurt with a little honey and vanilla extract. Serve the chips alongside fresh fruit for a delicious and healthy dessert platter.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate sauce over the chips. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can really enhance the flavors.
- Fruit Salsa: A sweet fruit salsa made with diced mango, pineapple, and strawberries is a fantastic accompaniment. The chips are sturdy enough to scoop up the salsa without breaking.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, you can! Corn tortillas will give you a different, more rustic texture. They will be a bit denser and have a more pronounced corn flavor, which can be a delicious twist. Follow the same instructions, but keep an even closer eye on them while they bake, as they can crisp up faster than flour tortillas.
Why did my chips come out soggy?
There are a few reasons why your chips might not be as crispy as you’d like. The most common cause is not baking them long enough. They need to be a deep golden brown to get that perfect crunch. Another reason could be that your oven temperature is off, so consider checking it with an oven thermometer. Also, it is crucial to let them cool completely on the baking sheet—they will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, this recipe works great in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).3 Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Place the buttered and sugared tortilla triangles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Air fryer baked cinnamon sugar chips will be ready even faster!
How do I store leftover chips?
If you have any leftover chips (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To revive their crispiness, you can pop them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.4
| Nutritional Information (per serving) |
| Calories: 180 |
| Protein: 3g |
| Fat: 8g |
| Saturated Fat: 4g |
| Carbohydrates: 25g |
| Fiber: 1g |
| Sugar: 11g |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and serving size.
❤️ A Sweet, Simple Delight
There is something so special about transforming everyday ingredients into something magical. These baked cinnamon sugar tortilla chips are a perfect example of that. They are not just a snack; they are a simple pleasure that brings a little bit of joy to any moment. The process is so simple, and the result is so satisfyingly delicious. It’s a treat that feels both decadent and light, which is a rare combination. The sweet, warm aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is a bonus that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
I have made these for countless gatherings, and they are always a crowd-pleaser. People are surprised at how something so simple can taste so good. It’s a great recipe for getting kids involved in the kitchen, too. They can help with brushing the butter and sprinkling the cinnamon sugar. It’s an activity that ends with a tasty reward.
The versatility of these chips is truly a highlight. Whether you’re pairing them with a fresh fruit dip for a healthy treat, serving them with ice cream for a dessert that everyone will love, or just enjoying them on their own, they always deliver. The fact that this recipe uses readily available pantry staples means you can whip them up anytime the craving strikes. No need for a special trip to the grocery store!
This recipe for cinnamon sugar chips is a testament to the power of simplicity. It’s a reminder that you don’t need complicated techniques or a long list of ingredients to create something truly memorable. It’s about taking what you have and making it delicious. This is one of those timeless, easy dessert recipes that you’ll keep in your back pocket for years to come.
I hope you give these a try and discover the sweet joy they bring. They are the perfect solution for when you want a little something sweet and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
✨ Your Crispy, Sweet Snack Awaits!
Making these baked cinnamon sugar tortilla chips is a rewarding experience. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying project that results in a delicious treat. The first time you pull that baking sheet out of the oven and see the golden, crispy triangles, you’ll feel like a kitchen hero. And that first bite? Pure bliss. The crunch, the sweet sugar, and the warmth of the cinnamon—it’s a perfect combination.
Don’t let those leftover tortillas go to waste. Turn them into something amazing. This recipe is a fantastic way to satisfy a sweet tooth and impress your family and friends with minimal effort. What will you serve your homemade cinnamon sugar chips with? Tell me about your favorite ways to enjoy them! Happy snacking!
