If you ever crave a snack that’s sweet, crunchy, and utterly addictive, this Cinnamon Tortilla Chips Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine crisp tortilla triangles dusted generously with a cinnamon-sugar blend that delivers just the right touch of warmth and sweetness in every bite. Whether baked or fried, these chips are simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, perfect for an afternoon treat, a party appetizer, or even a fun twist on dessert. Once you try this recipe, it will become a staple snack that everyone will beg for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Tortilla Chips Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating a snack that’s perfectly crispy, lightly sweetened, and bursting with cozy cinnamon flavor. These basics not only keep the recipe approachable but also highlight the natural deliciousness of the tortillas paired with the warm sugar spice.
- Flour tortillas: The blank canvas that crisps up beautifully and holds the cinnamon-sugar goodness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the sweet crunch that contrasts perfectly with the spice.
- Ground cinnamon: The soul of the dish, bringing warmth and fragrant spice.
- Melted butter or neutral oil: Helps the cinnamon-sugar stick and promotes golden, crispy chips.
- Salt (optional): Just a pinch enhances and balances the sweetness slightly.
How to Make Cinnamon Tortilla Chips Recipe
Step 1: Cut the Tortillas into Triangles
Start by slicing each flour tortilla into neat triangles using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. This step creates the classic chip shape, perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own. Cutting them evenly ensures they crisp up uniformly during cooking.
Step 2: Brush with Melted Butter or Oil
Lightly brush both sides of each tortilla triangle with melted butter or neutral oil. This layer is crucial because it acts like glue for the cinnamon-sugar coating and helps the chips develop that irresistible golden brown color and crunch.
Step 3: Combine Sugar and Cinnamon
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well incorporated. This aromatic blend is what transforms plain tortilla chips into a sweet and spicy treat that delights the senses.
Step 4: Coat the Tortilla Triangles
Sprinkle or dredge the buttered tortilla triangles generously with your cinnamon-sugar mix. Make sure each chip is well covered, ensuring every bite bursts with cinnamon-sweet goodness.
Step 5: Choose Your Cooking Method
For the baked version, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the coated triangles in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, turning the chips halfway through to achieve even crispness and a lovely golden hue.
Step 6: Or Fry to Perfection
If you prefer frying, heat a skillet with oil over medium heat. Fry the chips in batches until they turn golden and crisp, about a couple of minutes per side. Use paper towels to drain any excess oil once they’re cooked.
Step 7: Cool and Crunch
Let the cinnamon tortilla chips rest for a few minutes to cool slightly. This cooling period helps them crisp up further, giving you that perfect crunch in every bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon Tortilla Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your Cinnamon Tortilla Chips Recipe into a more festive snack. Consider drizzling a little honey, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to add texture and an extra layer of flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon tortilla chips pair wonderfully with creamy dips such as vanilla yogurt, sweet cream cheese spreads, or even a scoop of ice cream for a unique dessert. Fresh fruit slices like apple or pear alongside the chips can also make a refreshing combo.
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn this simple snack into a charming treat by serving the chips in colorful bowls or inside rustic paper cones for parties. Layering the chips with layers of fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce in dessert glasses can also make for an impressive presentation that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cinnamon tortilla chips fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their crispness for up to 3 days, making for a convenient snack whenever you need a quick sweet crunch fix.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not typically recommended for this Cinnamon Tortilla Chips Recipe as the texture may suffer. The chips can become a bit soggy upon thawing. However, if you must freeze, place them in a tightly sealed bag and re-crisp in a hot oven before serving.
Reheating
If your chips lose crunch after storing, a quick reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes will help restore their crisp texture. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas can be used for this recipe and will give you a slightly different flavor and crunch. Just keep in mind that they may be a little more delicate when frying or baking.
Is there a healthier way to make these cinnamon tortilla chips?
Yes! Baking instead of frying is a great way to keep the snack lighter. Using a light spray of oil instead of brushing can also reduce added fats while still getting a crispy, flavorful chip.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Brown sugar works well and adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully. It’s a lovely twist to try for a richer taste.
How long do the chips stay crispy once made?
If stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the chips stay crispy for about 2 to 3 days before they start to lose their crunch.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon-sugar mix?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a bit of pumpkin pie spice can bring an exciting new dimension to the flavor profile, making the chips perfect for seasonal treats or holiday gatherings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Cinnamon Tortilla Chips Recipe that makes it such a delightful snack to whip up at any time. Its simplicity, paired with that warm cinnamon-sugar crunch, turns everyday tortillas into something extraordinary. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and share it with friends and family — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will keep everyone coming back for more.
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Cinnamon Tortilla Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and sweet Cinnamon Tortilla Chips made by baking or frying tortillas coated with cinnamon sugar, perfect for a delightful snack or dessert accompaniment.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 flour tortillas
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For Brushing
- 1/4 cup melted butter or neutral oil
Optional
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Cut Tortillas: Cut the 8 flour tortillas into triangles using a knife or pizza cutter to create chip-sized pieces.
- Brush with Butter or Oil: Brush both sides of each tortilla triangle with the melted butter or neutral oil to help the cinnamon sugar adhere and give a crispy texture.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Coat Tortilla Triangles: Sprinkle or dredge the buttered tortilla triangles with the cinnamon-sugar mix evenly on both sides for a sweet flavor.
- Bake the Chips: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the coated tortilla triangles on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the baking time to ensure even crispiness.
- Fry the Chips (Alternative Method): Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated tortilla triangles in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cinnamon tortilla chips to cool slightly to crisp up further before serving as a tasty snack or dessert accompaniment.
Notes
- You can use either baking or frying method depending on your preference for a lighter or richer chip.
- For a dairy-free option, use neutral oil instead of melted butter.
- Adding a pinch of salt enhances the sweet cinnamon flavor.
- Serve with dips like chocolate sauce, caramel, or fruit salsa for a flavorful treat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
