Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips

Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are a revelation! Seriously, in our house, they’ve gone from a “let’s try something new” experiment to a “can we have these again tonight?” request. There’s something utterly magical about transforming humble tortillas into crispy, sweet, cinnamon-dusted delights. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen was instantly comforting and inviting. My kids, usually picky eaters when it comes to anything remotely adventurous, devoured them within minutes. They’re perfect for a quick dessert craving, a fun snack for movie night, or even a surprisingly elegant addition to a brunch spread. Honestly, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s ridiculously easy, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, look no further. These Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are about to become your new go-to treat.

Ingredients

• 10 Flour Tortillas: (Medium-sized, about 6-8 inches in diameter) These form the base of our crispy chips. Flour tortillas crisp up beautifully in the oven or frying pan, providing the perfect texture for our sweet topping.
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter: (Melted) Butter is crucial for both flavor and texture. It helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the tortillas and contributes to a richer, more decadent taste. Unsalted butter allows us to control the salt level in the recipe.
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar: (For sweetness) Granulated sugar provides the primary sweetness for our chips. Its crystalline structure also contributes to a delightful crunch when baked or fried.
• 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon: (For warm spice) Cinnamon is the star spice, lending its warm, aromatic notes that perfectly complement the sweetness. Choose a good quality ground cinnamon for the best flavor.
• Pinch of Salt: (Enhances flavors) A small pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, preventing the chips from tasting one-dimensional.

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you prefer frying, prepare a deep fryer or a large skillet with about 2 inches of cooking oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if baking, or have a plate lined with paper towels ready if frying. Having everything set up beforehand makes the process smooth and efficient. Parchment paper prevents sticking when baking and paper towels absorb excess oil when frying.
2. Cut the Tortillas: Stack the flour tortillas on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each tortilla into 6-8 wedges. You can cut them into triangles by first cutting across the diameter and then further dividing each half. Alternatively, for a more rustic look, you can simply tear them into uneven pieces. Uniform pieces will cook more evenly, but irregular shapes add character.
3. Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter. If microwaving, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. If using a saucepan, melt over low heat, ensuring it doesn’t brown or burn. Melted butter is essential for coating the tortillas and helping the cinnamon sugar stick.
4. Combine Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar for consistent flavor in every bite. This fragrant mixture is what will transform our plain tortilla wedges into irresistible treats.
5. Coat the Tortilla Wedges: Dip each tortilla wedge into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess butter to drip off slightly. Then, immediately dredge the buttered wedge in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating both sides generously. Make sure every part of the tortilla is coated for maximum flavor and sweetness. Working in batches can make this process easier.
6. Baking Instructions (Oven Method): Arrange the cinnamon sugar-coated tortilla wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even crisping. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the chips are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly towards the end of baking. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the tortillas.
7. Frying Instructions (Frying Method): Carefully place a few cinnamon sugar-coated tortilla wedges at a time into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the fryer or skillet, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chips. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the chips from the oil and place them on the paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Frying results in a slightly different texture – often crispier and slightly bubbly compared to baking.
8. Cool and Crisp Up: Whether baked or fried, let the Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips cool completely on a wire rack if possible or on the paper towel-lined plate. As they cool, they will crisp up further. Resist the urge to taste them while they’re still hot as they might be soft; the full crispy texture develops as they cool.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once completely cooled and crispy, your Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are ready to be served and enjoyed! They are delicious on their own or paired with various dips and toppings. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. However, they are best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, assuming recipe makes 6 servings – Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes)

• Serving Size: Approximately 5-7 chips (depending on tortilla size and cut) – This is an estimated portion, adjust based on your preference.
• Calories: 250-300 calories per serving – Calories will primarily come from the butter, sugar, and tortillas.
• Total Fat: 15-20g per serving – Fat content is mainly from the butter and the oil if fried. Baking will significantly reduce the fat content compared to frying.

It’s important to note that these are estimated values. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and measurements of your ingredients.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes – This includes the time to melt butter, mix cinnamon sugar, and cut tortillas. The recipe is incredibly quick to assemble, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or impromptu gatherings.
• Cook Time: 8-12 minutes baking / 2-4 minutes frying (total, in batches) – Baking time is slightly longer, allowing for a more hands-off approach. Frying is quicker but requires more active monitoring.
• Total Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes – From start to finish, you can have a batch of delicious Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips ready in under half an hour. This quick turnaround is a major advantage of this recipe.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips

Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous delightful ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your snacking experience:

• Classic Snack: Enjoy them straight up! Sometimes the simplest way is the best. These chips are perfectly delicious on their own, offering a satisfying sweet and crispy treat. They are ideal for a casual snack any time of day.
• With Chocolate Dips:
  • Melted Chocolate: Drizzle melted dark, milk, or white chocolate over the chips for an extra layer of indulgence. The richness of chocolate pairs wonderfully with cinnamon and sugar.
  • Chocolate Sauce: Serve with a warm chocolate sauce for dipping. This creates a more decadent dessert experience, perfect for special occasions or treating yourself.
  • Nutella or Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Nutella or similar chocolate hazelnut spreads make fantastic dips. The nutty chocolate flavor complements the cinnamon beautifully.
• Fruit Salsas and Dips:
  • Strawberry Salsa: A fresh strawberry salsa with a hint of lime and mint provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet chips. The acidity of the strawberries cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile.
  • Mango Salsa: Mango salsa, with its tropical sweetness and slight tang, is another excellent pairing. The vibrant flavors of mango and cinnamon are surprisingly harmonious.
  • Apple Pie Dip: A creamy apple pie dip, made with cream cheese, applesauce, and spices, creates a comforting and autumnal flavor combination. This dip enhances the cinnamon notes in the chips.
• Sweet Cream Dips:
  • Whipped Cream: A simple dollop of sweetened whipped cream adds lightness and airiness. The cool creaminess complements the crispy sweetness of the chips.
  • Cream Cheese Dip: A sweet cream cheese dip, flavored with vanilla or a hint of citrus, offers a richer and more substantial dipping option.
  • Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful dessert. The cold ice cream and warm chips create a pleasing temperature contrast.
• Dessert Nachos: Arrange the chips on a platter and drizzle with melted chocolate, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and chopped nuts or sprinkles to create fun dessert nachos. This is a visually appealing and interactive way to serve them, perfect for parties.
• Yogurt Parfaits: Layer crushed Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips in yogurt parfaits with fruit and granola for added texture and sweetness. This transforms a simple yogurt parfait into a more exciting and flavorful breakfast or snack.
• Coffee or Tea Accompaniment: Serve alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The chips make a perfect sweet treat to enjoy with your favorite warm beverage. The cinnamon notes complement the flavors of coffee and tea beautifully.
• Party Platter Addition: Add them to a dessert platter or snack board for parties and gatherings. Their unique flavor and appealing appearance make them a standout addition to any spread.

Additional Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips

1. Use Fresh Tortillas: While you can use slightly older tortillas, fresher tortillas tend to be more pliable and easier to cut without cracking. They also result in a better texture when baked or fried. Freshness directly impacts the final crispiness and overall quality of the chips.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan (Baking or Frying): Whether you’re baking or frying, ensure you don’t overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and can lead to steaming instead of crisping, resulting in soggy chips. Work in batches to ensure each chip cooks evenly and becomes perfectly crispy. Spacing allows for proper air circulation in the oven and maintains oil temperature in frying.
3. Control the Heat: For baking, keep an eye on the chips towards the end of the baking time as they can burn quickly. For frying, maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer is helpful to ensure accurate temperature control. Consistent heat is key to even cooking and preventing burning.
4. Adjust Cinnamon Sugar Ratio to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet or more cinnamon-forward flavor, adjust the ratio of sugar and cinnamon to your liking. You can also add other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex flavor profile. Experiment to find your perfect blend.
5. Consider Different Types of Sugar: While granulated sugar is classic, you can experiment with other sugars like brown sugar for a slightly caramel-like flavor or caster sugar for a finer texture. Different sugars will impact the texture and flavor slightly.
6. Add a Touch of Citrus Zest: A little lemon or orange zest added to the cinnamon sugar mixture can brighten the flavor and add a subtle citrus note. This is especially nice if you plan to serve them with fruit salsas. Citrus zest adds a refreshing layer of complexity.
7. For Extra Crispy Chips – Double Bake (Oven Method): For exceptionally crispy baked chips, after the initial baking, turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the chips cool completely inside the oven. This slow cooling process helps them dry out and become extra crunchy. This method removes more moisture and enhances crispiness.
8. Storage is Key for Crispness: Store leftover Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips in an airtight container at room temperature. Exposure to air will make them lose their crispness over time. Proper storage is essential to maintain their texture for as long as possible, though they are best enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

A: While flour tortillas are traditionally used for this recipe due to their pliability and tendency to become crispier, you can technically use corn tortillas. However, corn tortillas are generally more prone to cracking and may not become as light and crispy as flour tortillas. The flavor profile will also be slightly different, with corn tortillas having a more pronounced corn taste. If using corn tortillas, consider using thicker restaurant-style ones for better results and handle them gently while cutting and coating.

Q2: Can I make these chips ahead of time?

A: Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispness. However, you can make them a few hours ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They might lose a little of their initial crispness over time, but they will still be delicious. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator as this can make them soggy. For best results, make them shortly before serving.

Q3: Can I bake these in an air fryer?

A: Yes, air frying is an excellent alternative to oven baking and can even result in crispier chips in less time. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the cinnamon sugar-coated tortilla wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through if needed. Air frying often cooks food faster, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Q4: What can I do if my chips are not crispy enough after baking?

A: If your baked chips are not crispy enough, it could be due to several factors. Ensure you haven’t overcrowded the baking sheet and that your oven temperature is accurate. You can try baking them for a few minutes longer, keeping a close watch to prevent burning. Alternatively, as mentioned in the tips, you can try the double baking method: turn off the oven, crack the door, and let them cool inside to dry out further.

Q5: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can definitely reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet treat. Start by reducing the sugar by ¼ cup and adjust to taste. Keep in mind that sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the texture and crispness. Reducing it significantly might slightly alter the final texture and browning of the chips, but it will still be delicious.

Q6: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

A: While unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt level, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. In this case, you may want to omit or reduce the pinch of salt added to the cinnamon sugar mixture to avoid overly salty chips. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.

Q7: Are these chips suitable for vegans?

A: To make these Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips vegan, you simply need to substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative. There are many excellent vegan butter options available that work perfectly for baking and cooking. Ensure all other ingredients are also vegan-friendly if you are strictly adhering to a vegan diet.

Q8: Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your spice blend. Nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, allspice, or even a pinch of cloves would all complement cinnamon and sugar beautifully. You can create a custom spice blend to suit your taste preferences. Experimenting with different spices can add a unique and personalized touch to your Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips.

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