Cinnamon Tortilla Chips

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Crispy, sweet, and lightly spiced, cinnamon tortilla chips are a delightful snack that comes together with just a handful of pantry staples. Perfectly golden and coated in a cinnamon-sugar blend, they bring that satisfying crunch you crave with a cozy flavor twist. Whether you’re pairing them with fruit salsa, dipping them in yogurt, or munching on them solo, these chips always hit the sweet spot.

They’re a fantastic option for entertaining guests, creating a unique snack board, or simply upgrading your afternoon treat. With minimal prep time and easy customization, cinnamon tortilla chips are a fun and fast way to enjoy something sweet without turning on the oven for hours. Fry or bake them—either way, you’ll have a batch of irresistible chips in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Tortilla Chips Recipe

• It’s a quick and easy dessert-style snack you can whip up in under 20 minutes.
• Uses basic ingredients you likely already have at home.
• Totally customizable in sweetness and spice.
• A fun snack for both kids and adults.
• Can be fried or baked depending on your preference.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these cinnamon tortilla chips, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials that make the process smooth and efficient:

• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: To cut the tortillas into uniform chip-sized pieces. Even sizing helps ensure they cook evenly.
• Mixing Bowl: For tossing the chips with melted butter or oil and the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Baking Sheet or Frying Pan: Depending on whether you’re baking or frying, these are essential. A baking sheet allows even heat distribution, while a deep pan is great for quick, crispy frying.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Handy for flipping the chips during baking or lifting them from the oil.
• Paper Towels or Cooling Rack: For draining excess oil and keeping chips crispy.

Having these tools ready helps you streamline the cooking process, avoid messes, and get the best texture possible.

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Preparation Tips

For best results, use day-old or slightly stale flour tortillas—they fry up crispier than fresh ones. If baking, lightly brush both sides of the tortilla pieces with melted butter or oil to ensure even browning and flavor. Don’t skimp on the cinnamon-sugar mixture—coat each piece thoroughly for that classic sweet crunch. If frying, keep the oil at a steady medium-high heat (around 350°F) to avoid sogginess or burning. And always drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, preserving the crunch.

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Ingredients for This Cinnamon Tortilla Chips Recipe

• 6 flour tortillas (8-inch size, preferably a day old)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil like vegetable or canola)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: pinch of salt
• Optional for topping: honey drizzle, powdered sugar, or fruit salsa for dipping

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Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together until fully combined. This will be the sweet coating for the chips. Set it aside near your cooking station for easy access.

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Step 2: Cut the Tortillas

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, stack a few tortillas and slice them into triangles—like a pizza. Each tortilla should yield about 6 to 8 wedges. Try to keep them uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

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Step 3: Coat the Tortilla Wedges

Place the cut tortilla pieces in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with melted butter or oil and toss well to coat. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. Once coated, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the wedges and gently toss again so all pieces get a good dusting.

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Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method (Bake or Fry)

To Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the coated tortilla pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Keep a close eye on them as they can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

To Fry:
Heat 1-2 inches of oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Carefully add a few tortilla pieces at a time, frying for 1-2 minutes per side until they puff and turn golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

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Step 5: Final Dusting and Cool

While the chips are still warm, give them an optional second light sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar if you want extra sweetness. Let them cool completely on a wire rack or paper towels to crisp up fully before serving.

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Step 6: Serve

Enjoy your cinnamon tortilla chips as-is or serve with your favorite sweet dips like vanilla yogurt, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit salsa. They make a great snack, dessert side, or party treat!

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Notes

Cinnamon tortilla chips are best enjoyed fresh, but they can stay crispy for a couple of days if stored properly. You can easily adjust the sweetness to your preference—use more or less cinnamon-sugar as desired. If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, baking instead of frying is a great option and still yields a satisfying crunch. These chips are especially fun to make with kids since the steps are simple and interactive.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the pan or baking sheet: Whether baking or frying, give the chips enough space to crisp properly. Overcrowding can lead to soggy or unevenly cooked chips.
• Skipping the oil or butter: This step is essential for the cinnamon-sugar to stick and for achieving that perfect golden color.
• Too much heat when frying: If the oil is too hot, the chips will burn quickly. Use medium-high heat and test with one chip first.
• Not flipping while baking: For even browning, flip the chips halfway through baking.

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Storage Instructions

Once cooled completely, store the cinnamon tortilla chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp for up to 2–3 days. If they soften slightly, you can re-crisp them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid refrigerating, as it can make them chewy.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 100mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, but they will yield a crunchier, slightly different texture. Flour tortillas are softer and puff up more when cooked.

How do I make these chips vegan?

Use plant-based butter or neutral oil instead of dairy butter.

Can I air-fry the chips?

Absolutely. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.

What dips go well with these chips?

Sweet dips like fruit salsa, vanilla yogurt, whipped cream, Nutella, or a cream cheese dip pair perfectly.

Can I make these in advance for a party?

Yes. Make them the day before and store in an airtight container. Add a fresh sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar before serving if desired.

How can I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour tortillas, available in most grocery stores.

Do I need to preheat the oven?

Yes, preheating ensures the chips cook evenly and crisp up nicely.

Can I freeze cinnamon tortilla chips?

Not recommended. Freezing affects their texture and they may turn soggy when thawed.

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Conclusion

Cinnamon tortilla chips are the ultimate sweet snack—crispy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a batch ready for parties, movie nights, or an after-dinner treat. They’re flexible, customizable, and endlessly dippable, making them a crowd-pleaser every time. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this simple treat in your snack rotation.

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