Every Christmas Eve, there's a certain magic in the kitchen-the quiet hum of the oven, the smell of cinnamon in the air, and simple treats coming together with very little fuss. Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps are one of those humble, nostalgic recipes that feel like a tradition the moment you make them. They remind me of last-minute holiday baking, when you want something sweet and festive without pulling out every mixing bowl you own.
These Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps are wonderfully simple, made from pantry staples, yet they deliver that cozy holiday flavor we all crave. Crispy, buttery, and coated in warm cinnamon sugar, they're perfect for sharing after dinner, leaving out for Santa, or nibbling on while watching Christmas movies by the tree.
Why You'll Love Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps
- Quick and easy-ready in under 25 minutes
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfectly crisp with warm cinnamon flavor
- Kid-friendly and fun to shape into festive pieces
- Great for last-minute holiday treats
- Delicious on their own or paired with drinks and dips
Ingredients You'll Need
- 6 large flour tortillas - Soft tortillas work best for even coating and crisping
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - Adds richness and helps the sugar stick
- ½ cup granulated sugar - Creates that classic sweet crunch
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - The star of the flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) - Adds a warm bakery note
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional) - Enhances the holiday spice profile
These ingredients may seem simple, but together they create a treat that feels festive and comforting-perfect for Christmas Eve.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- Stir until evenly blended and fragrant.
- Butter the tortillas
- Brush both sides of each tortilla with melted butter using a pastry brush.
- If using vanilla extract, stir it into the melted butter before brushing for extra flavor.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over both sides of each tortilla.
- Press lightly so the sugar adheres well.
- Slice into shapes
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice tortillas into triangles, strips, or festive shapes.
- Triangles are classic, but strips are great for dipping.
- Arrange for baking
- Place tortilla pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make sure they don't overlap so they crisp evenly.
- Bake
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through.
- Watch closely during the last few minutes-the sugar can brown quickly.
- Cool completely
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack.
- Allow the crisps to cool completely; they will become even crunchier as they cool.
Serving and Storage Tips
Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps are best served fully cooled, when they're at their crispiest. Set them out in a festive bowl for holiday snacking, or serve them alongside warm spiced apple cider, hot cocoa, or coffee. They're also lovely with a simple vanilla yogurt dip, cream cheese dip, or even chocolate sauce for a dessert-style presentation.
To store, place cooled crisps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they lose a bit of crunch, you can re-crisp them in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as moisture will soften them.
Helpful Notes
- Even slicing matters: Uniform pieces bake more evenly and prevent burning.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Bake in batches if needed for best crispness.
- Adjust sweetness: Use slightly less sugar if you prefer a lighter coating.
- Flavor variations: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for extra warmth.
- Kid-friendly activity: Let kids help brush butter and sprinkle sugar-it's a fun holiday task.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Flour tortillas work best for this recipe. Corn tortillas tend to be more brittle and don't coat as evenly. - Why aren't my cinnamon crisps crunchy?
They may need a few extra minutes of baking or more cooling time. They crisp up as they cool. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They're best within 1-2 days but can be made a day ahead and stored airtight. - Can I make them dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use melted coconut oil or dairy-free butter instead of regular butter. - What shapes work best?
Triangles are classic, but strips and small squares are great for dipping or party trays.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps are proof that holiday magic doesn't have to be complicated. I've made them countless times on busy December evenings, and they never fail to bring smiles-especially when the house smells like cinnamon and butter. Whether you're starting a new tradition or adding a simple treat to your holiday table, these crisps are easy, festive, and full of cozy cheer. I hope they find a place in your Christmas Eve celebration this year.
Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps
Ingredients
- 6 large flour tortillas
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Pinch of ground nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Brush both sides of tortillas with melted butter (mix vanilla into butter if using).
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over both sides of tortillas.
- Slice tortillas into triangles, strips, or desired shapes.
- Arrange pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet without overlapping.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating pan halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean, even slices.
- Let crisps cool fully to achieve maximum crunch.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Serve with warm spiced apple cider or hot cocoa for a festive touch.
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