Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls

These Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls are everything you want in a quick dessert—crunchy, buttery, and sweet with just a touch of indulgence. Rolled up, baked until golden, then coated in cinnamon sugar, they pair perfectly with a creamy vanilla dip that takes things to the next level. If you’ve got tortillas and 20 minutes, you’ve got dessert.

Behind the Recipe

This one came from a late-night snack craving that turned into a crowd favorite. I had leftover tortillas and a bit of cream cheese in the fridge. With a little butter and cinnamon sugar, something magical happened. The rolls puffed and crisped in the oven, and that dip? It became the reason no one left a crumb behind.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

These rolls are inspired by the classic churro—those cinnamon-coated fried dough sticks you’ll find at fairs and street vendors in Spain and Latin America. But instead of deep frying, this version uses flour tortillas to create that same crisp texture with a fraction of the effort. It’s an easy twist on a nostalgic treat, bringing all the flavors of a churro into your kitchen in under half an hour.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls

These little rolls check every box from quick prep to pure joy in every bite.

Versatile: Snack, dessert, or party treat—they work anytime.

Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry ingredients keep costs low.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.

Customizable: Try different fillings or dips to switch things up.

Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet, crispy, and creamy—everyone loves them.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep ahead and bake when needed.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat in the oven and they crisp right back up.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

These tips will make sure your tortilla rolls come out golden, crispy, and irresistible every single time.

• Use fresh, soft tortillas for easy rolling without tearing.
• Brush melted butter evenly so the sugar sticks and the rolls crisp.
• Bake on a wire rack if you want the bottoms extra crunchy.
• Let them rest briefly before serving so the sugar sets.
• Whip the dip until fluffy for a light, creamy texture.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

No fancy gadgets here, just the basics to make baking easy.

Baking sheet: For evenly spaced rolls.

Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps cleanup.

Pastry brush: To coat tortillas with butter.

Mixing bowls: For cinnamon sugar and the cream cheese dip.

Hand mixer or whisk: To make the dip smooth and creamy.

Spatula or spoon: For mixing and spreading.

Ingredients in Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls

A handful of ingredients come together to create something way more than the sum of its parts.

1. Flour Tortillas: 4 pieces. Soft and flexible, they crisp up beautifully in the oven.
2. Butter: 1/4 cup, melted. Helps the sugar stick and gives that rich, golden crust.
3. Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup. For coating the outside in sweet crunch.
4. Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon. Adds warm spice and classic churro flavor.
5. Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened. The creamy base of the dip.
6. Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup. Sweetens the dip without grit.
7. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Rounds out the flavors with a cozy aroma.

Ingredient Substitutions

Make it your own with these easy swaps.

Flour tortillas: Try whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas.

Butter: Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.

Granulated sugar: Use coconut sugar or a sugar-free substitute.

Cream cheese: Swap for Greek yogurt or dairy-free cream cheese.

Powdered sugar: Use a sugar-free confectioners’ blend if needed.

Vanilla extract: Almond extract adds a fun twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground Cinnamon: This spice does a lot of heavy lifting with just a spoonful. It’s warming, nostalgic, and instantly transforms any dessert into something special.

Cream Cheese: It adds richness, tang, and body to the dip, making every bite feel extra luxurious.

Instructions for Making Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls

Ready to roll? These come together fast and disappear even faster.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. In a separate bowl, melt the butter.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface. Brush one side of each with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Roll the tortillas tightly from one end to the other, then place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with more melted butter and sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
6. Finishing Touches:
   While rolls are baking, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and fluffy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm rolls with the dip on the side or in the center for dunking. Enjoy immediately while crispy.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The outside of each roll is crispy and sweet, while the inside stays soft and chewy. That cinnamon sugar coating crackles with every bite. When dipped in the creamy vanilla dip, you get a dreamy mix of warm spice, cool cream, and crunchy edges.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few simple ideas to make them even better.

• Add a thin layer of Nutella inside before rolling for a chocolaty surprise.
• Make mini versions by cutting tortillas into halves or quarters before rolling.
• For extra crunch, broil for the last minute—but watch closely.

What to Avoid

It’s a simple recipe, but here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Overbaking: They can go from golden to burned quickly. Check at the 10-minute mark.
• Using cold cream cheese: It won’t blend smoothly—let it soften first.
• Skipping the butter layer: The sugar won’t stick and they won’t crisp.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–22 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can roll and fill the tortillas ahead of time, then bake when needed. Store baked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to crisp them back up. The dip can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the fridge.

How to Serve Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls

Arrange the rolls on a platter around a bowl of the creamy dip. For a festive touch, dust them with powdered sugar right before serving. These make a great addition to a dessert board alongside fruit and chocolate.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn the extras into totally new treats.

• Dessert Nachos: Slice rolls into chips, re-toast, and drizzle with chocolate.
• Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice lengthwise and sandwich with a scoop of vanilla.
• Tortilla French Toast Sticks: Dip leftovers in egg batter and re-toast for breakfast.

Additional Tips

• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty twist.
• Fill with cream cheese or fruit jam before rolling for a filled version.
• Let the rolls cool slightly before eating to avoid burns from hot sugar.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve on a round white plate with the dip in the center for a stunning wheel presentation. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or swirl of whipped cream in the dip for extra flair. These rolls are simple but look totally bakery-worthy.

Variations to Try

• Stuffed Rolls: Add cream cheese and strawberries inside before rolling.
• Pumpkin Spice Rolls: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice.
• Chocolate Hazelnut: Fill with Nutella before baking.
• Apple Pie Rolls: Add a spoon of cooked apples inside each roll.
• S’mores Style: Add mini marshmallows and chocolate chips before rolling.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use corn tortillas?

It’s not recommended—they won’t roll or crisp the same way.

Q2: Can I air fry them instead of baking?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 5–6 minutes until crisp.

Q3: Can I make them ahead?

You can prep and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Q4: Can I freeze them?

Freeze before baking, then thaw slightly and bake as directed.

Q5: What dips go well besides cream cheese?

Try chocolate sauce, caramel dip, or whipped cream.

Q6: Can I make this dairy-free?

Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese.

Q7: Can I serve them cold?

They’re best warm but still tasty at room temp.

Q8: How do I keep them crispy?

Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Q9: Can I roll them into pinwheels instead?

Yes, then slice into bite-sized spirals before baking.

Q10: What other spices can I use?

Try cardamom, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice for variety.

Conclusion

These crispy cinnamon sugar tortilla rolls are the kind of treat that disappears fast. They’re crunchy, sweet, and paired with a dreamy vanilla dip that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Trust me, they’re a game-changer you’ll keep coming back to.

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