As I stood in the kitchen with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season around me, the enchanting aroma of cinnamon wafted through the air—instant nostalgia! It was time to whip up a batch of my beloved Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps. These delightful treats are not only quick to make, clocking in at just 27 minutes, but they also bring a touch of festivity that transforms any moment into a heartwarming celebration. Using simple ingredients like flour tortillas and granulated sugar, these crisps are perfect for those last-minute cravings or as a fun snack to share with family and friends. Plus, you can easily customize them to suit your taste, whether it’s a dash of nutmeg or a sprinkle of cocoa for a unique twist. So, are you ready to fill your home with seasonal cheer and create a crunchy delight that pairs perfectly with your favorite holiday drinks?
Why Are Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps Perfect?
Quick and Easy: You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up these festive treats in just 27 minutes—ideal for unexpected guests or holiday cravings!
Festive Aromas: The warm scent of cinnamon and sugar will envelop your kitchen, instantly creating a cozy, holiday atmosphere.
Customizable to Taste: Whether you prefer a hint of nutmeg or want to play with other spices, these crisps easily adapt to your flavor profile.
Crispy and Crunchy: The delightful crunch combined with light sweetness makes these treats a snack that’s hard to resist.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings and family celebrations, the Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps make everyone’s snack time a bit more special.
For even more sweet ideas, be sure to check out my Cinnamon Swirl Bundt for another festive treat!
Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps Ingredients
For the Crisps
• Flour Tortillas – The base for your cinnamon crisps; feel free to substitute with corn tortillas, whole wheat, or gluten-free options.
• Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and caramelization; you can adjust the quantity to fit your taste preferences.
• Ground Cinnamon – The essential spice that defines the dish; optional additions like nutmeg or ginger can enhance warmth and flavor.
• Melted Butter – Helps the tortillas crisp up beautifully; replace with coconut oil for a non-dairy alternative.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This essential first step ensures that your Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps bake evenly and turn golden brown. While the oven warms up, you can prepare your workspace and gather all the ingredients needed for this delightful recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. If you want to add a hint of warmth, consider incorporating a pinch of nutmeg. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined, creating a fragrant mixture that will sweeten and flavor your crisps beautifully.
Step 3: Brush the Tortillas
Take your flour tortillas and brush a generous amount of melted butter on both sides. This step is crucial as it promotes the crispiness of the tortillas when baked. You may also use coconut oil as a dairy-free alternative. Ensure that the tortillas are evenly coated for consistent flavor and texture throughout your Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps.
Step 4: Cut the Tortillas
Once the tortillas are buttered, stack them neatly and cut them into your desired shapes—triangles, strips, or whatever you fancy. Arrange the cut tortillas on a lined baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap to allow for even baking and crispiness.
Step 5: Bake the Crisps
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, rotate the baking sheet to ensure uniform cooking. Keep a close eye on the tortillas, as they should turn a lovely golden brown when perfectly baked, signaling that it’s time to remove them from the oven.
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
After baking, take your crispy tortillas out of the oven and immediately sprinkle them generously with the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture. Be quick, as the warmth will help the sugar adhere to the crisps. Toss them gently to ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the delightful blend of flavors.
Step 7: Cool the Crisps
Allow your Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is vital for achieving that perfect crunch that makes these treats so irresistible. Once cooled, they will be ready to enjoy as a festive snack or a delightful accompaniment to your favorite holiday beverages.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps
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Room Temperature: Keep your Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their wonderful crunch.
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Fridge: If you prefer to refrigerate them, place in a sealed container, but be aware they may lose some crispiness—best enjoyed fresh!
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the crisps in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat in the oven to restore their crunch before serving.
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Reheating: To best enjoy your cinnamon crisps, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back that fresh, crispy taste.
Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps Variations
Feel free to add your own twist to these delicious crisps and make them uniquely yours!
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Corn Tortillas: Swap flour tortillas for corn to add a delightful corn flavor and a gluten-free option.
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Whole Wheat Option: Use whole wheat tortillas for a heartier texture and increased fiber without sacrificing flavor.
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Chocolate Twist: Mix cocoa powder with the sugar for a chocolatey version that’s sure to surprise and delight your taste buds.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon sugar for a fun and unexpected heat.
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Nutmeg Infusion: Elevate the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon for a warm, aromatic profile—perfect for the holidays.
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Vegan Delight: Replace melted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter to create a vegan-friendly version of these crisps.
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Zesty Citrus: Incorporate some grated lemon or orange zest into the sugar mixture for a refreshing citrusy note that brightens the flavors.
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Flavored Sugar: Experiment with flavored sugars, such as vanilla or caramel, to give your cinnamon crisps an extra layer of indulgence.
For even more fun, check out my irresistible Cinnamon Swirl Banana or give the Cinnamon Swirl Bundt a try for festive baking inspiration!
What to Serve with Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps?
The festive spirit is in the air, and nothing completes a joyful gathering like a selection of delightful pairings that elevate your crunchy treats.
- Warm Hot Cocoa: A rich, chocolatey beverage that complements the sweetness of the cinnamon crisps while adding warmth to your holiday moments.
- Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The coolness of ice cream against the warm crisps creates a delightful contrast, making for a comforting dessert experience.
- Spiced Apple Cider: This aromatic drink enhances the flavors of cinnamon and sugar, adding a festive kick that ties your treats into the holiday theme.
- Peppermint Tea: Refreshing and soothing, peppermint tea balances the sweetness of the crisps and provides a light finish after a rich holiday meal.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A burst of colorful fruits adds brightness to your snack spread, offering a fresh and juicy balance to the crunchy texture of the cinnamon crisps.
Pair any of these delightful options with your Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps for a festive and memorable treat that your guests will rave about!
Expert Tips for Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps
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Preheat is Key: Ensure your oven is fully preheated at 375°F (190°C) before baking to achieve an even golden brown on your crisps.
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Avoid Overlapping: Lay the coated tortillas in a single layer on the baking sheet; overlapping can lead to sogginess rather than a delightful crunch.
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Cool for Crunch: Let the Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps cool completely on a wire rack after baking. This will ensure they reach that perfect crispy texture you desire.
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Custom Flavoring: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can elevate the flavor and make your cinnamon crisps uniquely your own.
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Store Properly: Keep your crisps in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch, but remember they taste best fresh!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive snacking with less stress! You can prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture and brush the tortillas with melted butter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the coated tortillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to bake, take them out, cut them into your desired shapes, and pop them into the oven as directed. This way, you’ll have warm, crispy treats on the table with minimal effort, ensuring they are just as delicious and crunch-worthy when served!
Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best tortillas for making cinnamon crisps?
When choosing tortillas, opt for fresh flour tortillas with no dark spots or damage for the best results. If you’re going for a healthier option, corn, whole wheat, or gluten-free tortillas are great alternatives. Be sure they’re pliable, as this will help them crisp up nicely.
What is the best way to store my Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps?
To keep your crisps fresh and crunchy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge in a sealed container, but be aware this may soften them slightly.
Can I freeze the cinnamon crisps for later?
Absolutely! To freeze your Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back that delightful crunch.
What should I do if the cinnamon crisps are not as crispy as I want?
If your cinnamon crisps turned out a bit soggy, it could be due to overlapping on the baking sheet or not cooling completely on a wire rack. For future batches, ensure the tortillas are arranged in a single layer with space in between, and allow them to cool completely after baking to achieve that perfect crunchy texture.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes! If you have guests with allergies, be sure to check that none of the ingredients contain allergens such as gluten (in traditional flour tortillas) or dairy (from butter). You can easily make these crisps gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas and replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
How long can I keep the crisps before they go stale?
When stored properly in an airtight container, your Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps can remain at their best for up to 3 days. After this period, they may start to lose their crunch, so it’s best to enjoy them while they’re fresh!
Delicious Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps for Festive Snacking
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine ½ cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in a bowl.
- Brush melted butter on both sides of the tortillas.
- Cut the tortillas into your desired shapes and arrange on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
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