Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps

These Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps transform ordinary flour tortillas into crisp, buttery treats coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, creating a festive aroma that'll fill your home in under an hour. Whether you're searching for an easy Christmas Eve dessert or a kid friendly holiday snack, this simple recipe comes together with just 25 minutes of prep and 30 to 45 minutes of baking, making it perfect for last minute gatherings or cozy family traditions.

I first made these cinnamon crisps during a Christmas Eve when I needed a dessert that wouldn't keep me away from opening gifts with my family. Since then, they have become an annual tradition in our house, with the kids eager to help cut tortillas into festive shapes and everyone enjoying the warming, comforting scent of cinnamon and vanilla that fills every room. Over the years, we've experimented with different cutters and even tried making a double batch to ensure we never run out on Christmas Eve night.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Flour tortillas (6 large, soft taco size): Use soft taco size for the ideal thickness and texture; thinner varieties bake more evenly and yield crispier results. You can substitute whole wheat tortillas for added fiber or gluten free tortillas for dietary sensitivities.
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): This provides the rich base flavor while helping the cinnamon sugar coating adhere. Choose high quality unsalted butter for the cleanest taste, or substitute plant based butter for dairy free needs.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Essential for that classic crystallized exterior. White sugar gives the crispiest finish, but brown sugar adds caramel richness as a variation.
• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Use fresh, vibrant cinnamon for maximum aroma and flavor, or swap in pumpkin pie spice mix for a festive twist.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, optional): Deepens the flavor and enhances warmth. Add to your butter before brushing if using; pure extract gives best results.
• Ground nutmeg (pinch, optional): Pairs beautifully with cinnamon for a holiday spice lift. Freshly grated nutmeg intensifies flavor, but you can omit or add cardamom for variety.

How to Make Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature ensures crispiness without burning, and parchment helps with even browning and easier cleanup, a must when working with sugar coatings.

Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if desired. Mixing until the color is even guarantees consistent spice distribution and flavor in every bite throughout your crisps.

Brush Tortillas with Butter:

Working one at a time, brush both sides of each tortilla generously with melted butter, making sure to cover every edge. If using vanilla, mix it into the butter before brushing. A complete butter coat ensures the sugar mixture will properly stick and create crisp layers during baking.

Apply Cinnamon Sugar:

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over both sides of each buttered tortilla, pressing lightly to adhere and ensuring even coverage. This step is crucial for building the crisp exterior and deep holiday flavor in your Christmas Eve cinnamon crisps.

Cut Into Festive Shapes:

Slice tortillas into triangles, strips, or use cookie cutters (stars, trees, or snowflakes) for holiday fun. Keep pieces around 2 to 3 inches for uniform baking and use a pizza cutter or paring knife for quick, even cuts — smaller pieces crisp up just right in the oven.

Arrange for Baking:

Place the coated tortilla shapes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for air circulation. This ensures they bake evenly and achieve maximum crunch on all sides.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. After 8 minutes, watch closely as crisps go from golden to overdone quickly; edges should be deeply golden and centers crisp when finished. Removing at the right moment is key for best texture.

Cool for Maximum Crispness:

Transfer the baked crisps to a wire rack and let cool completely, at least 5 to 10 minutes. They will continue to crisp as they cool, so waiting helps achieve the ideal brittle texture and prevents sogginess.

I discovered that using a silicone pastry brush makes buttering the tortillas both faster and more even than a classic bristle brush. The first time I made these for Christmas Eve, my youngest insisted we cut out star shapes, and it instantly became our family tradition — every year, the kids ask for the stars, and the holiday kitchen fills with warmth and cinnamon, no matter what shape we choose to bake.

Smart Swaps and Variations

Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps are wonderfully flexible for different dietary preferences and creative twists. For a healthier take, try swapping in whole wheat tortillas and reducing the sugar by half. Coconut oil or a plant based butter works well for dairy free needs, and brown sugar or a touch of cardamom brings new depths of flavor. Get festive with cocoa powder in the sugar mix, drizzling with melted chocolate, or using colored sugars and shaped cutters for extra seasonal charm.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps

To keep your Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps fresh, store them in airtight containers with parchment paper layered between so they do not stick or soften. At room temperature, they will stay crisp for up to 5 days, making them perfect for preparing ahead. If they lose crunch, simply place them in a 300°F oven for about 3 to 5 minutes, then let cool fully before serving to regain their signature brittleness. These crisps make great edible gifts when packed in decorated tins with parchment.

What to Serve with Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps

Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps are a delightful, versatile treat for the holidays. Serve them alongside mugs of hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, or even eggnog for a warming festive snack. For a more indulgent dessert, pair crisps with vanilla ice cream, chocolate mousse, or create a dessert board with berries, dipping sauces, and other holiday cookies — perfect for sharing while opening gifts or during a cozy family movie night.

Nutritional Benefits

While Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps are a treat, they are lighter than many traditional cookies, with each serving averaging about 289 calories, 4 grams of protein, 50 grams of carbs, and 7 grams of fat. Cinnamon itself offers antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties, and using whole wheat tortillas can add fiber for a more nourishing snack. By making them at home, you control the ingredients, helping reduce added preservatives and excess sugars found in many store bought desserts.

Recipe Success Tips

If your Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps do not come out crispy, check that your oven is fully preheated and bake slightly longer in 2 minute increments as needed. Moist tortillas may require extended baking. For best results, let crisps cool on the baking sheet or a rack to harden fully. To fix cinnamon sugar that slides off, ensure you brush with enough butter and use gentle pressure when adding the coating. Fresh versus slightly stale tortillas can affect crunch — both work, just adjust timing to achieve your perfect bite.

These Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps have become a beloved tradition in our home, bringing cozy holiday scents and sweet moments every year. I hope they fill your Christmas Eve with warmth, joy, and just the right amount of festive sweetness!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, corn tortillas can be used, but they yield a slightly different texture—more rustic and crunchy. Adjust baking times as they may crisp up faster.

→ How do I store leftover cinnamon crisps?

Keep cooled crisps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For best texture, avoid refrigeration.

→ Can I add toppings before serving?

Absolutely! Dip in caramel sauce, chocolate-hazelnut spread, or cream cheese frosting for extra festive flair.

→ Is it possible to make these ahead of time?

Yes, bake ahead and let them cool completely. Store in a sealed container until ready to serve—they’ll stay crisp and tasty.

→ Are these suitable for children to help make?

Certainly! Kids can assist with brushing butter, sprinkling cinnamon sugar, or cutting tortillas into fun shapes before baking.