Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps

The holiday season is full of warmth, cheer, and sweet treats that bring people together. Among the most cherished of Christmas Eve snacks is the delightful Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps recipe. These light, golden, and perfectly spiced crisps are a nostalgic favorite, perfect for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, or last-minute dessert ideas.

These crisps capture everything we love about holiday baking—aromas of cinnamon, the crunch of freshly baked treats, and the simplicity of working with pantry staples. They’re not only tasty but also versatile, budget-friendly, and easy enough for kids to join in the baking fun. If you’re looking for a festive recipe that adds sparkle to your table without the stress, these cinnamon crisps are exactly what you need.

Traditionally made with flour tortillas and brushed in butter before being sprinkled with a sweet cinnamon sugar blend, these crisps are similar to buñuelos but with a quicker preparation and fewer ingredients. Check out this flour tortilla guide on Wikipedia to better understand why flour tortillas work best for this recipe. And if you’re exploring more ideas for edible gifts, here’s a list of edible Christmas gifts on Pinterest that pair perfectly with these crisps.

These crispy delights are also a creative way to celebrate Christmas Eve traditions with family and friends. Whether you’re snacking by the fireplace or gifting them in festive bags, Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps bring the magic of the season into every bite.

💖 Why you’ll love this recipe

There’s no shortage of reasons to make Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps this season. From flavor to function, these treats check every box for a perfect holiday snack.

• Quick and easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, including prep time.

• Kid-friendly – Great activity for children to cut shapes and sprinkle sugar.

• Versatile – Add your own spin with different spices or toppings.

• Perfect for gifting – Crispy, festive, and long-lasting.

• Budget-conscious – Uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.

These crisps also double as holiday decor or edible ornaments when cut into stars, trees, or snowflake shapes. If you’re browsing for more Christmas baking ideas, Pinterest has a great selection to inspire your next batch.

Unlike store-bought sweets packed with preservatives, this homemade recipe uses real, natural ingredients. That means you control the sweetness, flavor, and texture, making it ideal for families with dietary needs or preferences.

Whether served as dessert or snacks throughout the day, cinnamon tortilla crisps are a fun, simple way to make your Christmas Eve extra cozy and memorable.

🧂 Ingredients breakdown & variations

Creating the perfect Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps begins with understanding your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

🎯 Main Ingredients

• 6 large flour tortillas – Use soft, flexible tortillas to ensure even baking and crisp texture.

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted) – You can substitute with vegan butter for dairy-free diets.

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Gives that classic sweetness and caramelized crunch.

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – A must-have for the warm, festive flavor.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) – Adds depth and aromatic richness.

• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional) – Enhances the spice blend and gives complexity.

If you’re curious about how ground cinnamon and nutmeg enhance flavor, the science of spice is fascinating—this cinnamon entry on Wikipedia provides insights, and you can learn more about nutmeg here.

🌿 Substitutions & Alternatives

• Tortillas – Try whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas for dietary needs.

• Butter – Use vegan margarine or coconut oil if you want a dairy-free version.

• Sugar – Swap with coconut sugar or brown sugar for a richer flavor.

• Flavor enhancers – Try adding orange zest, cardamom, or even pumpkin spice for a twist.

You can also check out homemade cinnamon sugar ideas on Pinterest for more creative ways to flavor your crisps.

🥄 Step-by-step instructions with baking tips

Creating these Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps is as simple as it is fun. Follow these easy steps to get the perfect golden, crunchy result.

🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. In a small bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.

3. Using a pastry brush, coat both sides of each tortilla with the melted butter.

4. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over both sides of the tortillas.

5. Cut tortillas into triangles, strips, or use festive cookie cutters to make stars, snowflakes, or trees.

6. Arrange the pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overlap for even baking.

7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through.

8. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack to achieve maximum crispiness.

🧁 Pro Tips

• Use a sharp knife or cookie cutters for precision and fun shapes.

• Watch closely after 8 minutes—these crisps can brown quickly.

• Don’t over-saturate with butter or sugar—it can make them soggy.

• For extra crunch, leave them in the oven (turned off) for an extra 2–3 minutes.

This recipe is a great alternative to deep-fried treats and doesn’t require special tools, only a few basics like a baking sheet and wire rack.

🧰 Equipment you’ll need

You don’t need fancy tools to create Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps, but a few kitchen essentials will make the process easier and more enjoyable:

• Baking sheet – Use a sturdy, rimmed sheet to keep crisps flat and evenly baked.

• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

• Pastry brush – Ensures even butter distribution for a perfect golden finish.

• Mixing bowl – For combining your cinnamon sugar blend.

• Sharp knife or cookie cutters – Great for customizing shapes.

• Wire rack – Allows air circulation so crisps cool properly and retain crunch.

With these tools, you can make these treats feel like professional bakery items with minimal effort.

🎨 Decorating ideas for Christmas Eve

Bring your Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps to life with creative, eye-catching decorations. Here are fun and festive ideas:

• Dust with powdered sugar to resemble snowflakes.

• Drizzle with white or dark chocolate for a gourmet touch.

• Add edible glitter or colored sugar to match your Christmas theme.

• Use cookie cutters to shape crisps into stars, bells, or reindeer.

• Serve with cinnamon hot cocoa or dairy-free eggnog for an extra treat.

• Create gift bundles using decorative tins or festive bags.

You can find more inspiration by browsing holiday desserts on Pinterest for ideas that take these crisps to the next level.

These details make the crisps more than just a snack—they become a personal touch in your holiday celebrations.

🍽️ Serving suggestions for Christmas Eve

These Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps are as versatile in presentation as they are in flavor. Try these serving ideas:

• Serve warm with whipped cream or fruit dips.

• Pair with a mug of spiced cider or hot cocoa.

• Stack crisps into a Christmas tree shape on a platter for a party centerpiece.

• Serve as a crunchy side to sweet cheese spreads or vegan yogurt dips.

• Package in glass jars or cookie tins for homemade Christmas gifts.

If you’re looking for more family-friendly holiday treats, explore kid-friendly holiday snacks on Pinterest for pairing ideas and presentation tips.

🧊 Storage tips & shelf life

One of the best things about cinnamon crisps is their longevity, making them perfect for gifting or prepping ahead.

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.

• Add a silica gel packet or paper towel to absorb moisture and keep them crisp.

• Avoid storing in the fridge as it adds humidity and may soften them.

• To freeze, place in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to ziplock bags. Re-crisp in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes when ready to serve.

• Make the sugar mix in advance and store separately to speed up the process on baking day.

Following these tips ensures your crisps stay fresh, crispy, and delicious throughout the holiday season.

🍬 Nutrition information

Each serving (about 5-6 crisps) contains:

• Calories: 150–180

• Sugar: 12g

• Fat: 8g (mainly from butter)

• Carbs: 20g

• Protein: 1g

To reduce sugar and fat content:

• Use light butter or a butter spray.

• Reduce sugar by mixing it with stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

• Use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber.

These tweaks help you enjoy this treat with less guilt while keeping all the festive flavor intact.

🍏 Recipe variations to try

Want to give your Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps a personal twist? Try these variations:

• Spiced apple crisps – Add dried apple powder or serve with apple pie dip.

• Pumpkin pie crisps – Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon.

• Chocolate-dipped crisps – Half-dip in chocolate, then cool.

• Churro-style crisps – Add more cinnamon sugar and serve with caramel sauce.

• Vegan version – Use dairy-free butter and organic sugar.

These options make the recipe flexible for different palates and dietary preferences, making it a go-to every holiday season.

🚫 Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to get perfect results every time:

• Overbaking – Can cause a burnt, bitter taste.

• Too much butter – Makes the crisps soggy and greasy.

• Uneven cutting – Results in uneven baking and texture.

• Overlapping pieces – Prevents proper crisping.

• Skipping the cool-down step – Causes loss of crunch.

By steering clear of these mistakes, you ensure each bite is light, crisp, and flavorful.

❓ FAQs – people also ask

Can I make cinnamon crisps ahead of time?
Yes! They stay fresh for up to 7 days if stored properly in an airtight container.

How do I keep cinnamon crisps from getting soggy?
Ensure they’re fully cooled before storing, and keep them in a dry environment with a paper towel inside the container.

What kind of tortilla is best for making crisps?
Flour tortillas are ideal for their softness and ability to crisp up evenly. Learn more about flour tortillas here.

Can I use an air fryer instead of oven?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Are cinnamon crisps the same as buñuelos?
No. Buñuelos are traditionally deep-fried, while these are oven-baked, but both share similar ingredients.

What dips go well with cinnamon tortilla chips?
Try fruit salsa, vanilla yogurt, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce.

Can I make these with kids?
Absolutely. Kids can brush butter, sprinkle sugar, and cut shapes safely with supervision.

Can I use this for a holiday potluck or party favor?
Yes, they’re perfect for both. Package in clear bags or boxes with ribbons for a festive touch.

🎁 Final thoughts & Christmas Eve inspiration

Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps are more than just a quick snack—they’re a heartwarming part of your holiday tradition. They bring together loved ones through the joy of baking, decorating, and indulging in something homemade. Whether you’re enjoying them by the fire or handing them out as edible gifts, these crisps carry the cozy, delicious spirit of the season.

Get creative, make them your own, and don’t forget to snap a photo of your Christmas cinnamon crisps to share with friends and family. Happy holidays!

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