These cinnamon sugar tortillas are a quick, family-friendly snack or dessert that everyone will enjoy. They come together in minutes using leftover flour tortillas—whether homemade, store-bought, or from a restaurant. A simple cream cheese glaze makes them extra special for drizzling or dipping. Serve them as a sweet finish after a Tex‑Mex meal, alongside birria tacos, or as a light dessert after chile rellenos.
Why Make this Recipe?
- Fast and simple: Ready in minutes, this is an ideal last-minute dessert or snack.
- Churro‑like flavor: The cinnamon and sugar give a taste similar to churros; try a chocolate fudge sauce or cream cheese glaze for dipping.
- Zero waste: A great way to use leftover tortillas from dinner; day‑old tortillas work well when gently warmed.
- Kid approved: Easy to make with children and a fun treat for after‑school or parties.
Ingredients Needed
Notes on Some Ingredients
- Flour tortillas: Use 6‑inch tortillas for best results. Homemade tortillas warm particularly well, but store bought are fine.
- Butter and cream cheese: Soften to room temperature for easy spreading and a smooth glaze.
- Sugar and cinnamon: Adjust the cinnamon to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger spice level.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Tortillas (Step by Step)
- Make the cinnamon sugar: Stir 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon into 4 tablespoons granulated sugar in a small bowl until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Warm the tortillas: If cold, warm tortillas briefly in a skillet or over a low gas burner until pliable. This prevents cracking when rolled.
- Butter the tortillas: Spread softened butter across one side of each warm tortilla so the surface is evenly coated.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the buttered side so the sugar adheres to the surface.
- Roll them up: Turn the tortilla over so the sugared side faces out and roll gently into a log. Serve as is or slice into smaller pieces for serving.
- Make the cream cheese glaze: Beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and about 4 tablespoons milk until smooth. Adjust milk or powdered sugar to reach the desired drizzle consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tortillas work best? Six‑inch flour tortillas are ideal. Leftover homemade tortillas are excellent when warmed; fresh or store‑bought also work.
Why might tortillas crack? Cold or very dry tortillas can crack. Warm them first so they become flexible before buttering and rolling.
What should I serve them with? A cream cheese glaze is classic; chocolate fudge or caramel dipping sauce also pairs beautifully for a churro‑like experience.
More Cinnamon Dessert Recipes to Try
- Homemade churros — a classic deep‑fried cinnamon treat for special occasions.
- Sopapillas — light, puffy fried dough dusted with cinnamon sugar and honey.
- Sopapilla cheesecake rolls — a creamy, cinnamon‑spiced twist on crescent roll desserts.
- Tres leches cake with a cinnamon sprinkle — a moist and rich crowd favorite.
- Bunuelos — large, crisp cinnamon‑sugar disks that are similar in flavor to cinnamon tortilla chips.
Cinnamon Sugar Tortillas
This quick, simple dessert tastes like churros but takes only a fraction of the time. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 flour tortillas (6‑inch)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- About 4 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and mix well.
- Warm each tortilla briefly in a skillet or over a low flame until pliable.
- Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter over one side of the warm tortilla.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the buttered side so it adheres evenly.
- Flip the tortilla so the sugared side faces outward and roll tightly. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- For the glaze, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk with a hand mixer until smooth. Add more milk to thin or more powdered sugar to thicken.
- Drizzle the glaze over the rolled tortillas or serve it on the side for dipping.
Equipment
- Medium skillet or griddle
- Hand mixer (for glaze) or whisk
Notes
Best served fresh. If storing, keep in a sealed container at room temperature for up to one day and reheat slightly before serving. Store leftover glaze in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 253 kcal | Carbohydrates: 38 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 10 g | Sugar: 23 g
Recipe originally published January 11, 2016. Updated April 8, 2021 with new images and a video.
Beautiful photography by KJandCompany.co