Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps

Christmas Eve cinnamon crisps are one of those effortless treats that capture the magic of the holidays without any fuss. With just tortillas or puff pastry and a dusting of cinnamon sugar you get light crisp edges and sweet warmth for cozy evenings.

I always make these as the oven preheats for our family dinner and everyone ends up snacking on them while we pass around mugs of cocoa. These went straight from curious experiment to holiday tradition at our house because they disappear faster than any fancy cookie.

Ingredients

• Flour tortillas or puff pastry sheets: delivers crisp texture with minimal effort Look for fresh soft tortillas or good quality all butter pastry
• Melted butter: adds richness and helps sugar stick Choose unsalted butter for better control
• Sugar: gives classic sweetness use a fine white sugar for the best coating
• Cinnamon: infuses every bite with warmth Use a fresh ground variety for robust flavor
• Vanilla extract: optional but makes the crisps extra aromatic Go for pure vanilla if you have it
• Nutmeg: optional but adds that perfect holiday aroma Freshly grated nutmeg gives a lift

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the crisps from sticking

Make Cinnamon Sugar:

Stir together the sugar cinnamon and nutmeg in a small mixing bowl If you’re using vanilla mix it into the melted butter instead for even distribution

Brush and Sprinkle:

Dip a pastry brush in melted butter then generously coat both sides of each tortilla or pastry sheet Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over each side pressing gently so it really adheres

Shape the Crisps:

Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the coated tortillas into triangles strips or cookie cutter shapes Kids love making stars and trees at this step

Arrange on Baking Sheet:

Lay out the pieces in a single layer on your parchment lined baking sheet Be sure they do not overlap so every edge crisps evenly

Bake Until Crisp:

Bake for ten to twelve minutes Rotate the pan halfway through Watch closely in the last two minutes so they do not burn Crisps should be golden brown with edges starting to curl

Cool for Maximum Crunch:

Let baked crisps cool completely on the tray The transformation to crispiness happens as they cool so resist the urge to remove them early

I always add a little extra cinnamon because my son loves that bold flavor It reminds me of when he stood on a kitchen stool carefully sprinkling sugar on each tortilla and sneaking tastes Between the scent and the crunch this recipe always brings back that memory for me

Storage Tips

Let the crisps cool totally before placing them in an airtight container In my house a cookie tin is the secret They stay crisp for three to five days at room temperature If they soften just pop them back in a low oven for a minute or two and they will crisp right up

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy free option I have even experimented with brown sugar and it gives a caramelly warmth If you want more festive color sprinkle with colored sanding sugar after baking

Serving Suggestions

Pile crisps into a bowl alongside a caramel or cream cheese dip They also make a pretty edible gift tied up in cellophane We have served them as a sweet snack after caroling or set them out with hot drinks for visiting friends

Cultural Context

Cinnamon crisps echo the tradition of baked holiday snacks in so many cultures From buñuelos to elephant ears people have found joy in spiced sweet dough shared with family and friends It is the scent that signals celebration for me

Seasonal Adaptations

Cut the crisps into snowflakes or stars for winter holidays Extra nutmeg and clove makes these perfect for cold nights Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect

Success Stories

My sister now makes these with her kids using fun cookie cutters Last year they shaped letters to spell Merry Christmas and it became a dinner table centerpiece So many friends have asked for the recipe and make it part of their own holiday traditions

Freezer Meal Conversion

These crisps are best freshly made but uncooked sugared tortillas freeze well in a single layer Let them thaw then bake as needed It is a fun way to prep ahead for a holiday gathering

Keep a tin handy for surprise guests and you will be the holiday hero. Crisp sweet comfort is just minutes away with this festive recipe.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use puff pastry instead of tortillas?

Yes, puff pastry offers a flakier texture and works beautifully as an alternative base for these crisps.

→ How do I get the crisps extra crunchy?

Bake until just golden and let them cool completely—the texture improves as they cool down.

→ What are fun shapes to cut?

Try triangles, strips, or use holiday-themed cookie cutters for festive shapes like stars and trees.

→ Can I add extra spices?

Nutritionally, cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth, but a pinch of clove or cardamom brings more holiday flavor.

→ How should I serve these crisps?

Enjoy alone or dip into warm caramel, chocolate spread, or sweet cream cheese for added indulgence.