The humble tortilla gets a magical makeover in this simple yet delightful dessert! These Cinnamon Sugar Crisps, inspired by traditional Mexican buñuelos, are lightly fried and coated in a sweet, cinnamon-kissed blend that makes every bite unforgettable.
Perfect as a festive snack, sweet side for brunch, or a crunchy companion to a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, these treats come together in just 30 minutes. Kids love them, adults crave them, and you’ll find yourself reaching for “just one more” every time. Bonus: they make beautiful homemade gifts when bagged and tied with ribbon!
Full Recipe:
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 (8-inch) flour tortillas, whole or cut into fun shapes
Neutral oil, for frying (enough to fill a pan halfway)
Directions:
Mix the sugar and cinnamon together on a large plate and set aside.
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour in oil until it reaches halfway up the sides of the pan.
Heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (use a thermometer or test with a small tortilla piece—if it sizzles and browns in about 2-3 minutes, it’s ready).
Fry the tortillas one by one until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
Remove crisps with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
While still warm, coat the crisps in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Serve warm, or cool completely and store in airtight containers.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: ~220 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 to 6
A Sweet Crunch with Deep Cultural Roots
Cinnamon Sugar Crisps, also known as buñuelos in many Latin cultures, are one of those treats that instantly evoke comfort, nostalgia, and celebration. These golden, crispy rounds dusted generously with a cinnamon-sugar blend are more than just a dessert — they are part of a rich culinary tradition that spans continents and centuries. While many may know them as a quick snack or an easy dessert made with tortillas, their deeper story is steeped in history, regional adaptation, and joyous gatherings.
In Mexico and other Latin American countries, buñuelos are often associated with holiday festivities, especially Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Traditionally, they’re made from a handmade dough that’s rolled thin, fried until crisp, and then coated in sweet syrup or cinnamon sugar. What sets this modern version apart is the use of flour tortillas instead of fresh dough — a clever shortcut that allows anyone to enjoy this festive favorite in a fraction of the time.
A Recipe Made for the Home Cook
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Unlike more complex pastries that require precise measuring, kneading, or rising times, cinnamon sugar crisps can be whipped up in just about 30 minutes. Using store-bought tortillas makes the process incredibly accessible, even for those who are less confident in the kitchen. The quick prep and minimal ingredients make this recipe a fantastic option for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute guests.
This version doesn’t try to replicate the traditional buñuelos from scratch but instead pays homage to their essence — crispy, sweet, and satisfying. It brings the joy of buñuelos to the modern kitchen in a simplified way, while still preserving the flavors and textures that make them so beloved.
A Versatile Treat for All Occasions
Cinnamon sugar crisps aren’t limited to being just a dessert. They can easily become the centerpiece of a snack platter or a creative element in more elaborate dishes. For example, pairing them with vanilla bean ice cream and fresh berries turns them into a gourmet dessert presentation. They also make excellent edible gifts — just wrap them in cellophane bags with a pretty ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade treat perfect for holidays or parties.
Some enjoy them with hot chocolate or coffee, others crumble them over custards or yogurt. The crisps can be cut into various shapes before frying to add a festive touch — think stars, hearts, or seasonal forms like pumpkins and snowflakes. Kids love getting involved in this part, making it a fun family kitchen activity.
The Cultural Significance of Buñuelos
The origins of buñuelos are believed to trace back to Spain, where they are still popular during certain holidays, particularly around Christmas. When the Spanish colonizers brought their cuisine to the Americas, buñuelos took root in different countries and evolved to reflect local tastes, ingredients, and traditions.
In Mexico, they are often seen during the Christmas season and are a staple of Las Posadas festivities. In Colombia and other South American countries, buñuelos may be savory or made with cheese. Each region has adapted this fried dough delight in its own way, but the underlying principle remains — a crispy, celebratory bite meant to be shared with loved ones.
This tortilla-based version doesn’t claim to be the traditional buñuelo — and that’s okay. It serves a different purpose: quick satisfaction with a nostalgic twist. It’s an introduction to the broader world of Latin sweets and an invitation to explore authentic versions in the future.
A Simple Recipe with Crowd-Pleasing Results
What makes this recipe a winner is that it ticks so many boxes. It’s budget-friendly, fast, adaptable, and loved by both kids and adults. With just a handful of ingredients — flour tortillas, oil, cinnamon, and sugar — you create a treat that’s light, crispy, and explosively flavorful.
Since the tortillas are pre-cooked and pre-shaped, there’s no stress about dough consistency or frying technique. The oil does the work of puffing them up into light discs of golden perfection. As soon as they come out of the fryer, tossing them in the cinnamon sugar seals the deal — literally, as the sugar melts slightly and sticks, forming a sweet crust that contrasts beautifully with the airy crispness inside.
This texture is key: the crisps are thin but sturdy, crunchy without being hard, and just sweet enough to satisfy a craving without becoming overwhelming. They’re the kind of snack that vanishes quickly, which is why many who try this recipe double it right away!
A Kid-Friendly Kitchen Activity
If you’re a parent or caregiver looking for a way to engage kids in the kitchen, cinnamon sugar crisps are a fantastic option. Children can help cut the tortillas into shapes, mix the sugar and cinnamon, and, with adult supervision, coat the warm crisps right after frying. Because the steps are simple and there’s instant gratification in seeing the crisps puff up and turn golden, this recipe becomes more than just a cooking activity — it’s a memory-making experience.
You can even turn it into a holiday tradition. Let each child design their own tortilla shape, then serve their creations at a family gathering or dessert bar. Add whipped cream, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, or fruit for a fully customizable experience. It’s an easy way to introduce children to cooking, cultural cuisine, and creative expression all in one.
A Flexible Base for Fusion Desserts
What’s especially exciting about cinnamon sugar crisps is how easily they can serve as a foundation for fusion desserts. You can drizzle them with Mexican chocolate sauce, top them with whipped cream and caramelized bananas for a plantain-inspired spin, or crumble them as a crunchy element in layered parfaits. Their mild sweetness and crispy texture make them a blank slate for culinary creativity.
Consider making a “buñuelo sundae” by layering crisps with dulce de leche, ice cream, toasted nuts, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Or dip half of each crisp in dark chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt for a more grown-up, gourmet twist. They can even accompany savory items — think alongside chili-dusted mango or as a scoop for a spicy fruit salsa.
Minimal Equipment, Maximum Flavor
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it requires very little in terms of kitchen tools. A saucepan or deep skillet, a slotted spoon, and a plate for cinnamon sugar are basically all you need. There’s no need for mixers, ovens, or special gadgets, which lowers the barrier to entry for home cooks who may not have a fully stocked kitchen.
This simplicity also means easy cleanup and less stress — the kind of low-effort, high-reward dish that feels as good to make as it does to eat.
Conclusion: A Sweet Shortcut to Celebration
Cinnamon sugar crisps may be a shortcut version of traditional buñuelos, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to flavor, texture, and joy. They’re light, crispy, aromatic with cinnamon, and deeply satisfying — a sweet treat that comes together quickly and leaves a lasting impression.
Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in, a festive gathering, or as a fun project with the kids, this recipe is a celebration of what makes food magical: simplicity, versatility, and connection. These crisps don’t just taste good — they feel good to make and share. And in a world that often demands complicated meals and picture-perfect presentations, sometimes the most memorable dishes are the ones that bring us back to basics.
Let your cinnamon sugar crisps be a reminder that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult. With just a few pantry staples, a splash of oil, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, you can turn an ordinary moment into something truly sweet.