The aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen is just the beginning. These crispy Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips are a dream come true for anyone who loves a sweet, crunchy snack but wants to keep it wholesome and light. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, they’re a perfect blend of nostalgia and nutrition. Baked instead of fried and sweetened naturally with coconut sugar, these chips are perfect for dipping in fruit salsas, spreading with almond butter, or simply snacking on their own. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just want something fun to crunch on, this easy treat is a must-try!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 whole wheat flour tortillas
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2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
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2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
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1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
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Pinch of salt (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar together.
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Brush both sides of each tortilla with melted coconut oil.
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Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the tortillas on both sides.
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Stack the tortillas and cut them into 6 to 8 wedges each.
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Arrange the wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
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Allow the chips to cool completely before serving; they will continue to crisp as they cool.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 17 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Healthy Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips – A Sweet, Guilt-Free Snack You’ll Love
When it comes to satisfying a sweet craving while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it can be a challenge to find treats that strike the perfect balance between indulgent flavor and mindful ingredients. Fortunately, these Healthy Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips do just that. Crispy, sweet, and lightly spiced with cinnamon, they are a plant-based snack that’s easy to prepare, loved by all ages, and versatile enough to serve on any occasion.
Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or a seasoned vegan cook looking for a new snack idea, these chips are the ideal blend of comfort food and clean eating. In this article, we’ll explore the origins and cultural inspiration behind this recipe, its health benefits, creative serving ideas, customization options, and why it’s quickly becoming a favorite among health-conscious food lovers.
A Sweet Take on a Mexican Classic
This recipe is a plant-based spin on a traditional Mexican treat called buñuelos thin, crispy fried tortillas often dusted with cinnamon and sugar. Buñuelos are typically served during festive holidays such as Christmas and New Year in Mexico and other Latin American countries. However, unlike traditional buñuelos that are deep-fried and high in saturated fats and refined sugars, this healthy version is oven-baked and uses wholesome ingredients like whole wheat tortillas, coconut oil, and natural sweeteners like coconut or brown sugar.
The result? All the comfort and nostalgia of the original without the heaviness or guilt. It’s a beautiful example of how traditional dishes can be adapted for modern, health-focused lifestyles while still honoring their cultural roots.
Why These Cinnamon Sugar Chips Are a Healthier Option
One of the most appealing aspects of these tortilla chips is their nutritional profile compared to conventional sweet snacks. Let’s break down why they’re a better-for-you alternative:
1. Baked, Not Fried
Unlike store-bought chips or traditional cinnamon treats, this recipe uses an oven instead of a deep fryer. This drastically reduces the amount of unhealthy fats, making the chips lighter and easier on the digestive system.
2. Whole Grain Goodness
Using whole wheat tortillas instead of white flour tortillas increases the fiber content, supporting better digestion and prolonged satiety. Whole grains also help regulate blood sugar levels, which is essential when indulging in sweet treats.
3. Natural Sweeteners
By using coconut sugar or brown sugar instead of refined white sugar, these chips offer a lower glycemic impact. Coconut sugar, in particular, contains small amounts of nutrients and retains some of the fiber found in the coconut palm.
4. Dairy-Free and Vegan
This recipe is naturally vegan, making it suitable for plant-based eaters and those with dairy sensitivities. Coconut oil is used instead of butter, contributing to a mild tropical flavor and healthy fats in moderation.
Perfect for Snacking, Sharing, and Entertaining
These chips aren’t just a solo snack they’re perfect for a wide range of occasions. Serve them at family movie nights, kids’ parties, holiday gatherings, or pack them into lunchboxes. Their sweet-and-spicy flavor is universally loved, making them a hit across all age groups.
They’re also fantastic for entertaining. Set them out in a bowl with a fruit salsa or dairy-free chocolate dip for guests. Want to go even fancier? Layer them with chopped fruits and a drizzle of vegan caramel for a cinnamon dessert nacho platter. However you serve them, these chips elevate simple snacking into something special.
How to Customize Your Cinnamon Chips
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can tweak it based on dietary preferences, flavor cravings, or what you have in your pantry.
Flavor Twists:
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Vanilla & Nutmeg: Add a touch of vanilla extract to your coconut oil and a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper, warmer flavor profile.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a sweet and spicy snack.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some vegan dark chocolate and drizzle it over the chips after baking for an indulgent dessert upgrade.
Dietary Adaptations:
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Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free tortillas if you’re avoiding gluten.
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Oil-Free: Use a light brush of plant-based milk as an oil alternative, though chips won’t crisp up quite the same.
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Sugar-Free: Swap in a sugar-free cinnamon mix using a monk fruit or stevia blend.
Kid-Friendly and Fun to Make
This is a great recipe to involve kids in the kitchen. From brushing on the coconut oil to sprinkling the cinnamon sugar and cutting out chip shapes with cookie cutters, it can be an interactive and enjoyable experience for children. Not only does it teach them about cooking and healthier eating, but it also makes for wonderful family bonding time.
Plus, the short prep and cook time make it perfect for after-school snacks or weekend treats that don’t require much fuss.
Great for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead
Another reason these cinnamon chips are such a hit is their shelf life. Once baked and cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container for several days without losing their crunch. That makes them an ideal make-ahead snack for busy weeks.
You can also pre-mix the cinnamon sugar and keep it in a jar for quick use anytime the craving hits. And if you’re hosting guests, the chips can be made the night before and stored until serving.
Creative Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Looking to take these chips to the next level? Here are some tasty ideas for how to enjoy them:
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With Fruit Salsa: Pair them with a fresh fruit salsa made of strawberries, kiwi, mango, and lime juice for a bright, tangy contrast.
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Dipped in Yogurt: Serve with a dairy-free vanilla yogurt for a creamy, cooling companion.
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Dessert Nachos: Top the chips with banana slices, vegan whipped cream, and melted dark chocolate for a fun, shareable dessert.
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On a Platter: Arrange them alongside apple slices, nuts, and dates for a sweet charcuterie board.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting and nostalgic about the combination of cinnamon and sugar it evokes memories of childhood, holidays, and warm, homemade desserts. These Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips let you enjoy that same comfort in a way that aligns with modern wellness goals.
They’re fast, easy, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just someone who loves a good homemade snack, these chips check every box.
Conclusion:
In a world filled with ultra-processed, sugary snacks, having a reliable, homemade alternative like Healthy Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips is a game-changer. They’re a shining example of how traditional recipes can be transformed into clean, nourishing bites without sacrificing flavor or fun.
From their roots in Mexican cuisine to their modern plant-based twist, these chips are a celebration of simplicity, sweetness, and creativity. They invite us to rethink what it means to treat ourselves reminding us that healthy can also mean joyful, indulgent, and absolutely delicious.
