Save This warm, buttery cinnamon-sugar dessert wrap recipe transforms simple tortillas into a cozy autumn treat that fills your home with the most comforting aromas. I created these when looking for a quick dessert that captures fall flavors without the fuss of traditional baking.
I first made these wraps during a chilly October evening when my kids were craving something sweet but I didn't have time for elaborate baking. The smell of cinnamon and sugar filled our kitchen, and now they request these "cinnamon roll wraps" almost weekly throughout fall and winter.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas: Medium sized for the perfect portion and best texture when baked
- Unsalted butter: The richness creates that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth quality
- Light brown sugar: Offers deeper caramel notes than regular sugar
- Ground cinnamon: The essential fall spice that gives these wraps their signature flavor
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its subtle complexity
- Apple: Optional but adds delightful texture and authentic fall flavor
- Granulated sugar: For the outer coating that creates a delicate crunch
- Additional melted butter: Helps the sugar coating adhere and adds golden color
Instructions
- Prep the oven:
- Heat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.
- Create the filling:
- Mix softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until completely incorporated. The butter should be soft enough to mix easily but not melted. If using apple, fold in the finely diced pieces last. This filling is the heart of the recipe, so make sure it's well mixed with no sugar lumps.
- Assemble the wraps:
- Lay each tortilla flat and spread an even layer of the cinnamon butter mixture across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. The border helps prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Apply the filling thinly but completely for best results.
- Roll with care:
- Starting from one edge, roll each tortilla tightly into a cylinder shape. Place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to prevent unraveling. Space them about an inch apart to allow for proper air circulation during baking.
- Apply the topping:
- Brush each wrap generously with melted butter, making sure to cover the entire exposed surface. This helps create a golden exterior and gives something for the cinnamon sugar mixture to adhere to. Combine the granulated sugar and remaining cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered wraps.
- Bake to perfection:
- Place the baking sheet in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch carefully after the 10 minute mark as they can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly. The wraps should be lightly crisp on the outside with a slight give when touched.
- Rest before serving:
- Allow the wraps to cool for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the filling to set slightly while still keeping the dessert warm and gooey. The wraps will be extremely hot inside immediately after baking.
Save Cinnamon is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I always recommend using fresh, high-quality cinnamon for the best flavor. I discovered years ago that there's a noticeable difference between standard grocery store cinnamon and fresher varieties. When I switched to Vietnamese cinnamon with its higher oil content, these wraps transformed from good to absolutely irresistible.
Storage Tips
These cinnamon sugar wraps are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy rather than crisp.
For longer storage, you can prepare the wraps up to the point of baking, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply brush with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake as directed, adding about 2 minutes to the baking time.
Creative Variations
The basic recipe is delicious, but there are countless ways to customize these treats according to your preferences or what you have on hand.
For a caramel apple version, add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the filling before rolling. Pear and walnut creates an elegant twist by substituting diced pears for apples and adding finely chopped walnuts to the filling. For chocolate lovers, sprinkle mini chocolate chips along with the cinnamon sugar mixture before rolling.
You can also try different spice combinations like adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the cinnamon for more complex flavors. During winter holidays, a touch of orange zest in the filling creates a festive variation that pairs beautifully with hot cocoa.
Serving Suggestions
While these wraps are delightful on their own, they become an impressive dessert when served with accompaniments. Try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts beautifully against the warm wrap. A drizzle of salted caramel sauce takes them to the next level of indulgence.
For brunch, serve alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a wonderful afternoon treat with coffee or spiced chai tea. If serving to guests, dust with powdered sugar just before bringing to the table for an elegant presentation.
Save These dessert wraps are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed any time of year and customized to please any palate. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or an impressive addition to any gathering.
Recipe Questions
- → What kind of tortillas work best?
Medium flour tortillas are ideal for a soft, pliable wrap that becomes delightfully crisp when baked.
- → Can I add fruit to the filling?
Finely diced apple or pear enhances the autumn flavor and adds a pleasant, juicy texture to the wraps.
- → How do I achieve a crisp finish?
Brushing the tops with melted butter and sprinkling a cinnamon-sugar mixture ensures a golden, crisp texture.
- → What are serving suggestions?
Serve warm or at room temperature; try with caramel drizzle or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Yes, gluten-free tortillas can be substituted for a gluten-free version without changing the process.