Pin it The smell of cinnamon and apples baking has this way of stopping everyone in their tracks. I stumbled onto this recipe when I had tortillas left over from taco night and a serious craving for apple pie but zero ambition to make crust. These roll-ups came together in twenty minutes and disappeared even faster. Now they are my go-to when I want something that feels like dessert but tastes like home.
Last autumn my neighbor came over with a bag of apples from her tree and we stood in my tiny kitchen peeling and chopping while rain tapped against the window. We made three batches that afternoon experimenting with different spices and fillings. By the time the sun came out we had cinnamon sugar on our hands and happy full bellies.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples: Granny Smith brings tartness and Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness so the filling has depth and balance
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: This draws out the apple juices creating that glossy syrupy texture that makes every bite perfect
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The backbone of warm spice flavor that pairs so naturally with apples
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way adding earthy warmth that rounds out the cinnamon
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Cooking the apples in butter first gives them richness and helps the spices bloom
- 6 medium flour tortillas: Soft and pliable they roll up tight then crisp into a golden pastry like shell
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Brushing the tops helps the cinnamon sugar stick and creates that beautiful golden finish
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Combines with cinnamon for that classic crunchy sweet coating
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Sprinkled on top it creates an aromatic cinnamon sugar crust that bakes into something magical
Instructions
- Warm the oven:
- Preheat to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is effortless
- Make the filling:
- Melt butter in a skillet then add apples sugar cinnamon and nutmeg cooking until tender and syrupy about 4 or 5 minutes
- Fill the tortillas:
- Spoon the cooked apples along one edge of each tortilla leaving space so you can roll them tight
- Roll them up:
- Start from the filled edge and roll tightly placing each one seam side down on your prepared baking sheet
- Butter the tops:
- Brush melted butter over each roll up so the cinnamon sugar has something to cling to
- Coat with cinnamon sugar:
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl then sprinkle it generously over all the roll ups
- Bake until golden:
- Slide them into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until they are crisp and smell incredible
- Serve them warm:
- Let them cool just long enough to handle then enjoy while they are still warm and gooey inside
Pin it My niece declared these better than actual apple pie which I am not sure is true but I will take the compliment. Something about the crispy tortilla edge and the soft spiced apples in the middle just works so perfectly together.
Make Ahead Your Way
You can cook the apple filling up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake just warm the filling slightly so it rolls easily then assemble and bake fresh. The tortillas soften if assembled too far ahead so rolling right before baking gives the best texture.
Switch Up The Fruit
Pears peaches or even berries work beautifully in these roll ups. Just remember that softer fruits like peaches need less cooking time while harder fruits like pears might need a few extra minutes. The same spice blend works for almost any fruit but you can add ginger or cardamom if you want something different.
Serving Ideas
These are wonderful on their own but a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns them into something special. Whipped cream caramel sauce or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce takes them over the top. I have also served them with a side of warm custard for a truly indulgent dessert.
- Warm a little caramel sauce in the microwave for an easy drizzle
- Top with chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor
- Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a pretty finish
Pin it These roll ups have become my secret weapon for bringing warmth and comfort to any table. Simple fast and always delicious they remind me that the best recipes are often the easiest ones.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of apples work best for this dish?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal due to their balance of tartness and sweetness that holds up well when cooked.
- → Can different spices be used in the filling?
Yes, spices like allspice or cloves can be added to enhance warmth, but cinnamon and nutmeg provide the classic flavor base.
- → Is it possible to use a different wrap instead of flour tortillas?
Whole wheat tortillas or even crepes can be substituted to alter texture or nutritional content while maintaining the overall character.
- → How can I add a crunchy texture to the roll-ups?
Sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts inside before rolling adds a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
- → What serving ideas complement this sweet dish?
Serving with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream enhances richness and balances the spiced apple flavors.