Save to Pinterest The smell of cinnamon and apples bubbling on the stove reminds me of those busy weeknight dinners when my kids asked for dessert but I had zero energy to make a pie from scratch. I grabbed flour tortillas from the fridge and twenty minutes later these golden, crispy roll-ups came out of the oven. Everyone went quiet for the first time all evening.
My neighbor smelled these baking and knocked on my door with an empty plate. Now she asks me to make a double batch whenever her grandchildren visit, which honestly might be the best compliment I could hope for.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples: Granny Smith gives you that perfect tart balance while Honeycrisp brings natural sweetness, peeled and diced into small even pieces
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Just enough to draw out the apples juices and create that syrupy filling without making it overly sweet
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The classic warm spice that makes everything taste like home and comfort
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way and adds that deep aromatic background note
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: For sautéing the apples until they are tender and coated in a light syrup
- 6 medium flour tortillas: Soft and pliable ones roll up easily and crisp beautifully in the oven
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Brushed on top to help the cinnamon sugar stick and create that irresistible golden crust
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: For the coating that gives you that satisfying crunch on every bite
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Mixed with sugar for that classic apple pie finish everyone recognizes
Instructions
- Heat the oven:
- Preheat to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is effortless.
- Cook the apple filling:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and cook for 4 or 5 minutes until tender and syrupy.
- Fill the tortillas:
- Spoon the cooked apple mixture along one edge of each tortilla, leaving a little space so the filling does not spill out when rolling.
- Roll them up:
- Fold in the sides slightly and roll tightly, then place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet so they stay together.
- Add the butter:
- Brush the tops with melted butter using a pastry brush, covering every surface for that perfect golden finish.
- Make the coating:
- Stir together sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined.
- Sprinkle generously:
- Shower the cinnamon sugar over the buttered roll-ups, coating the tops completely.
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they are crisp and lightly browned on top.
- Serve warm:
- Let them cool for just a few minutes so you do not burn your tongue, then enjoy while still warm.
Save to Pinterest These became my go to when surprise guests show up or when someone in the house has had a rough day and needs a little pick me up. Something about warm cinnamon apples just fixes things.
Make Them Your Own
I have tried adding chopped pecans inside the roll ups and the crunch takes these to a whole new level. Pears work beautifully in place of apples during winter when I want something different.
Serving Ideas
Vanilla ice cream melting over a warm roll up creates the most incredible temperature contrast. A drizzle of caramel sauce makes these feel fancy enough for company.
Getting Ahead
You can cook the apple filling up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The roll ups are best eaten fresh from the oven but leftovers reheat surprisingly well.
- Whole wheat tortillas add fiber and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the apples
- Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to recrisp them
- Freeze unbaked roll ups wrapped individually and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes
Save to Pinterest Simple, fast, and always a hit. These roll ups prove that sometimes the best desserts come from using what you have.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of apples work best?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal; they hold texture well and balance sweetness with tartness.
- → Can I use whole wheat tortillas?
Yes, whole wheat tortillas add fiber and a heartier flavor without changing the overall cooking method.
- → How long should I bake the roll-ups?
Bake them for 12–15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until golden and crispy on top.
- → Can I add nuts inside the filling?
Absolutely, chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and complement the spiced apple filling nicely.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- → Is it possible to substitute the apples?
Pears or peaches work well as alternatives, offering a different but delicious flavor profile.