Save I stumbled on this idea during a chaotic weeknight when I wanted apple pie but had zero patience for crust. The smell of cinnamon apples filled the kitchen so fast my roommate appeared asking what bakery I was hiding.
Last fall I made a double batch for my nephews birthday and he declared these better than actual pie. Kids absolutely love the handheld factor and adults pretend they are just trying one then reach for another.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples: Granny Smith brings tartness that balances the sugar while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness. Peel them well so no tough skins interrupt the bite.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: This draws moisture out of the apples creating that glossy syrupy coating instead of dry chunks.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Use fresh cinnamon if you have it. The aroma hits you the second it hits the warm butter.
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg: Do not skip this. It adds that background warmth people notice but cannot name.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Cooking the apples first concentrates the flavor instead of leaving them raw and crunchy inside.
- 6 medium flour tortillas: Room temperature tortillas roll without cracking. Microwave them for 15 seconds if they have been in the fridge.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Brushing the tops helps the cinnamon sugar stick and creates those golden patches everyone fights over.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Extra sugar on the exterior creates a crisp shell almost like a churro.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Toss this with the sugar until fully combined so some bites are not plain sugar.
Instructions
- Cook the apples until tender:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat then add apples sugar cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir frequently for 4 to 5 minutes until the apples soften and the juices turn into a light syrup. Let them cool slightly so they do not make the tortillas soggy.
- Fill and roll the tortillas:
- Spoon the apple mixture along one edge of each tortilla then roll tightly as if making a burrito. Place them seam side down on a parchment lined baking sheet so they do not unravel.
- Add the butter and cinnamon sugar:
- Brush the tops with melted butter then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over all the roll ups. Press gently so the coating sticks.
- Bake until golden:
- Bake at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp. Let them cool for a few minutes because the filling stays hot longer than the outside.
Save My dad usually claims he does not have much of a sweet tooth but after trying one of these he started asking when I would make them again. Something about the combination of warm spiced fruit and that crisp sugary exterior just works.
Making Them Ahead
You can assemble the roll ups earlier in the day and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake them right before serving so they stay warm and crisp. Do not add the cinnamon sugar coating until just before baking or it will get soggy.
Serving Ideas
Vanilla ice cream melted slightly over the top creates the best contrast with the warm spiced apples. A drizzle of caramel sauce or even a dusting of powdered sugar makes them feel fancy without extra work.
Easy Variations
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling for crunch. Pears or peaches work beautifully in place of apples if you want to switch up the flavor profile.
- Whole wheat tortillas add fiber and a slight nuttiness that pairs well with the spices.
- Try a pinch of cardamom in the apple mixture for something different.
- Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in a toaster oven.
Save These disappeared faster than any proper apple pie I have ever made. Sometimes the simplest twists end up being the ones everyone asks for again.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of apples work best for the filling?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their firm texture and balanced tartness, which hold up well during cooking.
- → Can I use whole wheat tortillas instead of flour ones?
Yes, whole wheat tortillas add fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor while maintaining the structure needed for roll-ups.
- → How can I add a crunchy texture inside the roll-ups?
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple mixture before rolling for a pleasant crunch.
- → What are some serving suggestions for these roll-ups?
Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.
- → Can pears or peaches be used as alternatives to apples?
Yes, substituting pears or peaches offers a different fruity flavor while still complementing the cinnamon sugar coating.