Pin It Last autumn my roommate walked in while I was microwaving a frozen burrito and said we should learn to actually cook something nice. That weekend we accidentally made way too much apple pie filling for a proper crust so we wrapped the extras in some stale tortillas from the back of the cupboard. Those messy experimental roll-ups disappeared faster than anything else we made that season.
I brought a batch to a potluck last winter and watched my friends neighbor who claims to dislike baked goods eat three in a row while standing by the kitchen counter. Something about the familiar flavors in such an unpretentious form makes people feel comfortable helping themselves to seconds without thinking twice.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples: Granny Smith hold their texture best but Honeycrisp bring natural sweetness that balances the sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: This draws moisture out of the apples to create that syrupy coating we want
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Freshly grated whole cinnamon hits differently than the preground stuff sitting in your pantry
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way so do not be tempted to double this amount
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Use real butter here because the flavor carries through the entire filling
- 6 medium flour tortillas: Slightly stale ones actually crisp up better than fresh ones
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Brush this generously so the cinnamon sugar has something to cling to
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: This creates that signature crunchy exterior that makes these irresistible
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Toss this with the sugar until perfectly combined before sprinkling
Instructions
- Warm up your kitchen:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks later.
- Make the apple filling sing:
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat then add the diced apples sugar cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook for about five minutes until the apples soften and the juices turn into a glossy syrup then set aside to cool for a few minutes.
- Assemble the roll-ups:
- Lay out each tortilla and spoon a line of the apple mixture along one edge. Roll them up tightly like you would wrap a burrito and place them seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add the finishing touches:
- Brush the tops with melted butter then mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture generously over each roll-up until they are well coated.
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp to the touch. Let them cool for just a few minutes before serving because the filling holds serious heat.
Pin It My daughter started requesting these for her birthday instead of cake because she says they feel like a special treat without being too fancy. Now we make them together on snow days when we want something warm from the oven but do not want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Getting the Texture Right
The difference between okay and amazing comes down to how the apples soften in the skillet. You want them tender but still holding their shape not turning into applesauce. Watch for that moment when they become translucent around the edges and smell strongly of cinnamon.
Serving Ideas That Work
These shine brightest when served warm but they are still surprisingly good at room temperature for picnics or packed lunches. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top creates those classic flavor contrasts everyone loves but a simple dusting of powdered sugar works perfectly fine too.
Making Them Your Own
Once you get the basic method down you will start seeing possibilities everywhere. The recipe adapts easily to other fruits and the tortilla wrapper concept works with almost any filling combination you can imagine.
- Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts inside the roll-ups before baking for extra crunch
- Pears or peaches work beautifully when you want something different from apples
- Whole wheat tortillas add nuttiness and fiber if you want to make them slightly more substantial
Pin It Hope these bring as much easy joy to your kitchen as they have to mine. Happy baking.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of apples work best?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp hold their texture well and balance the spices nicely.
- → Can I use whole wheat tortillas?
Yes, whole wheat tortillas add fiber and a nuttier flavor, complementing the spiced apple filling.
- → How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Cooking the apple filling until juices are syrupy and brushing the tortillas with melted butter before baking helps keep them crisp.
- → What variations can I try?
Substitute apples with pears or peaches, or add nuts inside for extra texture and flavor.
- → How should I serve these roll-ups?
Serve warm as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream for added indulgence.