# Cinnamon Sugar Crispy Sweet Potato Fries with Honey Butter Dip (Dessert Fries) > Crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries tossed in warm cinnamon-sugar and served with a silky honey-butter dip — a fun dessert twist on classic fries. Crunchy on the outside, tender inside, these dessert fries are perfect for sharing as a sweet snack or an after-dinner treat. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/cinnamon-sugar-crispy-sweet-potato-fries-honey-butter-dip ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: June 20, 2026 Last Updated: September 3, 2026 ## About This Recipe These cinnamon sugar sweet potato fries take the familiar comfort of fries and flip it into a shareable dessert. The secret to this version is the three simple texture tricks: a short soak to pull surface starch, a light dusting of cornstarch for an extra-crisp crust, and high-heat baking on a single layer (ideally on a wire rack) so each stick gets evenly bronzed. Tossing them in cinnamon-sugar while still hot lets the crystals cling and melt just enough to create a delicate, crackly coating, and a pinch of flaky salt at the end makes the sweetness sing. I like the honey-butter dip because it mirrors the fries’ richness without being cloying; a little powdered sugar stabilizes the emulsion while vanilla and a whisper of salt round it out. This recipe is made for casual entertaining — think movie night, game day, or a playful finish to a backyard meal — but it’s equally satisfying for a cozy solo dessert. Because these fries lose crispness as they cool, treat them like any great fried dessert: best fresh, with an easy plan to revive them in a hot oven if you make extras. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 40 minutes - Cook Time: 30 minutes - Total Time: 70 minutes - Servings: 2 - Difficulty: Medium - Category: Desserts ## Ingredients ### Slice and soak the sweet potatoes - 2 medium Sweet potatoes (medium) ### Coat with cornstarch, oil, and salt - 2 tbsp Cornstarch - 2 tbsp Neutral oil (vegetable or canola) - 1 tsp Kosher salt ### Toss in cinnamon-sugar - 3 tbsp Granulated sugar - 2 tsp Ground cinnamon ### Make the honey-butter dip - 4 tbsp Unsalted butter (for dip) - 3 tbsp Honey - 2 tbsp Powdered sugar - 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract ## Instructions ### 1. Slice and soak the sweet potatoes Peel (optional) and cut the sweet potatoes into 1/4–1/2-inch thick sticks for even cooking. Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water and soak for 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up in the oven; drain and pat completely dry with a clean towel. ### 2. Coat with cornstarch, oil, and salt In a large bowl, toss the dried sweet potato sticks with the cornstarch until evenly coated, then add the oil and kosher salt and toss again so each fry has a thin, even coating. Spread the fries out on a baking sheet while you preheat the oven so they don't stick together. ### 3. Bake until golden and crisp Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or place a wire rack on the sheet for airflow. Arrange fries in a single layer (don’t overcrowd), bake 12–15 minutes, flip or shake the pan, then continue baking another 10–15 minutes until edges are golden and crisp. ### 4. Toss in cinnamon-sugar While fries are still warm, whisk the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together in a small bowl. Transfer fries to a large bowl, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar over them, and gently toss to coat evenly so the sugar clings to the hot exterior. ### 5. Make the honey-butter dip Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl, then whisk in the honey, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of kosher salt until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness; keep warm or serve at room temperature alongside the fries for dipping. ### 6. Plate and serve immediately Arrange the cinnamon-sugar fries on a serving platter, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky salt if desired, and serve hot with the honey-butter dip. These are best enjoyed immediately while crisp; leftovers can be reheated in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to refresh. ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (about 2 cups): - Calories: 564 kcal - Protein: 4 g - Carbohydrates: 108.1 g - Fat: 13.8 g - Saturated Fat: 12.1 g - Trans Fat: 0 g - Fiber: 6.9 g - Sugar: 46 g - Added Sugars: 33.8 g - Cholesterol: 3 mg - Sodium: 1014 mg - Potassium: 492 mg - Calcium: 82 mg - Iron: 1.3 mg - Vitamin D: 0 mcg ## Tips ### Soak for crispness Soak cut fries in cold water for 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch; this prevents gluey edges and helps the cornstarch coating crisp evenly. ### Dry completely Pat the fries bone-dry before coating—any surface moisture will steam in the oven and ruin the crunch. ### Use cornstarch sparingly Two tablespoons gives a thin, crisp shell—too much creates a gummy or powdery texture, so toss just until evenly dusted. ### Space them out Bake in a single layer with room between fries (or use a wire rack) to allow hot air circulation; overcrowding leads to soggy middles. ### Toss while hot Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar immediately after the fries come from the oven so it adheres and forms a light glaze instead of falling off. ## Variations and Substitutions ### Vegan honey butter Swap vegan butter and use maple syrup in place of honey to keep the dip plant-based while maintaining the rich, sweet profile. ### Caramel-drizzled fries For a more decadent finish, drizzle warm salted caramel over the cinnamon-sugar fries and skip the honey-butter dip. ### Spiced citrus twist Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the cinnamon-sugar and a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg for a brighter, more aromatic flavor. ### Savory-sweet version For a party snack, halve the sugar, add smoked paprika to the coating, and serve with a tangy yogurt-honey dip for a sweet-savory contrast. ## Notes ### Storage and Make-Ahead Leftover fries will soften as they cool—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the dip in a separate small jar. To refresh, spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes until re-crisped; briefly warm the dip on the stove or microwave before serving. ### Serving Suggestions Serve these fries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of chilled mascarpone for a true dessert feel, or pair them with salted caramel for dipping instead of the honey-butter. For beverages, try a robust cold brew or a spiced chai if you want nonalcoholic options, or a lightly sweet late-harvest Riesling or an amber ale for adult company. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I air-fry these sweet potato fries? Yes—air fry at 380°F (190°C) for about 12–18 minutes, shaking halfway, but reduce the cornstarch by a half teaspoon if you notice a powdery coating; toss in cinnamon-sugar while still hot from the basket. ### Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes? Peeling is optional; leaving the skin on adds texture, nutrients, and a rustic look, but peel if you prefer a smoother bite or if skins are thick or blemished. ### Why is cornstarch used instead of flour? Cornstarch yields a lighter, crisper crust than all-purpose flour because it forms a thin, brittle coating that browns cleanly at high oven temperatures. ### How can I prevent the sugar from turning gritty? Toss the fries in the cinnamon-sugar immediately after baking while they’re still hot so the sugar partially melts and adheres; avoid over-mixing, which can dislodge dissolved sugar and leave granules behind. ### Can I make the honey-butter dip ahead? Yes—the dip can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated; bring it to room temperature and whisk or gently warm before serving so it’s silky and dippable. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Ninja Slushy Soft Serve Mango Sorbet Bowl with Lime](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/ninja-slushy-soft-serve-mango-sorbet-bowl-lime) - [Yuzu Matcha Gelato](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/yuzu-matcha-gelato) - [Ninja Keto Avocado Lime Soft Serve — Low Sugar Slushy](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/ninja-keto-avocado-lime-soft-serve-low-sugar-slushy) - [Easy Peanut Butter Bars](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/easy-peanut-butter-bars) - [Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/chocolate-peanut-butter-chex-mix) - [Molten Lemon Cake](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/molten-lemon-cake) - [Grilled & Campfire Seasonal Sweets: 12 Crowd‑Favorite Desserts and How to Make Them Year‑Round](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/grilled-campfire-seasonal-sweets-12-recipes-year-round) - [Summer Weeknight Grilling Playbook: 4-Week Rotating Meal Plan with Quick Seasonal Recipes, Make‑Ahead Sides & Grill‑First Desserts](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/summer-weeknight-grilling-playbook-4-week-plan) - [Gluten-Free Weeknight Grilling Plan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/gluten-free-weeknight-grilling-plan)