How To Make Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists Recipe

A bowl of cinnamon twists served as a sweet, crunchy snack.

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Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists made at home! Crispy duros coated in cinnamon sugar, fried to perfection. Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or satisfying your sweet tooth, these crispy snacks come together in no time.

Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists

Let me take you back to a road trip I took with my family when I was a kid. We’d been driving for hours, and just as the crankiness started to set in, we pulled into a Taco Bell. Now, I don’t remember much about the tacos, but the Cinnamon Twists? They were a revelation. Crispy, sweet, and light as air—what more could you want when you’re stuck in a minivan with your siblings? Back then, I had no idea how easy it would be to recreate Taco Bell’s menu items like their famous cinnamon twists right in my own kitchen!

Fast forward to adulthood, and I found myself craving those twists on a random Tuesday. A quick Taco Bell run wasn’t in the cards, so I thought, Why not try making them myself? I tracked down duros (those little spiral-shaped wonders), and the rest is history. Watching them puff up in hot oil is still one of the most satisfying kitchen experiences ever.

Now, these homemade Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists are a staple in my house. Whether it’s for a snack, dessert, or just a little throwback treat, they always deliver. Bonus: My kids think I’m a magician when I make them, and honestly? I kind of feel like one too.

Why You’ll Love This Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists Recipe?

So, why should you make these? Let me count the reasons:

  • Quick and Easy: You’ll go from craving to snacking in about 10 minutes. You can even make these in an air fryer for a slightly healthier take.
  • Simple Ingredients: All you need are duros, oil, sugar, and cinnamon.
  • Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love watching the duros puff up—it’s like magic!
  • Budget-Friendly: A bag of duros costs next to nothing and makes a ton of twists.
  • Customizable: You can tweak the sweetness or add your own twist (pun intended).
  • Shape: Experiment with different shapes, like spiral duros or the shape of rotini, to make your twists truly unique.

A bowl of cinnamon twists served as a sweet, crunchy snack.

Ingredient Notes:

This recipe is as straightforward as it gets, but here’s a closer look at what makes it work:

  • Duros: These spiral duros puff up beautifully when fried, creating that light, crispy texture you love in Taco Bell’s Cinnamon Twists. If you can’t find them locally, check Mexican markets or online shops.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness, of course. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
  • Ground Cinnamon: The perfect pairing for sugar—it gives that warm, comforting flavor. Use fresh cinnamon for the best results.
  • Vegetable Oil: Essential for frying. Make sure it’s hot enough (350°F) for the duros to puff properly. For best results, fry the duros in canola oil over medium heat until they’re golden brown and perfectly crispy.

Light and crispy cinnamon twists arranged on a platter with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar.

How To Make Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists?

  1. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar: Combine sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This cinnamon sugar mixture will give your twists that signature flavor.
  2. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat it to 350°F. (If you don’t have a thermometer, drop in a single duro to test—it should puff up within seconds.)
  3. Fry the Duros: Carefully add about 15 duros to the hot oil. Nothing happens at first, and then, like magic, they puff up into crispy spirals. As the duros puff up, they’ll float to the top of the oil. Fry them for a few seconds longer to ensure they’re cooked through.
  4. Drain the Oil: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the twists to a wire rack or paper towels. This step keeps them crispy by removing excess oil.
  5. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the twists are still warm, sprinkle them generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Toss gently to coat every surface.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the twists to a bowl or plate and serve immediately. They’re best when fresh and warm, but honestly, they’re delicious at any temperature.

A plate of crispy, golden cinnamon twists dusted with sugar and cinnamon.

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Storage Options:

If you have leftovers (unlikely!), here’s how to store them:

  • Room Temperature: Store in a Ziplock bag or an airtight container to maintain their crispy texture for 2-3 days.
  • Reheat: To refresh their crispiness, pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.
  • Freezing: Not ideal—the texture doesn’t hold up well after freezing.

Variations and Substitutions:

Feeling creative? Here are some ways to mix things up:

  • Chocolate-Coated: Drizzle or dip the twists in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
  • Spiced Sugar: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon sugar for a seasonal twist.
  • Savory Option: For a sweet twist, try dusting the duros in a cinnamon sugar mixture, then pairing them with caramel or chocolate hummus for dipping.
  • Baked Version: Bake the duros at 400°F until puffed if you want to avoid frying. 
  • Air-Fryer: You can also use an air fryer to achieve a similar crispy snack with less oil.

Close-up of cinnamon twists piled high, highlighting their airy texture and sugary coating.

What to Serve with Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists?

These crispy, sweet treats are great on their own, but pairing them can make them even better:

  • Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A warm drink balances the sweetness perfectly.
  • Ice Cream: Use the twists as a topping or dip them in vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert.
  • Churro-Inspired Dip: Pair with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
  • Mexican-Themed Dinner: These sweet treats are a fun complement to flour tortillas, tacos, or even churros on your Taco Tuesday spread.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are duros, and where can I find them?
Sometimes labeled as pasta para duros, they’re not your regular pasta or traditional pasta, as they’re made specifically to puff when fried.

Can I make these without frying?
Yes! You can try air-frying them or baking them, though they may not achieve the exact crispy texture as frying.

How do I keep them crispy?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid humidity, which can make them soggy.

Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists are more than just a snack—they’re a little slice of nostalgia, a sprinkle of fun, and a whole lot of delicious. Try making them at home, and let me know how they turn out. Better yet, put your own twist on them (pun intended) and share your creations—I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Perfectly fried cinnamon twists with a golden brown color and a sparkling sugar coating.

Next time you’re craving a crunchy snack or looking for a delicious dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, this easy recipe is here to save the day!

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Close-up of cinnamon twists piled high, highlighting their airy texture and sugary coating.

Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists are a delightful homemade snack, featuring crispy puffed duros coated in cinnamon sugar. Ready in minutes!
4 Servings

Ingredients

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 4 ounces spiral-shaped duros

Instructions
 

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly blended and set aside for later use.
  2. Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, ensuring there is enough oil to submerge the duros completely. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain an accurate temperature.
  3. Carefully add approximately 15 duros to the hot oil at a time. For the first few seconds, no changes will be visible. However, they will quickly puff up into airy spirals. Allow the duros to cook for an additional 5 seconds after puffing to ensure they are fully cooked.
  4. Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried duros from the oil and transfer them to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  5. While the duros are still warm, generously sprinkle them with the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
  6. Transfer the coated cinnamon twists to a serving dish and enjoy them fresh and crispy. They pair wonderfully with coffee, hot chocolate, or as a standalone treat.

Notes

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as duros are typically made from puffed wheat or corn. However, verify the packaging to ensure no cross-contamination with gluten-containing products.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
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< Hi, I'm Bitty! >

I'm Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my "About Me" page for more info!

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