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.
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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.
These days, I keep a bag of duros on hand—homemade cinnamon twists have become 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—spiral duros, rotini-style, or even tiny wagon wheels that almost look like little sliced tomatoes. Duros traditionally come in a range of whimsical forms: petite worms, twisty pellets, flat sheets, and even small 1-inch squares. Some pre-seasoned duros can be microwaved, but for that classic puffed texture like Taco Bell’s, frying (or air-frying) works best, creating a light, crunchy snack. For a traditional twist, try sprinkling your freshly cooked duros with chili powder and a squeeze of lime. Or, if you’re making a bigger batch for family and friends, fry them up for an irresistibly crispy treat.
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.
How To Make Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists?
- Mix the Cinnamon Sugar: Combine sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This cinnamon sugar mixture will give your twists that signature flavor.
- 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.)
- 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.
- 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.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the twists are still warm, sprinkle them generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Toss gently to coat every surface.
- 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.
How to Tell If Your Frying Oil Has Gone Bad
Ever wonder if your oil is on its last legs? It’s surprisingly easy to spot the signs:
- Smell Test: Fresh oil should smell neutral or just slightly like the oil itself. If you notice a sharp, burnt, or just plain unpleasant odor floating through the kitchen (or stubbornly clinging to your house for hours), that’s a red flag that your oil has overheated and broken down.
- Taste Trouble: If your first batch of twists comes out tasting a little bitter or just “off,” the culprit could be old or burnt oil.
- Smoke Signals: If your oil starts to smoke before you even add anything to the pot, it’s too hot—or past its prime entirely. Lower the heat, swap for fresh oil, and you’re back in crispy business.
- Appearance: Take a peek—if the oil is dark, murky, or full of little flecks that didn’t come from your duros, it’s probably time to toss it. Darkened oil often means it’s been used at too high a temperature or for too long.
Pro tip: For perfectly puffed duros, stick to an oil temperature of around 350°F. If you see (or smell!) any of the signs above, swap in fresh oil for the best results.
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.
- Dipping Fun: After coating your duros in cinnamon sugar, take things up a notch by serving them with a side of caramel or chocolate hummus for dipping. It’s like a churro meets dessert fondue—messy, sweet, and irresistible.
- 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.
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.
Most duros are made from a wheat flour base, though some varieties may include corn flour. Because of that, they’re not always gluten-free. You’ll usually find them in Mexican grocery stores or in the international aisle of larger supermarkets, often in spiral or wagon wheel shapes.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Pro tip: Always check the label if you’re cooking gluten-free, as ingredients can vary by brand.
What sets duros apart is the way they transform in hot oil—they puff up dramatically in just 10–20 seconds, turning from hard little spirals into crispy, crunchy bites. Just remember: regular pasta won’t work as a substitute. Once puffed, duros are ready for a generous toss in cinnamon sugar and a quick trip down memory lane.
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.
Do You Need to Cook the Duros Before Frying?
Nope, there’s no need to pre-cook the duros! You use them straight from the bag, just drop the uncooked duros right into hot oil. They’ll magically puff up in seconds, transforming from hard little spirals to the airy, crispy twists you remember from Taco Bell. Trust me, watching it happen is half the fun! Just be sure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) so they cook up light and crispy every time.
Can You Make These Sugar-Free?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to curb the sugar but still want all the cinnamon-y magic, you can swap out regular sugar for your favorite alternative sweetener—think monk fruit, erythritol, or Swerve. Just keep in mind, the texture may turn out a tad different, and some sweeteners melt or cling better than others. Mix your sweetener of choice with cinnamon and coat the puffy duros as usual. It’s a guilt-free twist that’s perfect for anyone wanting to skip the sugar but not the fun.
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!
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!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 ounces spiral-shaped duros
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly blended and set aside for later use.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- While the duros are still warm, generously sprinkle them with the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
- 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
Nutrition
More Fast Food Favorites to Make at Home
Love recreating restaurant classics? Here are some more crave-worthy copycat recipes to try in your kitchen:
- Creamy, tangy chicken dipping sauce inspired by everyone’s drive-thru favorite.
- Simple avocado toast with all the toppings—just like your morning coffee run.
- Crispy, juicy fried chicken that rivals any bucket meal.
- Mini slider-style burgers, perfect for a backyard picnic or quick dinner.
- Savory, spiced rice that makes a great side for any Southern-inspired meal.
- That signature zesty dipping sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Mix and match these with your homemade cinnamon twists for the ultimate fast food feast—without ever leaving home!
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!
