Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists Recipe

by Adam
Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists recipe

Craving that light, crispy crunch from Taco Bell? These cinnamon twists are airy, sweet, and surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. No need to guess what’s in them or risk soggy substitutes. We’re using the real base: duros de harina. They puff into golden spirals in seconds and soak up that classic cinnamon sugar just like the fast food favorite.

Perfect as a sweet snack or fun party treat, this copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists recipe delivers the same satisfying texture and nostalgic flavor with fewer ingredients and more freshness. No drive-thru needed.

How to make Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists

Taco Bell’s cinnamon twists might look like pasta, but the magic is in the duros. These wheat-based spirals puff instantly in hot oil, turning into crunchy, airy bites. The process is quick, easy, and surprisingly fun to watch.

You’ll just need a few pantry staples and about 10 minutes to make a full batch. As long as you’ve got the right base ingredient, you’ll get that signature twist and snap every time.

Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists recipe

Ingredients, instructions and tips

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 170 per serving

Ingredients

Tools

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
  2. Fill a medium pot with 2 to 3 cups of vegetable oil. Heat the oil to 350°F.
  3. Carefully add a small handful of duros to the hot oil. They will puff up in 10 to 15 seconds. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
  4. Once fully puffed, remove the twists with a slotted spoon. Drain briefly on paper towels.
  5. While still warm, toss the twists in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
  6. Repeat with remaining duros in small batches.

Tips

  • Only use authentic duros, not pasta. Pasta won’t puff and will burn.
  • Always fry in small batches to avoid oil temperature drops.
  • Coat twists while warm for the best sugar stick.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days (they’re best fresh).

What to serve with the dish

These copycat Taco Bell cinnamon twists pair well with:

  • Iced coffee or horchata for contrast
  • Spicy or savory snacks like nachos or jalapeño poppers
  • A fast food copycat night menu with tacos, burritos, or cheesy roll-ups
  • Movie night or kid-friendly parties with other easy finger foods

For a more dessert-style twist, drizzle a little chocolate syrup over the top or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredient substitutes

  1. Duros de Harina
    Original Ingredient: Wheat-based duros
    Substitutes:
    • Spiral chicharrones de harina: Nearly identical, often labeled differently.
    • Cannot use pasta: Even rotini or fusilli will not puff. Avoid.
  2. Granulated Sugar
    Original Ingredient: White sugar
    Substitutes:
    • Coconut sugar: For a light caramel flavor
    • Monk fruit sweetener: A low-calorie alternative
    • Maple sugar: A richer twist, though slightly more coarse
  3. Ground Cinnamon
    Original Ingredient: Cassia cinnamon powder
    Substitutes:
    • Ceylon cinnamon: Milder and more floral
    • Pumpkin spice: Adds extra warmth
    • Cocoa powder: Use with sugar for a chocolate variation
  4. Vegetable Oil
    Original Ingredient: Canola or soybean oil
    Substitutes:
    • Peanut oil: Great for frying, high smoke point
    • Sunflower oil: Neutral flavor
    • Air fryer: You can try puffing duros with dry heat, but results will vary
  5. Toppings
    Original Ingredient: Cinnamon sugar
    Substitutes:
    • Powdered sugar: For a lighter, meltier coating
    • Churro seasoning: Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove
    • Chili-lime sugar: A sweet-spicy twist for adults
Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists recipe

Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists recipe

Serves: 4 Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 170 calories 20 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

1 cup duros de harina (Mexican wheat pellets)

½ cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Vegetable oil for frying (about 2–3 cups)

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

Fill a medium pot with 2 to 3 cups of vegetable oil. Heat the oil to 350°F.

Carefully add a small handful of duros to the hot oil. They will puff up in 10 to 15 seconds. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Once fully puffed, remove the twists with a slotted spoon. Drain briefly on paper towels.

While still warm, toss the twists in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated.

Repeat with remaining duros in small batches.

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