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.
Table of Contents
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.

Ingredients, instructions and tips
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 170 per serving
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)
Tools
- Medium saucepan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon or metal strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels
- Heat-safe tongs
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.
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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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

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.