Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists

Total Time Prep: 10 min. Cook: 2 min./batch
Yield 6 servings
Sweet and crunchy copycat Taco Bell cinnamon twists are ridiculously easy to make at home, so skip the drive-thru!

Ingredients

  • Oil for deep-fat frying
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 ounces spiral duros (about 1 overflowing cup)
  • Pinch salt

Directions

  1. Pour oil into a large pot, Dutch oven or deep fryer to a depth of 2-3 in. Heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350° on a digital thermometer.
  2. While the oil heats, stir sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl; set aside. Line a cooling rack with paper towels.
  3. Using a slotted spoon, place a scoop of duros into the hot oil; once the duros float, cook 10-15 seconds or until duros are completely puffed and crisp. Use the slotted spoon to remove from the oil; transfer to the paper towel-lined rack. Repeat this step with the remaining duros, checking the oil temperature between batches to be sure it remains at 350°.
  4. While still warm, transfer fried duros to a large bowl; sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Use a large spoon to toss the duros until completely coated.
  5. Serve the cinnamon twists immediately. To store them, transfer the cooled twists to a sealed container. Store them at room temperature for 3-4 days.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 223 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.

The secret to making light-as-air copycat Taco Bell cinnamon twists at home is a special pasta called duros that fries up in seconds. The crispy texture is delectable when coated with sugar and spice. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Recipe Creator
Community Cook