The Best Cinnamon Twists are the kind of snack you just can't stop reaching for. I still remember the first time I ordered a bag through the drive-through window as a kid, eating them one by one on the way home. That sweet crunch was something else. The good news? These sweet cinnamon twists are shockingly easy to make in your own kitchen with just three simple ingredients, and they come together in about 11 minutes flat.
If you love cozy, cinnamon-sweet snacks, you're going to want to bookmark a few of these too: This Best Cheesecake Recipe, Cherry Chocolate Pancakes, Chocolate Mousse Brownies,Pistachio Raspberry Cake, and Mini Cheesecakes Recipe.
Why You'll Love These Sweet Cinnamon Twists
There are so many reasons these sweet cinnamon twists deserve a spot in your regular snack rotation.
They're incredibly fast. From start to finish, you're looking at about 11 minutes. No oven preheating, no chilling, no waiting.
Only three real ingredients. Sugar, cinnamon, and spiral duros. That's it. The oil doesn't count.
The texture is unreal. These sweet cinnamon twists are light and airy with a satisfying crunch that just doesn't get old.
Kids go absolutely wild for them. Whether you're serving them as an after-school snack or a fun dessert, sweet cinnamon twists disappear fast.
They taste exactly like the real thing, only fresher and crispier because you're eating them right away.
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Ingredients for Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists
Here's a quick look at what you'll need, and why each one matters for these sweet cinnamon twists.
Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): The base of the cinnamon-sugar coating. It sticks to the hot, freshly fried twists and creates that sweet, slightly crunchy shell that makes sweet cinnamon twists so irresistible.
Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The star flavor of the whole recipe. Warm, fragrant, and classic. Make sure your cinnamon is fresh for the best flavor payoff.
Spiral Duros (4 ounces): These are dried puffed wheat snacks, sometimes sold as pasta snacks at Latin grocery stores or online. When dropped into hot oil, they expand into the airy, crispy spirals that give these sweet cinnamon twists their signature look and crunch.
Vegetable Oil (for frying): Neutral in flavor and high in smoke point, vegetable oil is the right choice here. You'll need enough to fry the duros in batches without overcrowding the pot.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists
Short intro: These sweet cinnamon twists come together in just a few simple steps. Follow along and you'll have a warm, crunchy batch ready in no time.
Prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating: In a small bowl, stir together the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until fully combined. Set this aside so it's ready the moment your twists come out of the oil.
Heat the oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large pot or deep fryer to allow the duros to float freely. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one, because the right temperature is what makes these sweet cinnamon twists puff up properly rather than turning soggy or dark.
Fry the duros: Working in small batches of about 10 to 15 pieces at a time, lower the spiral duros into the hot oil. They'll start puffing up within seconds and will be fully expanded in about 1 minute. Keep a close eye on them. Once they're golden and puffed, scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any extra oil.
Toss in cinnamon-sugar: Once all your sweet cinnamon twists are fried and drained, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top and toss gently until every twist is evenly coated. Don't wait too long to do this step. The warmth of the freshly fried twists helps the sugar mixture cling to the surface beautifully.
Serve: Pile your sweet cinnamon twists into a bowl or paper bag for that full Taco Bell experience. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Substitutions and Variations
No spiral duros? Some people use uncooked rotini pasta in a pinch. The texture won't be identical, but the result is still a fun, crunchy sweet cinnamon twist.
Want more spice? Add a tiny pinch of cayenne or cardamom to your cinnamon-sugar mix for an unexpected kick.
Sweeter coating? Try powdered sugar instead of granulated for a softer, more melt-in-your-mouth finish on your sweet cinnamon twists.
Cooking spray method: If you'd prefer to skip the deep fry, some people lightly coat the raw duros with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes, then toss in cinnamon sugar. The texture is slightly different but still delicious.
Equipment You'll Need
Large mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl
Large pot or deep fryer
Slotted spoon
Paper towels
Storage Tips
These sweet cinnamon twists are honestly best eaten fresh, right after frying. The crunch is at its peak in the first hour.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. They'll soften a little, but the flavor stays great. Avoid refrigerating them, because moisture is the enemy of the crisp texture that makes sweet cinnamon twists so satisfying.
To re-crisp, spread them out on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Temperature matters most. If your oil is too cool, the duros will absorb grease instead of puffing up. If it's too hot, they'll brown too fast before expanding. Aim for 350°F every single time.
Don't overcrowd the pot. Frying too many pieces at once drops the oil temperature and leads to uneven sweet cinnamon twists. Small batches give you better results.
Toss while warm. The cinnamon-sugar sticks so much better to warm, freshly fried twists. Let them drain for just 30 seconds, then toss right away.
Find duros at the right store. Latin grocery stores, international food aisles, and Amazon all carry spiral duros. Look for the dried, uncooked variety, not the pre-puffed snack bags.
Double the batch. Honestly, sweet cinnamon twists go fast. If you're serving more than two people, use 8 ounces of duros and double your cinnamon-sugar.
FAQ
How do I keep my cinnamon swirl bread from separating?
The trick is to roll your dough tightly and pinch the seams firmly before baking. Also, make sure your filling isn't too wet or loaded with butter, because excess moisture creates gaps. This is more relevant to baked goods than to sweet cinnamon twists, but the family tip applies to both: patience during prep pays off in the final result.
What does it mean if a girl is called a cinnamon roll?
In slang, a "cinnamon roll" refers to someone who is sweet, soft-hearted, and genuinely kind. It's a compliment. Much like these sweet cinnamon twists, a cinnamon roll personality is warm, comforting, and hard not to love.
Are cinnamon twists healthy?
Sweet cinnamon twists are a fried snack, so they're definitely a treat rather than an everyday food. Each serving clocks in at around 305 calories with 20 grams of fat. They're great for an occasional indulgence, a fun snack night, or a copycat fast food craving at home.
How long should I reheat a cinnamon twist in the oven?
Spread your sweet cinnamon twists on a baking sheet and reheat at 300°F for about 5 minutes. That's usually enough to bring back some of the crunch without burning the sugar coating. Keep a close eye on them after the 3-minute mark.
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Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. prep
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to about 350°F. prep
- Carefully add the duros in batches of 10-15 pieces to the hot oil. Fry for about 1 minute or until puffed up. Use a slotted spoon to remove. bake
- Set the fried twists on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. finish
- Transfer the twists to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar blend over the twists and toss gently to coat. mix
- The cinnamon twists are now ready to be enjoyed! finish
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