Where can I find spiral duros if my grocery store doesn't carry them?

Look for duros (sometimes called duritos or pasta para duros) in Hispanic grocery stores, international markets, or online retailers like Amazon. They're inexpensive and come in various shapes, but the spiral ones work best for this copycat recipe.

Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?

Unfortunately, duros require the high heat and full immersion of oil to puff up properly. Air fryers don't create the same reaction, so deep frying is necessary for that authentic texture and expansion.

Why didn't my duros puff up completely?

The most common reason is oil temperature - if it's not hot enough (at least 350°F), the duros won't fully expand. Always use a thermometer to check. Also, make sure you're using fresh duros, as very old ones might not puff as well.

Can I make these less sweet?

Absolutely! You can control the sweetness by adjusting the amount of cinnamon sugar you use to coat them. You can also experiment with the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio to find your perfect balance of spice and sweetness.

Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Name: Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Vegetable oil (for frying); 4 ounces spiral-shaped duros; 1 cup cinnamon sugar

These crispy, sweet Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists transform simple duros pasta into a magical dessert treat that puffs up before your eyes when fried. Coated in a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar, these light, airy twists deliver that familiar crunch and sweetness we all crave, but right in your own kitchen. Ready in just 10 minutes from start to finish, they’re the perfect quick treat for satisfying sudden sweet tooth attacks or impressing friends with your fast food recreation skills!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbelievably Quick: From start to finish, you’ll have these delicious treats ready in under 10 minutes. Perfect for those sudden dessert cravings!
Budget-Friendly: Duros pasta is incredibly affordable, making this a fraction of the cost of the restaurant version while tasting just as good.
Fun to Make: There’s something genuinely magical about watching these plain pasta spirals transform into puffy twists in hot oil – it’s kitchen chemistry at its most entertaining!
Customizable: The basic recipe is fantastic, but you can easily adjust the sweetness or add different spices to make it your own creation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Vegetable Oil: The essential frying medium that creates the magical transformation. Make sure you have enough for about 1½ inches in your pan.
Spiral-shaped Duros: These wheat pellets are the secret ingredient that makes this recipe work! They look like plain pasta but transform completely when fried. You can find these in Hispanic food sections, international markets, or online.
Cinnamon Sugar: The perfect sweet coating that gives these twists their iconic flavor. You can buy it premixed or make your own by combining granulated sugar with ground cinnamon.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Flavor Twists

Spiced Sugar: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to your cinnamon sugar for a more complex flavor profile.
Churro Style: Mix in a little vanilla extract with your cinnamon sugar for that authentic churro flavor.
Spicy Sweet: A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper mixed into your cinnamon sugar creates an intriguing sweet-heat combination.

Dipping Options

Create a simple chocolate sauce, caramel, or vanilla glaze to dip your twists in for an extra decadent treat.
A side of sweetened condensed milk makes a deliciously creamy dipping option.

Party Presentation

For special occasions, drizzle the finished twists with melted chocolate and colorful sprinkles.

How to Make Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 1½ inches in a high-sided skillet or pot. Heat the oil to 350°F – using a thermometer here is crucial for perfect results.

Step 2: Fry the Duros

Carefully drop a small batch of spiral duros into the hot oil. Stand back and watch the magic happen as they instantly begin to puff up! This transformation takes only about 15 seconds, so keep your eyes on them.

Step 3: Drain

Using a slotted spoon, quickly remove the puffed twists from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined tray to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Repeat

Continue frying the remaining duros in small batches, maintaining the oil temperature between batches for consistent results.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While the twists are still warm (but not burning hot), toss them in batches in your cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure each twist gets an even coating of sweetness.

Step 6: Serve

Arrange your cinnamon twists on a serving plate and enjoy immediately while they’re fresh and crispy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Oil Temperature Matters: Too hot, and they’ll burn; too cool, and they’ll become greasy. A cooking thermometer is your friend here.
Small Batches Work Best: Frying just a handful at a time prevents them from sticking together and ensures even cooking.
Sugar While Warm: Toss the twists in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm, but not hot enough to melt the sugar. This helps the coating stick perfectly.
Prep Everything First: Have your draining station and cinnamon sugar mixture ready before you start frying – these cook so quickly you won’t have time to prepare mid-fry.
Keep Them Moving: Gently stir the duros with your slotted spoon as they fry to ensure they puff up evenly on all sides.

How to Serve

Best Enjoyed

These cinnamon twists are at their absolute best when served immediately after coating with cinnamon sugar, while they’re still warm and at maximum crispness.

Perfect Pairings

Serve with hot chocolate or Mexican hot chocolate for a cozy treat
Pair with vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of warm and cold
Enjoy with coffee or espresso for an afternoon pick-me-up

Presentation Ideas

Serve in a paper-lined basket for that authentic fast-food experience, or get fancy by stacking them in a tall glass or wide-mouthed jar for a beautiful display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These don’t freeze well due to their light, airy texture, so it’s best to make only what you plan to enjoy within a couple of days.

Reheating

If your twists have softened, you can recrisp them by placing in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Let them cool slightly before enjoying – they’ll regain some of their crunch!

Note: The uncooked duros can be stored indefinitely in an airtight container, so keep some on hand for whenever the craving strikes!

FAQs

Where can I find spiral duros if my grocery store doesn’t carry them?

Look for duros (sometimes called duritos or pasta para duros) in Hispanic grocery stores, international markets, or online retailers like Amazon. They’re inexpensive and come in various shapes, but the spiral ones work best for this copycat recipe.
Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?

Unfortunately, duros require the high heat and full immersion of oil to puff up properly. Air fryers don’t create the same reaction, so deep frying is necessary for that authentic texture and expansion.
Why didn’t my duros puff up completely?

The most common reason is oil temperature – if it’s not hot enough (at least 350°F), the duros won’t fully expand. Always use a thermometer to check. Also, make sure you’re using fresh duros, as very old ones might not puff as well.
Can I make these less sweet?

Absolutely! You can control the sweetness by adjusting the amount of cinnamon sugar you use to coat them. You can also experiment with the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio to find your perfect balance of spice and sweetness.

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists bring a touch of fast-food magic right to your kitchen, with results that might even surpass the original! There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching those simple pasta spirals transform into light, airy treats in seconds. Whether you’re satisfying a late-night craving, entertaining kids, or just looking for a quick dessert that doesn’t require turning on the oven, these cinnamon twists deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Give them a try – I guarantee the “wow factor” alone is worth heating up that oil!