If you’ve ever craved the sweet, crispy delight of Taco Bell’s cinnamon twists but didn’t want to make a trip to the drive-thru, you’re in luck! These light, crunchy treats are surprisingly easy to recreate in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into how you can make Taco Bell cinnamon twists at home with just a few ingredients and simple steps.
What Makes Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists So Special?
Taco Bell’s cinnamon twists are not your typical cinnamon sugar snack. The secret lies in the base ingredient: a unique Mexican wheat pasta called duros de harina (also known as duritos). These twists puff up dramatically when fried, creating that airy, crispy texture that’s both light and addictive. Unlike regular dough or tortilla chips, duros transform into a crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth treat after frying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to gather before you start:
– Mexican Duros (twists) – This is the key ingredient. You can find these at Mexican grocery stores or online.
– Vegetable or Canola Oil – For frying, choose an oil with a high smoke point.
– Granulated Sugar – For the sweet coating.
– Ground Cinnamon – Adds that warm, spicy flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
That’s it! Just four simple ingredients for a snack that tastes just like the real deal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Twists
1. Prepare Your Frying Setup
Fill a large saucepan or deep fryer with enough oil to submerge the duros (about halfway full). Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Using a candy thermometer helps keep the temperature steady, which is crucial for perfect puffing.
2. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
While the oil heats, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a large bowl. This will be your coating for the twists after frying.
3. Fry the Duros
Carefully add about 1 cup of duros into the hot oil. They will sink initially but puff up quickly and float to the top. Once they have puffed and turned golden brown (usually within 20 seconds to a minute), use a slotted spoon or spider skimmer to remove them from the oil. Place the fried twists on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the duros are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are evenly coated. The warmth helps the sugar stick perfectly, giving you that signature sweet crunch.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once coated, your cinnamon twists are ready to snack on! They’re best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Cinnamon Twists
– Use a wire rack instead of paper towels for draining to keep the twists crisp.
– For an extra touch, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your cinnamon sugar mix for a subtle spicy kick.
– If you want to make them extra crunchy, you can briefly bake the coated twists in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
– Experiment with different shapes of duros if you want to try variations in texture and appearance.
Why Make Cinnamon Twists at Home?
Making cinnamon twists at home not only saves you a trip to Taco Bell but also lets you control the ingredients and customize the flavor. Plus, it’s a fun and quick project that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re preparing a sweet snack for a party or just satisfying a craving, homemade cinnamon twists hit the spot every time.
Now that you know the secret behind Taco Bell’s cinnamon twists and how to make them yourself, you can enjoy this crunchy, sweet treat anytime without leaving your kitchen. Happy frying!