CopyCat: cinnamon twist

If you love the crunchy, sweet taste of Taco Bell's Cinnamon Twists, making them at home can be surprisingly simple and fun. The key ingredient, duros (also known as Mexican puffed wheat snacks), are what give these twists their light, airy crunch after frying. They puff up almost instantly in hot oil heated to 350°F, so watching closely during frying is essential to avoid burning. When I first tried making Cinnamon Twists, I didn’t have a deep fryer, so I used a heavy-bottomed pot with a candy thermometer to manage the temperature. Maintaining the oil at a steady 350°F ensured that the duros puffed up quickly without soaking excess oil, keeping the twists crispy rather than greasy. For the cinnamon sugar coating, mixing ground cinnamon and granulated sugar beforehand makes sprinkling them on effortless and evenly coated. I find lightly tossing the drizzled twists in a sugar bowl or using a fine sieve for even coverage works best. These twists make for a perfect quick dessert or snack to satisfy sweet cravings without needing complex ingredients or lengthy preparation. Plus, frying multiple batches is easy since duros fry in about 5 seconds after puffing. To keep them crispy, I drain them on a wire rack rather than paper towels. In terms of nutrition, each serving is moderate in calories and heavy on sugar and fat, typical for fried desserts, so enjoy them as an occasional treat. Experimenting with different spices mixed with the sugar—like nutmeg or a touch of chili powder—can add an exciting twist to this classic recipe. Overall, this copycat approach lets you enjoy a beloved Mexican-inspired snack made fresh at home with just a few pantry staples, adding a homemade touch to your snacking moments.