Taco Bell Cinnamon Twist Recipe: Copycat Home Version

Yes, you can recreate Taco Bell's popular Cinnamon Twists at home with this authentic copycat recipe. The key ingredients are flour tortillas, cinnamon, sugar, and vegetable oil for frying. Properly cut and fried tortilla strips, then coated in the signature cinnamon-sugar mixture, yield results nearly identical to the fast-food version.

If you've ever craved Taco Bell's addictive Cinnamon Twists after a meal but wanted to make them at home, this tested recipe delivers the same crispy, sweet treat you love. These golden-brown spirals of fried tortilla coated in cinnamon sugar have been a menu staple since the 1990s, and with the right technique, you can recreate them in your kitchen without special equipment.

What Are Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists?

Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists are a beloved dessert item consisting of thin strips of flour tortilla that are fried until crisp, then generously coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Unlike churros which use piped dough, Cinnamon Twists start with standard flour tortillas cut into specific shapes that create their distinctive spiral appearance when fried.

Authentic Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists Ingredients

This copycat Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The ingredient proportions are calibrated to match the distinctive flavor profile of the original.

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Flour tortillas (8-inch)	4	Standard supermarket brand works best
Vegetable oil	2 cups	For frying - canola or peanut oil also work
Granulated sugar	1/2 cup	Essential for the signature coating
Ground cinnamon	1 1/2 tsp	Freshly ground provides best flavor
Butter (melted)	1 tbsp	Helps coating adhere properly

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect homemade Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists every time. The process takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Cutting the Tortillas

Stack four 8-inch flour tortillas and cut them into 6 equal wedges, creating pizza-slice shapes. Then cut each wedge lengthwise to create thin strips. Separate the layers so you have individual strips ready for frying.

Frying Technique

Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a medium skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry 6-8 strips at a time for 20-30 seconds per side until golden brown and puffed. The key to authentic Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists is maintaining the proper oil temperature - too cool and they'll be greasy, too hot and they'll burn before cooking through.

Coating Process

While the twists are still warm, place them in a large bowl with melted butter and toss gently. In a separate small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered twists and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Twists

Mastering this homemade Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists recipe requires attention to detail. These professional cooking tips ensure restaurant-quality results:

• Oil temperature is critical - Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F throughout frying
• Don't overcrowd the pan - Fry in small batches to maintain consistent temperature
• Serve immediately - Cinnamon Twists lose crispness as they cool
• Fresh tortillas work best - Stale tortillas won't create the proper spiral shape
• Double-coat for extra flavor - Some fans prefer two light coatings of cinnamon sugar

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When attempting to recreate Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists at home, several pitfalls can compromise your results:

• Using corn tortillas instead of flour (they won't twist properly)
• Incorrect oil temperature leading to greasy or burnt twists
• Applying coating while twists are too hot (melts the sugar)
• Using pre-cut tortilla chips instead of fresh tortillas
• Skipping the butter step (coating won't adhere properly)

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your homemade Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists as a standalone treat or pair them with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an à la mode dessert
• Drizzled with caramel or chocolate sauce
• Bundled with a coffee or hot chocolate
• As part of a Mexican-inspired dessert platter

Nutritional Information

A standard serving of four homemade Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists contains approximately:

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 3g

Note that this is slightly lower in calories than the restaurant version due to controlled oil absorption in home frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists instead of frying?

While baking produces a healthier version, it won't replicate the authentic texture. The signature crispness comes from deep frying. If you must bake, brush tortilla strips with oil and bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, but expect a different texture than the fried version.

Why aren't my homemade Cinnamon Twists twisting properly?

This usually happens when the oil temperature is incorrect or when using stale tortillas. Fresh tortillas at proper oil temperature (350°F) will naturally twist as they fry. Ensure your tortillas are pliable and the oil is consistently hot throughout frying.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon Twists?

Cinnamon Twists are best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To restore crispness, reheat in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Avoid refrigeration as it creates moisture that ruins the texture.

What's the difference between Cinnamon Twists and churros?

Cinnamon Twists use pre-made flour tortillas cut into strips, while churros are made from piped choux pastry dough. Cinnamon Twists have a flakier texture and are generally thinner than churros, which have a denser, doughier consistency throughout.

Can I make gluten-free Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists?

Yes, use gluten-free flour tortillas as your base. Many brands now make suitable alternatives that behave similarly when fried. The coating mixture is naturally gluten-free, so the main substitution is in the tortilla component.