If you’ve ever pulled through the Taco Bell drive-thru in the morning (or late at night), you’ve probably been tempted by those little round treasures known as Cinnabon Delights.
These heavenly treats are bite-sized donut holes, deep-fried until golden, then rolled in cinnamon sugar and filled with a warm, melty vanilla cream that tastes like the center of a Cinnabon.
Now, you can skip the drive-thru and make them at home! This copycat Taco Bell Cinnabon Delights recipe delivers the same crispy outside and gooey inside combo, using simple ingredients and a few tricks to get the signature taste and texture. They’re perfect for brunch, dessert, or just treating yourself on a cozy weekend.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These homemade Cinnabon Delights are crispy, fluffy, and filled with real vanilla cream that’s every bit as indulgent as the original—but with even more flavor because you made it from scratch.
What’s even better? They fry up in just a few minutes, and the vanilla filling can be made ahead of time so you’re always a few steps from a warm, gooey treat. Whether you’re making a batch for a family brunch or a special dessert for the kids, these are guaranteed to disappear fast.
What You’ll Need
For the Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Filling
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (more if needed for texture)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Pro Tips
- Use a small cookie scoop to portion dough evenly for consistent cooking.
- Fry at 350–365°F to ensure a golden outside and cooked-through center.
- Cool slightly before filling—too hot and the filling melts too quickly.
- Use a piping bag with a small round tip for neat filling.
- Chill the filling for at least 30 minutes for easier piping.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Piping bag with round tip
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Deep saucepan or fryer
- Paper towels
- Fry thermometer
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives.
- Flavor twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough or a splash of maple extract to the filling.
- Air fryer option: These can be air fried at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, but won’t have the same crispy shell.
- Filled with chocolate: Swap the vanilla cream for Nutella or chocolate ganache.
Make Ahead Tips
- Make the filling up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate.
- Prepare dough and chill for 1–2 hours to firm up before frying.
- Fried donut holes can be stored unfrosted in an airtight container for 1 day and reheated in the oven.
How to Make Taco Bell Cinnabon Delights
Step 1: Make the Vanilla Filling
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Beat until creamy. Chill for 30 minutes in the fridge.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Heat Oil
Pour 2 inches of oil into a heavy-bottomed pan. Heat to 350–365°F, checking with a thermometer.
Step 4: Fry the Donut Holes
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, roll each donut hole in a bowl of cinnamon sugar until coated.
Step 6: Fill and Serve
Once slightly cooled, use a piping bag to inject each donut with vanilla filling. Serve warm and gooey.
Leftovers and Storage
- Best fresh: These are best eaten warm the day they’re made.
- Fridge: Store leftover filled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm briefly in the oven or air fryer to crisp up the outside.
- Do not freeze after filling: The texture will change. Freeze unfilled donut holes if needed.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use canned biscuit dough instead?
Yes! While homemade is tastier, canned biscuit dough works for a shortcut—just cut into small pieces and fry.
2. Do I need a piping bag to fill them?
It’s easiest, but you can also use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped and a skewer to make a small hole.
3. Can I bake instead of fry?
You can bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, but the texture will be more like a muffin than a donut.
4. What kind of cream cheese works best?
Use full-fat block cream cheese for the richest, smoothest filling.
Crispy Shell, Creamy Center, Made with Love
These Taco Bell Cinnabon Delights copycats are everything you love about the original—crispy, cinnamon-sweet outsides with a warm vanilla filling inside—but better, because they’re made by you.
They’re perfect for brunches, holidays, or a weekend baking project with the kids. So grab your piping bag and get ready to impress—then leave a comment and tell me how quickly they disappeared at your house!
