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Cinnabon Delights
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Cinnabon Delights

Cinnabon Delights are irresistible bite-sized pastries inspired by Taco Bell’s popular dessert. These treats feature a creamy Cinnabon frosting encased in a crispy, sugary exterior. The combination of smooth, sweet filling and crunchy coating delivers a delightful mix of textures and the classic cinnamon flavor that Cinnabon is renowned for.
Course Dessert, Snack
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 24 bites

Ingredients

  • 4 oz Cream Cheese
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1/3 cup Confectioners' Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/3 cup Sugar
  • 32 oz Frozen Dinner Rolls
  • Vegetable Oil
  • 1/4 tsp Salt

Instructions

Thaw & Cut Dough

  • Let the frozen dinner rolls sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes until thawed and pliable.
  • Place each thawed roll on a cutting board and carefully slice them in half to create smaller, bite-sized portions.
  • Gently mold each halved roll back into a spherical shape to resemble classic Cinnabon Delights.

Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture

  • In a medium bowl, combine 4 oz softened cream cheese, 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1 tbsp vanilla extract, and 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  • Refrigerate the filling for at least 15 minutes to allow it to firm up, making it easier to pipe into the pastries.

Fry Dough

  • In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there's enough oil to submerge the dough balls.
  • Carefully place the shaped dough balls into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove the fried dough from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Coat & Fill Dough

  • In a shallow bowl, mix 1/3 cup sugar with 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. While the pastries are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
  • Using a small knife or a metal straw, gently puncture a hole in the side of each coated pastry to create an opening for the filling.
  • Transfer the chilled cream cheese filling to a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle. Inject the filling into each punctured hole, adding a generous amount without overfilling.

Serve

  • Serve the delights warm to enjoy the perfect contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy interior.