Dulce De Leche Cinnabon Delights Recipe

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If you’ve ever made a late-night Taco Bell run or treated yourself to one of these irresistible Dulce De Leche Cinnabon Delights, you know exactly what I mean. The pillowy soft dough bursting with rich, creamy Dulce de Leche filling, and topped with a dusting of sugary goodness, is enough to make anyone swoon.

How to make Dulce De Leche Cinnabon Delights

Dulce de Leche Cinnabon Delights are a seasonal, limited-time dessert item recently launched by Taco Bell in collaboration with Cinnabon.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup Dulce de Leche (store-bought or homemade)

For the Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of fine sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until the mixture forms a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should be soft but not sticky! If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.

2. Prep the Filling (If Using Homemade Dulce de Leche)

1. If you’re using store-bought Dulce de Leche, you can skip this step.
2. If you prefer homemade Dulce de Leche, you can make it by simmering a can of sweetened condensed milk in a pot of water for about 2–3 hours. Make sure the can is fully submerged in water at all times to avoid accidents! Let it cool completely before using.

3. Shape the Donuts

1. Roll small portions of the dough into smooth balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You want them to be bite-sized!
2. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rest for 5–10 minutes while you prepare the oil.

4. Fry the Donut Holes

1. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
2. Fry 5–6 donut holes at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. They should cook for about 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried donut holes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

5. Fill the Donuts

1. Once the donut holes have cooled slightly (but are still warm), use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to fill them with Dulce de Leche. Gently poke the tip into the side of each donut and squeeze in the filling until the donut feels slightly heavier.
2. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zippered plastic bag with a small corner cut off.

6. Coat the Donuts

1. Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
2. Roll each filled donut hole in the sugar mixture until completely coated.

Serving Tips

1. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor! The creamy Dulce de Leche filling paired with the fresh, sugary coating is absolutely divine at this stage.
2. Pair with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for Perfect Dulce De Leche Cinnabon Delights

• Don’t Overheat the Oil: If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside and remain raw inside. Keep the temperature around 350°F for perfectly cooked donuts.
• Prep the Filling in Advance: If you’re using homemade Dulce de Leche, make it ahead of time since it requires time to cool completely.
• Storage: These donuts taste best fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Experiment with Fillings: While Dulce de Leche is the star, you could switch it up with other fillings such as chocolate ganache, Nutella, or even cream cheese frosting!

What to serve with

Dulce De Leche Cinnabon Delights are indulgent, bite-sized desserts packed with warm caramel goodness. While they’re absolutely fantastic on their own, pairing them with complementary sides, beverages, or toppings can elevate the experience even further.

Coffee and Coffee-Based Drinks

• Classic Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of black coffee or a light roast balances the sweetness of the Dulce de Leche Cinnabon Delights. The bitterness of the coffee contrasts beautifully with the caramel flavors.
• Latte or Cappuccino: Steam up a creamy latte or froth a cappuccino for a comforting pairing. Sprinkle some cinnamon on your foam for a perfect match.
• Iced Coffee: In warmer weather, serve a tall glass of cold brew coffee with a splash of milk or cream for a refreshing twist.

Milk-Based Treats

• Hot Chocolate: Thick, velvety hot chocolate is a winning match. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top and sprinkle with cinnamon for added flair.
• Dulce De Leche Milkshakes: Double down on the caramel flavor by serving a creamy milkshake spiked with Dulce de Leche. It’ll complement the dessert seamlessly.
• Chai Tea Latte: The spices in a chai latte (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger) enhance the cinnamon coating on the Dulce de Leche Cinnabon Delights and provide a lovely contrast to the creaminess.

Alcoholic Drinks

• Baileys or Kahlúa-Laced Coffee: For an adult version, spike your coffee with a splash of Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlúa for an indulgent dessert drink.
• Sweet Dessert Wines: A glass of Moscato or Port pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the delights.
• Caramel or Vanilla Liqueur: Serve a small glass of caramel or vanilla-infused liqueur alongside the Dulce De Leche Cinnabon Delights for a bold, complementary pairing.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re craving Dulce De Leche Cinnabon Delights but find yourself missing a few key ingredients—or if you’d like to adjust the recipe to suit dietary restrictions—you’re in luck! Many ingredients in this recipe can be substituted without sacrificing the flavor or texture of your dessert.

1. Substitutes for the Dough Ingredients

The dough is the base of the recipe, and achieving that soft and fluffy texture is essential. Here are alternatives for each dough ingredient:

All-Purpose Flour

• Substitute with Whole Wheat Flour (1:1 Ratio): This adds a slightly nuttier flavor and extra fiber but may make the dough a little denser. To maintain a lighter texture, use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend (1:1 Ratio): Use a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend that includes xanthan gum for a gluten-free version. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour work well.
• Almond Flour: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, almond flour can be used, but you’ll need to combine it with a binding agent like xanthan gum. Note that the texture will be slightly different (crumbly rather than chewy).

Granulated Sugar

• Brown Sugar (1:1 Ratio): Brown sugar adds an extra caramel flavor, which enhances the Dulce de Leche filling.
• Coconut Sugar (1:1 Ratio): This offers a less processed alternative with a subtle caramel undertone.
• Stevia or Other Sweetener Blends: If you prefer a low-sugar or sugar-free option, use a sweetener like Stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit. Check the packaging for conversion ratios, as sweeteners are often more concentrated than sugar.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda

• Self-Rising Flour: If you don’t have either baking powder or baking soda, use self-rising flour in place of all-purpose flour, and omit the leavening agents altogether. (Note: Self-rising flour contains both a leavening agent and salt.)
• DIY Substitute for Baking Powder: If you’re out of baking powder, combine 1 teaspoon cream of tartar with ½ teaspoon baking soda and use this in the recipe.

Milk

• Plant-Based Milks (1:1 Ratio): Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk can replace whole milk if you want a dairy-free option. Use unsweetened versions to control sweetness levels in the dough.
• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: If you don’t have milk but want a creamier option, dilute heavy cream with a little water for a substitution.
• Buttermilk: For a richer flavor and a fluffier texture, substitute milk with buttermilk at the same ratio.

Butter

• Coconut Oil (1:1 Ratio): Melted coconut oil is a great plant-based alternative and adds a slight tropical flavor.
• Vegan Butter: Use a vegan butter alternative like Earth Balance for a dairy-free swap.
• Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: These oils work in a pinch, although they don’t provide the same buttery flavor.

Oil for Frying

• Avocado Oil: For a healthier frying oil option, use avocado oil, which has a high smoke point.
• Olive Oil: Light olive oil (not extra virgin) can be used for frying, but it may impart a mild olive flavor.
• Air Fryer or Baking Alternative: For a healthier version, skip the frying altogether! Spray the dough balls lightly with oil and cook them in an air fryer or bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.

2. Substitutes for the Filling

The Dulce de Leche filling is the star of the show, but there are plenty of ways to customize it:

Store-Bought Dulce de Leche: If you can’t find Dulce de Leche, try making it at home by simmering a can of sweetened condensed milk in a pot of water for 2–3 hours.

Substitutes for Dulce de Leche

• Caramel Sauce: If you’re out of Dulce de Leche, thick caramel sauce is a fantastic substitute. It has a similar flavor and creamy texture.
• Nutella: If you love hazelnut chocolate, use Nutella as a filling for a slightly different but equally delicious treat.
• Peanut Butter or Almond Butter: Mix the nut butter with a bit of powdered sugar or honey for a sweetened filling.
• Chocolate Ganache: Melt chocolate with a splash of heavy cream for a smooth, velvety filling.
• Custard or Pudding: Vanilla pudding, pastry cream, or even banana pudding can work as an alternative to Dulce de Leche.

3. Substitutes for the Coating Ingredients

The cinnamon-sugar coating is simple yet crucial for giving the delights their iconic Cinnabon-inspired flavor. Here are substitutes:

Granulated Sugar

• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar works just as well and gives a deeper caramel flavor.
• Coconut Sugar: For a more natural, unrefined option, coconut sugar serves as a great alternative.
• Powdered Sugar: For a lighter coating, use powdered sugar instead of granulated, although it won’t give the same crunch.

Cinnamon

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Incorporate this blend for a warmer, spiced flavor profile.
• Nutmeg or Apple Pie Spice: Either can be combined with sugar to create a coating with a slightly different spice note.
• Skip the Cinnamon: If you don’t like cinnamon, omit it entirely and stick to plain sugar, or mix granulated sugar with vanilla bean or lemon zest for a flavor boost.

Final Thoughts

Dulce De Leche Cinnabon Delights are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or served simply.

More Donut Recipes:

• Copycat Krispy Kreme Superhero Donuts Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Star Spangled Donut Recipe