To make your own Cinnabon Delights at home, start by preparing your ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of white sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir in 1 egg, ½ cup of milk, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter, making sure not to overmix.
Next, heat oil to 375°F in a cast iron pan. Use a generous teaspoon to drop the batter into the hot oil, frying 5 or 6 at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown, turning once. Drain the fried donuts on paper towels and roll them in cinnamon sugar while still warm.
For the cream cheese filling, whip ¼ cup of softened cream cheese with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar, combining until just mixed. Add ¼ cup of whole milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Transfer the filling to a squirt bottle or piping bag.
Finally, fill the fried donuts with the cream cheese filling. Use the piping bag to ensure the filling is evenly distributed inside each donut. Enjoy your homemade Cinnabon Delights, which are sure to rival those from Taco Bell!
Use full-fat milk and cream cheese for the best flavor. Fry the donuts in small batches and adjust the powdered sugar in the filling to your taste. Rolling the donuts in butter first can help the cinnamon sugar stick better.