If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the comforting charm of French toast, you’re in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe. These delightful little bites offer the perfect balance of soft cinnamon-spiced dough, golden crisp edges, and that irresistible swirl of creamy icing. Trust me, they make for a breakfast or brunch that feels cozy, indulgent, and perfectly shareable. Whether you’re whipping them up for a lazy weekend or surprising your loved ones with a playful twist on a classic, these bites deliver big flavor in every little piece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe calls for just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in crafting those scrumptious bites. From the warm spices to the rich custardy coating, every element is designed to work harmoniously, ensuring your French toast bites come out perfectly tender and flavorful every time.
- 1 can (8-count) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: The star of the show providing that soft, cinnamon-swirled base and luscious icing to finish.
- 2 large eggs: Create the rich, custard-like coating that transforms the cinnamon rolls into French toast magic.
- ¼ cup milk: Adds creaminess and lightens the egg mixture for tender bites.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives a sweet, aromatic depth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Amplifies the warm spice notes in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking): Ensures a golden, crispy exterior and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- Maple syrup and icing (for serving): For that final drizzle of sweetness and a classic pairing that takes these bites to the next level.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Bites
Start by opening the can of cinnamon rolls and cutting each roll into four bite-sized pieces. This step is fun and sets the stage for perfectly portioned, snackable bites that everyone will love. The smaller size makes them ideal for dipping and results in the perfect crispy edges.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whisk everything together until smooth and slightly frothy. This flavorful custard is what elevates the cinnamon rolls into delightful French toast bites, soaking into the dough and adding moisture and spice.
Step 3: Coat the Cinnamon Roll Pieces
Dip each bite-sized piece of cinnamon roll into the egg mixture, making sure every side is coated well. The key here is to get a good coating without saturating the bites too much, so they hold their shape while cooking and develop a golden exterior.
Step 4: Cook the Bites
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter. Once sizzling, add the coated bites in batches, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. The aroma as they cook is absolutely irresistible, filling your kitchen with the scent of warm cinnamon and toasted dough.
Step 5: Repeat and Serve
Remove the cooked bites and repeat with the rest. Serve your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites warm, drizzled generously with the icing from the cinnamon rolls and alongside a small bowl of maple syrup for dipping. The combination of warm bites, sweet icing, and sticky syrup is pure breakfast bliss.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe extra special, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or some chopped pecans on top. These add a lovely textural contrast and elevate the sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon notes. Fresh berries can also add a fresh, tart element that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These bites are a treat in themselves but pairing them with a few fresh fruit slices, such as strawberries or banana, or a dollop of whipped cream, makes the meal feel complete. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte rounds out the experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch spread that wows, serve the bites in a charming wooden bowl or a layered glass dish to show off their golden edges and swirled centers. You could also skewer a few bites on toothpicks for easy party serving, letting your guests dunk them into syrup at will. Presentation is all about inviting smiles and easy sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be hard to believe), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bites hold up well but are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Freezing
For longer storage, flash freeze the cooked bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month, making it easy to have a ready-made sweet breakfast on busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated bites in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crisped up again. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain their delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully with this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe and add a personal touch. Just make sure they’re slightly chilled and cut into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is it possible to make these bites dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter for cooking. The flavor will still be fantastic, and the texture will remain tender.
How do I make the bites crispier?
After pan-frying, place your bites on a baking sheet and pop them into a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes. This extra step gives them a delightful crunch on the outside that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Can I prepare the batter the night before?
While the egg mixture can be prepared ahead and stored covered in the fridge, it’s best to dip and cook the bites fresh to preserve the perfect texture and avoid sogginess.
What’s the best way to serve these at a brunch party?
Serve the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe with small bowls of maple syrup, extra icing, fresh fruit, and nuts, allowing guests to customize their bites. Presentation with toothpicks or mini skewers makes self-serving easy and fun!
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe is a little box of happiness that turns any morning into a special occasion. It’s easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing with people you love. Once you try these bites, I promise they’ll become a go-to favorite for brunches, lazy weekends, or whenever you crave a warm, sweet hug in every bite.
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 32 bites
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a delightful twist on classic French toast, using refrigerated cinnamon rolls cut into bite-sized pieces, dipped in a cinnamon-spiced egg mixture, and pan-fried to golden perfection. Served warm with icing and maple syrup, these bites make an irresistible breakfast or brunch treat that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (8-count) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Icing from the cinnamon roll package (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the can of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into 4 bite-sized pieces to create a total of 32 bites.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Coat Bites: Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly coated for maximum flavor and texture.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter to coat the surface.
- Cook Bites: Add the coated cinnamon roll bites to the skillet in batches. Cook each batch for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the bites are golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat and Serve: Remove cooked bites from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining pieces. Serve warm drizzled with the included icing and a side of maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
- For crispier bites, bake the pan-fried bites in a preheated 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
- Add chopped pecans on top before serving for extra crunch and flavor.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar over the bites for added sweetness and visual appeal.
