If you have a soft spot for cozy breakfasts that taste just like a sweet bakery treat, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe. Imagine cinnamon roll dough transformed into perfectly bite-sized pockets of gooey, cinnamon-spiced goodness, pan-fried until golden brown and served dripping with creamy icing and rich maple syrup. It’s breakfast, brunch, or anytime indulgence turned into a fun, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for sharing or sneaking a handful all to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are all pantry staples and a ready-made cinnamon roll can takes much of the prep work out of the equation. Each element plays a crucial role in bringing together texture, flavor, and that irresistible cinnamon aroma.
- 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: The star of the show providing the dough, sweetness, and built-in swirl of cinnamon.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the bites and add a rich, custardy coating.
- 1/4 cup milk: Lightens the egg mixture, keeping each bite tender and moist.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Boosts the cinnamon punch outside of the rolls themselves.
- Pinch of salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking): Creates a golden crust and adds richness.
- Maple syrup and icing (for serving): For the perfect finish and an extra layer of indulgence.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the cinnamon rolls
Start by opening your can of cinnamon rolls and cutting each roll into quarters. This bite-sized approach is what makes the dish so fun and easy to eat, giving you perfectly portioned pieces that soak up all the custard goodness with every bite.
Step 2: Make the custard mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until everything is thoroughly combined. This mixture is the flavorful custard that will coat the cinnamon roll bites, infusing them with even more cinnamon and a tender texture.
Step 3: Coat the bites
Dip each cinnamon roll quarter into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Letting them soak just a moment in the custard guarantees they become wonderfully rich and moist after cooking, but be careful not to oversoak or they can fall apart.
Step 4: Cook the bites
Heat butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, add the coated bites in manageable batches. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and the inside is cooked through. Don’t rush this step; the color and slight crispiness on the outside add incredible texture.
Step 5: Serve warm with toppings
Remove the cooked bites from the skillet and keep them warm as you finish cooking the rest. Serve immediately with the icing that came with your cinnamon rolls drizzled on top and a generous side of maple syrup for dipping.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Add fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar to brighten up each plate and add a fresh contrast to the sweet richness. Toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch and complement the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe with crispy bacon or savory sausage to balance out the sweetness with some savory goodness. A simple bowl of fresh fruit salad also provides a refreshing bite alongside the indulgent bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bites on a tiered stand for a festive brunch presentation or thread them onto skewers for a fun finger-food style treat. You can even arrange them around a small bowl of maple syrup in the center for communal dipping, making it interactive and sharing-friendly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They will soften slightly but remain delicious when reheated correctly.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and keep for up to 1 month. This way you can enjoy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe anytime without the prep hassle.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the bites in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to regain that crisp exterior. Microwave reheating works but may cause them to become a bit soggy, so an oven is ideal for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works beautifully and lets you customize flavors even more, but canned cinnamon rolls are a fantastic shortcut without sacrificing any amazing cinnamon roll flavor.
What’s the best type of pan to cook these bites in?
A non-stick skillet or cast iron pan works best. They provide even heat and help achieve that golden brown crust without sticking or burning.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
It’s possible with some tweaks – use a vegan egg substitute, plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and vegan cinnamon rolls. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will shift slightly but still tasty!
How can I make the bites crispier?
After cooking on the stovetop, place the bites on a baking sheet and bake in a 375°F oven for about 5 minutes. This extra step crisps up the outer layer and makes them even more irresistible.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe is perfect for kids as finger food and sweet treats. They’re fun to dip and bite into, making breakfast or brunch extra enjoyable for little ones.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorite easy breakfast ideas to make when I want something special but fuss-free. It’s that perfect blend of nostalgic cinnamon rolls and classic French toast brought into a new form that’s just plain fun. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how these little bites bring everyone together around the table with smiles and satisfied sighs.
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a delightful twist on classic French toast, featuring bite-sized pieces of cinnamon rolls dipped in a spiced egg mixture and pan-fried to golden perfection. Served warm with icing and maple syrup, they make a fun and indulgent breakfast or brunch treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to please kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
For Serving
- Maple syrup
- Icing included with cinnamon rolls
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Roll Pieces: Open the can of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters to create bite-sized pieces.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Dip the Bites: Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated for even cooking and flavor.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter to coat the pan surface.
- Cook the Bites: Add the coated cinnamon roll pieces in batches to the skillet. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Keep Warm: Remove cooked bites from the skillet and keep warm while cooking remaining batches to serve all warm.
- Serve: Drizzle the provided icing over the warm bites and serve alongside maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
- For an extra crispy texture, finish the bites in a 375°F oven for 5 minutes after pan-frying.
- These bites make a great brunch addition or a fun weekend breakfast treat that kids especially love.
- Use a non-stick skillet for easier cooking and cleanup.
