If you adore the sweet, comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls and the irresistible charm of French toast, then you are in for a serious treat with this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe. Imagine bite-sized pieces of fluffy cinnamon rolls dipped in a rich, vanilla-spiced custard, pan-fried to golden perfection, and finished off with a luscious drizzle of icing or maple syrup. These little morsels deliver a crowd-pleasing breakfast or snack that is quick, fun, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a cozy morning indulgence, this recipe will quickly become your go-to sweet treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, everyday ingredients come together beautifully to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and warmth; each one plays a vital role in turning ordinary cinnamon rolls into delightful French toast bites.
- Canned refrigerated cinnamon rolls: Provides the soft, swirly base packed with cinnamon and sugar, ready to transform into decadent bites.
- Large eggs: The backbone of the custard coating, helping the bites hold together and get that lovely golden crust when cooked.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the custard mixture, keeping every bite tender and moist inside.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a fragrant sweetness that enhances the cinnamon flavor and rounds out the custard taste.
- Ground cinnamon: Boosts the spicy warmth, doubling down on the cinnamon goodness already in the rolls.
- Butter: Used for frying, it contributes a rich, nutty flavor and helps achieve that irresistible crispy edge.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For dusting at the end, adds a pretty touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
- Maple syrup or icing: Perfect for drizzling, they add moisture and a glossy finish that makes the bites even more delectable.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your cooking surface
Begin by preheating your griddle or a large skillet over medium heat. This ensures a steady, even cooking temperature so your bites become golden brown without burning.
Step 2: Cut the cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces
Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate each roll carefully. Cut each one into four smaller pieces to create perfect little bites that are easy to dip and quick to cook.
Step 3: Whisk together the custard mixture
In a shallow bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whisk until everything is well incorporated and smooth—a flavorful bath that transforms the cinnamon roll pieces.
Step 4: Melt the butter on the griddle
Add the butter to your heated griddle or skillet and let it melt. This provides a rich cooking surface for the bites and helps develop a golden, crispy exterior.
Step 5: Dip and cook the bites
One by one, dip the cinnamon roll bites into the custard mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Place them onto the hot skillet with care, and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a slightly crispy touch.
Step 6: Remove and prepare to serve
After cooking, transfer the bites to a plate to cool slightly before adding toppings. This little pause keeps them tender inside while the outside stays perfectly crisp.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
For a truly irresistible finish, drizzle the bites with the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls or pour over some warm maple syrup. A light dusting of powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also gives your bites a picture-perfect look for the breakfast table.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites shine on their own as a sweet treat, but pairing them with fresh fruit like juicy berries or sliced bananas can add a refreshing contrast. A side of crispy bacon or savory sausages also complements the sweetness beautifully, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bites in a festive bowl for casual brunches, or thread them onto skewers for a fun finger food option at parties. Layer them in a trifle dish with whipped cream and fruit for an impressive breakfast dessert twist that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This helps preserve their texture and flavor without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked bites by placing them on a baking sheet separated from one another, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. They freeze wonderfully for up to one month, letting you enjoy the deliciousness anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the bites into a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that golden crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work beautifully and add a personal touch. Just make sure they are fully cooled before cutting into bites and dipping in the egg mixture.
Is it necessary to add cinnamon to the custard mixture?
While the cinnamon rolls already have cinnamon, adding ground cinnamon to the custard enhances the warmth and really makes the flavor pop in each bite.
Can I bake these instead of cooking on the skillet?
You can bake the coated bites on a greased baking sheet at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway, but you might miss out on that perfect golden crust achieved by pan-frying.
What’s the best way to prevent the bites from getting soggy?
Make sure your skillet is properly preheated and the bites are well-coated but not soaking wet. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan so they cook evenly without steaming.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk, and swap the butter for a plant-based alternative to keep it just as tasty and friendly for dairy-free diets.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe—it combines two beloved breakfast classics into one irresistible, bite-sized delight. Fast to make and full of warmth and sweetness, this recipe is perfect for mornings when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, and watch it become a breakfast favorite in your home too!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites combining the sweet, cinnamon-flavored goodness of cinnamon rolls with the classic breakfast flavors of French toast. Perfect bite-sized treats ready in just 15 minutes, great for a quick brunch or snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Serving (Optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup or icing from the cinnamon rolls
Instructions
- Preheat Griddle or Skillet: Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat to ensure even cooking of the cinnamon roll bites.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and carefully separate them. Cut each cinnamon roll into 4 bite-sized pieces for easy dipping and cooking.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined to create the egg wash for dipping.
- Melt Butter: Add butter to the heated griddle or skillet and allow it to melt completely, coating the cooking surface.
- Dip Bites: Dip each cinnamon roll bite into the egg mixture, fully coating each piece to absorb the flavors before placing on the hot skillet.
- Cook Bites: Cook the bites for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Remove and Set Aside: Remove the cooked bites from the skillet and place them on a plate to cool slightly.
- Serve: Drizzle the bites with the icing from the cinnamon rolls or maple syrup. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Use refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing for the best flavor and ease.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the size of bites and stove heat.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Adding a pinch of salt to the egg mixture can balance the sweetness.
