If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast treat that combines the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the comforting warmth of French toast, you are absolutely going to adore this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe. Each bite-sized piece is crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard that will have you swooning. It’s the perfect snack, brunch delight, or weekend indulgence that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to whip up any day you want to treat yourself or your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make the best dishes, and that is definitely true for this recipe. Each item plays its role in creating those irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, lending flavor, moisture, and that signature golden-brown finish you crave.
- 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: The star of the show, these cinnamon rolls bring sweetness and that iconic swirl of cinnamon goodness.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for the egg custard coating that crisps up beautifully.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps create the perfectly smooth dipping mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with a warm, delicate flavor that complements the cinnamon rolls.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Boosts the cinnamon flavor and adds an extra layer of aromatic warmth.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking): Creates that golden, crispy exterior and adds richness.
- Maple syrup and icing (for serving): Classic toppings that make every bite feel extra special and decadently sweet.
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 one into four equal pieces. This smaller size makes them perfect for dipping and creates those bite-sized treats full of cinnamon and gooey goodness.
Step 2: Mix the Egg Custard
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard is what transforms the cinnamon roll pieces into soft, flavorful bites packed with a touch of vanilla and spice.
Step 3: Dip the Cinnamon Roll Bites
One by one, dip each quartered cinnamon roll into the egg custard, making sure every surface is fully coated. This ensures a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender after cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Bites
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s bubbling. Add the coated cinnamon roll bites in batches, frying them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Don’t rush this step; patience pays off with perfect crispiness and warmth inside.
Step 5: Keep Warm and Serve
Once cooked, remove the bites and keep them warm while you finish cooking the rest. Serve these little wonders warm with the icing drizzled on top and a side of maple syrup for dipping to maximize the flavor explosion.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A drizzle of the included icing is non-negotiable! It adds that luscious sweetness and a creamy texture that contrasts perfectly with the crispy edges. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar or some chopped nuts if you want an extra touch of elegance and crunch.
Side Dishes
These bites shine on their own but also pair beautifully with fresh fruit such as berries or sliced bananas to add freshness. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness with savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the bites in a small tower on a platter, then drizzle the icing artistically over the top. You could even serve them skewered on wooden sticks for a fun presentation at a brunch party. Adding a small dish of warm maple syrup for dipping helps everyone enjoy the magic of this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe just how they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered helps preserve their moisture without getting soggy or losing flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked bites by arranging them on a baking sheet in a single layer, flash freezing them for an hour, and then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, they keep well for up to 1 month—perfect for a quick, indulgent breakfast anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat the bites in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to bring back their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soft and less appetizing. A quick oven reheat preserves that just-made texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned ones?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls add a wonderful personal touch and can even make your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe feel extra special. Just make sure the rolls aren’t too large and slice them into manageable quarters for even cooking.
What type of milk works best in the egg custard?
Whole milk is great for richness, but you can use 2% or even almond milk for a lighter or dairy-free alternative. Just remember that the milk helps with the custard texture, so avoid using non-liquid substitutes.
Is it necessary to add vanilla extract?
While optional, vanilla extract adds a warm, fragrant note that enhances the overall flavor profile. Without it, the bites still taste amazing but adding vanilla adds that extra depth that makes this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe so addictive.
How do I make the bites extra crispy?
After pan-frying, you can finish the bites in a preheated 375°F oven for 5 minutes. This extra step tightens up the exterior without drying out the softness inside, delivering crisp perfection.
Can I prepare these bites for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply multiply the ingredients and cook in batches. Keep finished bites warm in an oven set to low heat until serving. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will disappear fast!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that combines the best of cinnamon rolls and French toast into one delightful bite, don’t hesitate to try this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe. It’s fun, easy, and simply irresistible—the kind of dish that makes mornings brighter and brunches more festive. Treat yourself and watch how quickly everyone falls in love with these cozy bites.
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
Delicious and easy-to-make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites that combine the sweet, cinnamony flavor of cinnamon rolls with the classic breakfast feel of French toast. Perfect for a fun brunch or weekend breakfast treat, these bites are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with a drizzle of icing and maple syrup for dipping.
Ingredients
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)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Icing from the cinnamon rolls (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: 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.
- Coat Bites: Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated with the batter.
- Cook Bites: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the coated cinnamon roll bites in batches and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Keep Warm: Remove the cooked bites from the skillet and keep them warm while cooking the remaining pieces.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon roll French toast bites warm with the included icing drizzled on top and maple syrup on the side for dipping. Optionally, for extra crispiness, finish the bites in a 375°F oven for 5 minutes after pan-frying.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, place the cooked bites in a preheated 375°F oven for 5 minutes after pan-frying.
- These bites make a great brunch item or a fun weekend breakfast treat.
- Use maple syrup for dipping to complement the sweet and cinnamony flavors.
