Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites combine the soft, spiced goodness of classic cinnamon rolls with the custardy richness of French toast. These bite-sized treats are perfect for a cozy brunch, breakfast for the family, or even a sweet snack.
Quick to make and incredibly satisfying, they’re a warm and comforting twist on two breakfast favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Two classics in one: A delicious mash-up of cinnamon rolls and French toast.
Kid-friendly: Bite-sized and fun to eat—great for little hands.
Quick and easy: Minimal prep and done in under 15 minutes.
Perfect for sharing: Serve as a brunch platter or party dish with various toppings.
Key Ingredients
Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls: The star ingredient—already prepped and ready to cook.
Eggs & Milk: Classic French toast custard base for soaking the bites.
Vanilla Extract & Ground Cinnamon: Boost the flavor of the custard.
Butter: For golden, crisp edges when cooking.
Powdered Sugar & Syrup: Optional but perfect for that sweet finishing touch.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Ingredients:
– 1 can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
– Maple syrup or icing from the cinnamon rolls (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Pop open the can of cinnamon rolls and set the included icing aside. Slice each roll into small, bite-sized chunks.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
Gently dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, making sure all sides are evenly coated.
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated bites and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the pan and arrange on a serving plate. Finish with a drizzle of the reserved icing or warm maple syrup, and dust with powdered sugar if you like.
Recipe Notes
Quick Dip Only: Don’t soak the cinnamon roll pieces too long in the egg mixture—just a quick dip to coat each side. Over-soaking can lead to sogginess and uneven cooking.
Use a Nonstick Skillet: This helps prevent sticking and makes flipping easier. It also allows for a crisp, golden exterior without needing too much butter.
Moderate Heat is Best: Keep the skillet on medium heat. Too hot and the outsides will burn before the centers are cooked through.
Slice Evenly: Try to cut all pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Bite-sized cubes (about 1 inch) work best for uniform texture.
Warm the Icing: If using the included icing, microwave it for 5–10 seconds so it’s easy to drizzle smoothly over the finished bites.
Serve Immediately: These bites are best served hot and fresh while the outside is crisp and the inside is still tender and soft.
Double the Batch: Making brunch for a crowd? Double the ingredients and keep cooked bites warm in a low oven (around 200°F/90°C) while finishing the rest.
Nutrition Information
(per serving, approx. 1/4 of the recipe)
Calories: ~310 | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sugar: 15g | Sodium: ~420mg | Fiber: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Yes! Just prep and slice them before baking, or use pre-baked ones and follow the same dipping process.
Do I have to use the icing?
Nope—it’s optional! Maple syrup or whipped cream also make great toppings.
Can I make this ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can prep the egg mixture in advance and store in the fridge.
What if I don’t have a skillet?
Use a griddle or nonstick frying pan—just make sure it’s well-heated and greased.
Are these good for a brunch party?
Absolutely! Serve them on a platter with toppings like berries, syrup, whipped cream, and nuts for a DIY bite-sized brunch bar.
Can I bake them instead of pan-frying?
Yes. Place on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I use crescent dough instead of cinnamon rolls?
You can, but add cinnamon sugar to the dough for that true cinnamon roll flavor.
How do I prevent them from getting too soggy?
Just dip quickly in the egg mixture and avoid oversoaking.
Can I make them in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway through.
What’s the best way to get them crispy?
Make sure the skillet is fully heated, don’t overcrowd the pan, and use enough butter to help them brown.