Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Short description

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites combine two breakfast favorites in one irresistible bite-sized treat. Made with store-bought cinnamon rolls dipped in a spiced custard and pan-fried to golden perfection, they’re ideal for weekend brunches, special mornings, or anytime comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Uses refrigerated cinnamon rolls for minimal prep.
Kid-friendly: Bite-sized and sweet, perfect for little hands and picky eaters.
Deliciously indulgent: Warm, spiced, buttery flavor with a crisp golden crust.
Customizable toppings: From icing to syrup to powdered sugar—dress them your way.
Great for sharing: A crowd-pleasing choice for breakfast tables or brunch buffets.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with included icing)
2 large eggs
¼ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp butter (for cooking)

Optional Toppings:

Reserved icing
Maple syrup
Powdered sugar

Directions

1. Prep the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the can of cinnamon rolls and set the icing packet aside.
Cut each roll into 4 bite-sized pieces.

2. Make the Custard Dip

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.

3. Coat the Bites

Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the custard mixture, turning to coat all sides evenly.

4. Cook to Golden Perfection

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the coated bites in a single layer.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and slightly crisp.
Repeat in batches if needed, adding more butter as necessary.

5. Serve Warm

Transfer to a plate and drizzle with reserved icing, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Cream cheese glaze: Mix softened cream cheese with a little milk and powdered sugar for a tangy drizzle.
Pumpkin spice twist: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice in the custard.
Air fryer method: Air fry coated bites at 375 °F for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway.
Nutty crunch: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts before serving.
Fruit-topped: Serve with a side of fresh berries or caramelized bananas.

Storage/reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Freezing: Not recommended as texture may suffer, but can be done if tightly wrapped.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Yes, homemade rolls work great—just slice them into bite-sized pieces before coating.

2. Is it necessary to use the icing?

No, but it enhances the sweetness and classic cinnamon roll flavor.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternatives.

4. How do I prevent sticking in the pan?

Use a nonstick skillet and ensure the butter is fully melted and evenly spread.

5. Can I prepare these in advance?

They’re best fresh, but you can prep the custard and roll pieces ahead and cook just before serving.

6. What kind of milk works best?

Whole milk adds richness, but any milk (even oat or almond) works fine.

7. Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, place on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 375 °F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and cook in batches to avoid crowding the pan.

9. What should I serve with these?

Try them with scrambled eggs, bacon, or a fruit salad for a full brunch.

10. Will they keep their texture after cooling?

They’ll soften slightly but still taste great—reheat in a pan to crisp them up again.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a fun and delicious hybrid breakfast that’s sure to become a family favorite. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they’re a warm, comforting dish that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to make. Customize the toppings and enjoy a sweet, satisfying morning treat.

[tasty-recipe id=”15692″]