If you adore the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and crave a fun twist on classic French toast, you’re going to be head over heels for this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe. These bite-sized morsels bring together soft, gooey cinnamon roll centers with the crispy, golden coating of French toast, all drizzled with sweet icing and optional maple syrup. It’s the perfect playful breakfast or brunch treat that makes mornings feel extra special, yet comes together quickly with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Trust me, these little bites will disappear faster than you can say cinnamon sugar!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe comes from simple, familiar ingredients that each add their own delightful touch – from the sweet cinnamon rolls to the warmth of vanilla and cinnamon in the egg mixture, to butter for that perfect pan crisp.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (1 can, 12.4 oz): These form the tender, flavorful base bursting with cinnamon and gooey icing.
- Large eggs (2): Whisked to create the custardy coating that crisps up beautifully on the stove.
- Milk (¼ cup): Lightens the egg mixture to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, sweet aroma that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Boosts the classic cinnamon flavor and adds a subtle spice.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): For cooking the bites to golden perfection with a rich, buttery finish.
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar (optional): These are the sweet finishing touches to drizzle or sprinkle on top for extra indulgence.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Rolls
Start by opening your can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cutting each roll into quarters. This creates bite-sized pieces that cook evenly and are perfect for popping into your mouth with no fuss. The smaller size helps ensure every piece gets that irresistible crisp coating while staying soft and gooey inside.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined. This mixture is your French toast batter packed with that signature cinnamon flavor and creamy vanilla that makes each bite a treat for your taste buds.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet and Dip the Bites
Warm the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until melted and sizzling. Now, dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides well. This helps form the golden, crispy crust that contrasts so beautifully with the soft cinnamon roll inside.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place the coated bites in your skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are evenly golden brown and cooked through. This step brings out that crispy exterior and caramelized flavor that’s just irresistible.
Step 5: Serve Warm with Icing
Remove the bites from the skillet and drizzle the icing from the cinnamon rolls over the top while they’re still warm. For an extra special touch, add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. These finishing touches elevate these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe into something truly spectacular.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites to the next level visually and flavor-wise, consider fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries, a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch, or even a dollop of whipped cream. These choices add color, texture, and a fresh contrast to the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these bites with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait also complement the richness of the bites, offering a refreshing balance that brightens up the whole meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites on a platter with a small bowl of warm maple syrup for dipping. Skewer a few bites on fun toothpicks for a brunch party treat or arrange them in mini cupcake liners for an adorable grab-and-go snack. Presentation makes the experience even more memorable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the bites fresh without losing too much of their softness or flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked bites on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month, making it easy to enjoy this treat whenever the mood strikes.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated bites in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve that wonderful crunch and prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated ones?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work beautifully and add an extra personal touch. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like the recipe suggests, and follow the same steps for dipping and cooking.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with a plant-based egg replacer and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Choose vegan cinnamon rolls or make your own for the best results.
Can I bake these instead of cooking on the stovetop?
Yes, baking or air frying is a great alternative! Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through for even cooking and crispiness.
How many bites does this recipe usually make?
From one 12.4-ounce can of cinnamon rolls, cutting each into quarters typically yields about 24 bites, providing 4 servings of 6 bites each. It’s perfect for sharing or an indulgent solo breakfast!
What’s the best syrup to use with Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe?
Classic maple syrup pairs beautifully with these bites, but you can get creative with flavored syrups like caramel, vanilla, or even a warm berry compote to add extra layers of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about turning classic cinnamon rolls into these adorable, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just because, this recipe brings warmth, sweetness, and a bit of fun to your breakfast table. So grab that can of cinnamon rolls and dive into making this irresistible treat — your taste buds will thank you!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a delightful twist on classic French toast, using refrigerated cinnamon rolls cut into bite-sized pieces. Coated in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop, these sweet treats are perfect for a fun and easy breakfast or brunch. Serve them warm drizzled with the included icing, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra indulgent touch.
Ingredients
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
FOR SERVING (optional)
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare cinnamon rolls: Open the can of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters to create bite-sized pieces, making them easy to cook evenly and serve.
- Mix egg batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined, creating a rich and flavorful coating for the bites.
- Heat skillet and butter: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt the butter, ensuring the pan is hot enough for cooking but not burning.
- Dip and cook bites: Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, fully coating all sides, then carefully place them into the hot skillet. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning as needed, until the bites are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the cooked bites from the skillet, drizzle with the provided icing, and serve warm. Optionally, add a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps achieve extra crispiness.
- You can air fry the bites at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- This recipe makes a great brunch treat or fun weekend breakfast.
