Breakfast just got a whole lot more exciting. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a delicious fusion of two beloved breakfast treats: classic cinnamon rolls and rich, custardy French toast. These bite-sized wonders are everything you could want in a morning dish—warm, soft, cinnamony, and lightly crisp on the outside. With each mouthful, you get the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls paired with the buttery, vanilla-kissed notes of traditional French toast.
This recipe is especially perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or anytime you want to treat yourself or loved ones to something special. It’s easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients, including pre-made cinnamon roll dough, making it convenient without sacrificing flavor. Serve them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, icing glaze, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an indulgent start to your day.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or whipping up something cozy just for yourself, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a guaranteed hit. Kid-friendly, adult-approved, and irresistibly snackable, they offer all the comfort of a traditional breakfast with a fun, modern twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two Classics in One: Combines the best of cinnamon rolls and French toast into a single bite-sized treat.
- Quick and Simple: Uses refrigerated cinnamon roll dough for easy prep and fast cooking.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for brunch parties, family breakfasts, or potlucks.
- Customizable Toppings: Pair with syrup, icing, or fruit for different flavor experiences.
- Kid-Approved: Sweet, soft, and easy to eat—perfect for little hands and picky eaters.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Butter
- Maple syrup or icing (for serving)
Variations
- Stuffed Version: Add a small cube of cream cheese or fruit in the center of each piece before cooking.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
- Baked Option: Bake the coated pieces in a muffin tin for a less hands-on method.
- Extra Spice: Add nutmeg, clove, or pumpkin spice to the egg mixture for a seasonal twist.
- Savory-Sweet Combo: Top with crumbled bacon or serve alongside scrambled eggs for contrast.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cut the Dough
Separate the cinnamon rolls and cut each into quarters or bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon.
Step 3: Dip the Pieces
Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, coating fully but not soaking.
Step 4: Cook the Bites
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated bites and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides (about 5–7 minutes total).
Step 5: Serve Warm
Serve immediately with a drizzle of icing (included with the rolls), maple syrup, or powdered sugar.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t soak the dough too long—just a quick dip is enough to coat.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Use a non-stick skillet or add extra butter to prevent sticking.
- Keep the bites warm in the oven (200°F or 95°C) if cooking in multiple batches.
- Serve with toothpicks or skewers for easy, mess-free snacking.
How to Serve
- Classic Brunch Style: Pile on a plate with warm maple syrup and fresh berries.
- With a Glaze Drizzle: Use the included icing for a more traditional cinnamon roll flavor.
- As a Brunch Board Item: Add to a breakfast charcuterie board alongside fruit, yogurt, and bacon.
- In a Dessert Setting: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet finish.
- For Dipping: Serve with small bowls of syrup, icing, or fruit preserves for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze fully cooked and cooled bites in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make this with homemade cinnamon roll dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough will taste even better, though prep time will be longer.
2. Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
Yes, bake in a greased muffin tin at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
3. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze after cooking and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, cook ahead and reheat before serving, or prep and store uncoated bites in the fridge.
5. What type of milk works best?
Whole milk is great for richness, but almond, oat, or soy milk also work well.
6. How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Avoid soaking in the egg mixture too long, and cook over medium heat for a crispy exterior.
7. What toppings go well with this?
Maple syrup, icing glaze, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or even caramel sauce.
8. Can I use cinnamon bread instead?
Yes, if you don’t have cinnamon roll dough, cubed cinnamon bread is a good alternative.
9. Are these good for kids?
Definitely! Kids love their size, sweetness, and fun dipping options.
10. Can I turn this into a casserole?
Yes! Mix coated bites in a baking dish and bake with extra custard for a French toast casserole.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a warm, sweet, and satisfying breakfast. They’re easy to make, customizable, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you serve them at brunch, as a weekend breakfast, or even a cozy dessert, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try them once and you’ll have a new go-to recipe for those mornings when you want something special—without a ton of effort.
PrintCinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites combine everything you love about gooey cinnamon rolls and crispy, golden French toast—all in a fun, bite-sized breakfast treat. Made with cinnamon roll dough, dipped in a classic egg custard, and pan-fried to perfection, these bites are irresistibly sweet and comforting. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or a special morning treat, they’re quick to make and even quicker to disappear!
Ingredients
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1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (8 rolls)
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2 large eggs
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¼ cup milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
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Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, cream cheese glaze (from cinnamon roll package)
Instructions
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Prep the Dough:
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Open the cinnamon roll package and cut each roll into 4 bite-sized pieces.
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Make the Custard:
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In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
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Dip the Bites:
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Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, coating all sides.
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Cook:
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Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add coated bites to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Serve:
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Serve warm with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or drizzle with the included cream cheese icing.
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Notes
Use nonstick or greased skillet to prevent sticking.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest to the custard.
These bites can also be made in the air fryer at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon roll french toast, french toast bites, breakfast bites, brunch ideas, sweet breakfast, cinnamon roll hack, easy brunch recipe