Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

If you’ve ever wished you could combine the gooey, cinnamony goodness of a cinnamon roll with the classic comfort of French toast, you’re in for a real treat! Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are exactly what they sound like—bite-sized morsels that marry the best of both worlds. Imagine soft, fluffy pieces of cinnamon roll soaked in a rich egg mixture, fried to golden perfection, and drizzled with sweet icing. Whether you’re making breakfast for a busy weekday or brunch for a crowd, these bites are quick, simple, and absolutely mouthwatering.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to master this recipe—from ingredients and kitchen tips to creative variations and serving suggestions. Plus, we’ll answer your burning questions and share some helpful tricks to keep these bites perfectly crispy every time. So, grab your skillet and let’s dive right in!

What Are Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?

What Makes Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites So Special?

At first glance, cinnamon roll French toast bites might sound like a kitchen experiment gone wild—but trust me, it’s pure magic. These little treats combine the soft, sweet, and spiced flavors of cinnamon rolls with the light, custardy texture of French toast. Instead of slicing the cinnamon rolls and eating them as-is, you cut them into bite-sized pieces, dip them in an egg and milk mixture, and pan-fry until they develop a golden crust on the outside.

The best part? The sweet icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls isn’t wasted. You can drizzle it on top or use it as a dipping sauce, turning these bites into an irresistible breakfast or snack.

When to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?

These bites are perfect for many occasions. Whether you want to surprise your family with a quick weekday breakfast, impress guests at a weekend brunch, or serve a fun treat at a party, cinnamon roll French toast bites fit the bill. Their portable, bite-sized nature also makes them great finger food at potlucks or holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy and quick: Using pre-made cinnamon rolls means you save time without skimping on flavor.

• Kid-friendly: The sweet, soft bites are perfect for little hands and picky eaters.

• Versatile: Serve them with fruit, nuts, syrup, or simply enjoy with the included icing.

• Crowd-pleaser: Bite-sized and shareable, they’re perfect for groups big and small.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

To whip up these tasty bites, you only need a handful of simple ingredients—most of which you probably already have in your kitchen!

• 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (8 rolls)
  Pre-made cinnamon rolls are the star here. Using the refrigerated variety keeps things quick and easy.

• 2 large eggs
  Eggs help create that classic French toast custard coating, adding richness and helping the cinnamon roll bites crisp up.

• ¼ cup milk
  The milk lightens the egg mixture and makes the custard smooth, ensuring the bites stay tender inside.

Optional Add-Ins and Toppings

Want to take your cinnamon roll French toast bites up a notch? Consider these:

• Vanilla extract (½ tsp) to add a subtle sweetness and depth.

• Ground cinnamon (¼ tsp) for extra spice kick.

• Fresh berries or sliced bananas to serve on the side or on top.

• Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.

• Maple syrup or extra icing for dipping or drizzling.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl

• Whisk or fork (for beating eggs and milk)

• Non-stick skillet or griddle

• Spatula

• Knife and cutting board (for slicing cinnamon rolls into bites)

• Plate lined with paper towels (for draining excess oil or butter)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cinnamon Roll Bites

1. Slice the cinnamon rolls
   Open your can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into 3–4 bite-sized pieces. This makes them easy to dip and fry.

2. Mix the custard
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined and slightly frothy. If you’re adding vanilla or cinnamon, mix it in here.

3. Dip the bites
   Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well coated but not soaking for too long—about 5 seconds is perfect.

Cooking the French Toast Bites

4. Heat your skillet
   Preheat your non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.

5. Fry the bites
   Place the coated bites onto the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy.

6. Drain and serve
   Transfer the cooked bites to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess butter. Serve warm with the icing packet drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

If you love sweet breakfast treats, you might also enjoy our classic cinnamon rolls recipe for a homemade spin.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

How to Get the Best Texture

• Don’t over-soak: Cinnamon rolls are soft, so avoid soaking them in the egg mixture for too long to prevent sogginess.

• Use medium heat: Cooking over medium heat helps the bites cook evenly without burning the outsides.

• Butter is your friend: A little butter in the pan adds richness and helps crisp the bites beautifully.

Creative Serving Ideas

• Add fresh fruit: Blueberries, strawberries, or banana slices add freshness and color.

• Sprinkle powdered sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

• Use different icings or sauces: Try cream cheese frosting or caramel sauce as tasty alternatives.

Variations and Dietary Adjustments

Gluten-Free or Vegan Options

• Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free cinnamon rolls in your grocery store or make your own using gluten-free flour blends.

• Vegan: Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and substitute eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg). Also, check for vegan cinnamon rolls or bake homemade ones.

Flavor Twists to Try

• Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin pie spice into the egg mixture for a fall-inspired treat.

• Chocolate Chip: Toss some mini chocolate chips onto the bites before cooking for a melty surprise.

• Savory Sweet: Try a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed nuts on top after cooking to add texture and balance sweetness.

With these variations and tips, you can customize cinnamon roll French toast bites to fit your taste and dietary needs perfectly!

For an easy and fun breakfast alternative, check out these Krusteaz Mini Pancakes that kids and adults both adore.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

These bite-sized delights are super versatile and can be enjoyed in lots of ways. Here are some popular serving ideas to make your breakfast or brunch table shine:

• Classic Drizzle: Simply drizzle the included cinnamon roll icing over the warm bites for that sweet, creamy finish everyone loves.

• Fruit Topping: Add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even sautéed apples on top to bring a fresh and fruity contrast.

• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and a nutty flavor boost.

• Maple Syrup Dip: For extra indulgence, serve alongside pure maple syrup or honey for dipping.

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and sweetness.

Plating Ideas

Arrange the bites on a serving platter or tiered stand, garnished with fresh herbs like mint or parsley for a pop of color. If serving a crowd, consider placing small bowls of toppings and dips around the plate so everyone can customize their own bites.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

How to Store Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

• Refrigeration: Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked bites on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating Tips

• Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness.

• Microwave: Microwave for 20–30 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but they may lose some crunch.

• Air Fryer: Pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes for perfectly reheated bites.

Make-Ahead Ideas

• Prepare the egg mixture and slice the cinnamon rolls the night before to save time in the morning.

• You can even cook the bites ahead and reheat them quickly for a stress-free breakfast on busy days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned ones?

Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work great—just slice them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same dipping and cooking steps.

2. Can I bake the cinnamon roll French toast bites instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them on a greased baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

3. How do I prevent the bites from being soggy?

Make sure not to soak the cinnamon roll pieces for too long in the egg mixture. Also, cooking over medium heat and adding butter helps crisp the exterior nicely.

4. Are cinnamon roll French toast bites kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids usually love the sweet, soft bites and find them easy to eat as finger food.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and use dairy-free butter or oil for frying.

6. What are some good dipping sauces besides the icing?

Try cream cheese frosting, caramel sauce, or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.

Print