If you love the idea of cinnamon rolls and French toast coming together in one irresistible, bite-sized treat, you are absolutely going to adore this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe. It takes the fluffy, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls and blends it with the crispy, caramelized edges of French toast, creating a fun and flavorful breakfast that’s perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weekend brunch or surprising your loved ones with something special, these little bites deliver a warm hug of sweetness and spice in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from creating a luscious custard dipping base to achieving that perfect golden crust with a hint of cinnamon warmth.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: The star of the show—soft, sweet, and ready to transform effortlessly into French toast bites.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help create that rich, custardy coating that makes every bite delightful.
- Milk: Adds moisture and tenderizes, ensuring the coating is just the right consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a lovely aromatic depth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon: Boosts the warm, spicy notes that cinnamon rolls are famous for, amplifying flavor.
- Butter: Essential for cooking the bites to a crispy, golden finish with a hint of richness.
- Powdered sugar: Optional, for a delicate dusting that adds both beauty and a touch more sweetness.
- Maple syrup or icing: Perfect for drizzling on top, enhancing every bite with sticky, sweet goodness.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Begin by warming up your griddle or a large skillet over medium heat. This step is key to ensuring your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites cook evenly and develop that perfectly golden crust without burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Bites
Pop open the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and gently separate them. Each roll gets cut into four bite-sized pieces—just the right size for a cozy, handheld treat that’s fun to eat.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This mixture is what will coat those little cinnamon roll pieces, giving them a delectable French toast texture and flavor.
Step 4: Melt the Butter
Add the butter to your preheated griddle or skillet and let it melt completely. The butter not only prevents sticking but also adds a luscious, toasty note to each bite as they cook.
Step 5: Dip and Cook the Bites
One at a time, dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated but not soaked through. Place each coated bite onto the hot skillet. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they’re an inviting golden brown with crispy edges.
Step 6: Remove and Dress Up
Once cooked, transfer the bites from the skillet to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess butter. Then, drizzle generously with the icing from the cinnamon rolls or your favorite maple syrup. If you like, add a light dusting of powdered sugar for that extra sweet charm.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle powdered sugar over the bites or add a few fresh berries to introduce a pop of color and a tangy contrast. A swirl of extra cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream can take this treat to a brunch table showstopper.
Side Dishes
Pair your bites with crispy bacon or sausage links for a salty balance that complements the sweetness beautifully. Fresh fruit salad or a dollop of yogurt can also brighten the plate and add refreshing textures alongside the indulgent bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe on a wooden board for a rustic vibe or a colorful platter to make them pop at your next breakfast gathering. Threading the bites onto skewers for a breakfast kabob presentation is another playful and crowd-pleasing idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover bites (which might be tempting to avoid), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed helps retain their sweetness and softness without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, spread the cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep happily for up to 2 months, ready for a quick breakfast fix.
Reheating
Reheat your bites in a toaster oven or on a skillet over low heat to regain their crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them a bit soggy. For frozen bites, thaw them briefly before reheating for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully and add a personal touch. Just make sure they’re fully baked and slightly cooled before cutting into bites to prevent falling apart during dipping and cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, this recipe is a big kid favorite. The bite-sized pieces are easy for little hands to manage, and the sweet, familiar flavors make it an instant hit at breakfast or brunch.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap out the milk for a dairy-free alternative such as almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute to cook the bites. The taste remains deliciously close to the original.
What if I don’t have a griddle or skillet?
You can absolutely use a non-stick frying pan or even bake the coated bites on a parchment-lined sheet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden, though the skillet method gives the best crispy texture.
Can I prepare the egg mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Give it a quick whisk before dipping your cinnamon roll pieces for consistent flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself and your loved ones to the cozy, mouthwatering magic of this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe. It’s a quick, fun way to elevate breakfast with flavors everyone adores, and it’s flexible enough to customize with your favorite toppings and sides. Once you try these, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your brunch rotation—so go on, make a batch and watch smiles bloom at your table!
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: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a delightful twist on traditional French toast, combining the sweet, cinnamon-flavored dough of refrigerated cinnamon rolls with a classic egg batter. Perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch treat, they’re bite-sized, crispy on the outside, soft inside, and drizzled with icing or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Serving (Optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup or icing from the cinnamon rolls
Instructions
- Preheat the skillet: Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the French toast bites.
- Prepare the cinnamon rolls: Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate each roll. Cut each roll into 4 bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and serving.
- Make the custard mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and smooth.
- Melt butter: Add the butter to the hot griddle or skillet, allowing it to melt evenly to prevent sticking while adding flavor.
- Dip and cook bites: Dip each cinnamon roll bite into the egg mixture, ensuring it is coated evenly, then place it carefully on the hot skillet.
- Cook until golden: Cook the bites for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Remove and set aside: Once cooked, remove the bites from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Serve: Drizzle the bites with the icing from the cinnamon rolls or maple syrup, and optionally dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness before serving.
Notes
- You can use any brand of refrigerated cinnamon rolls; just ensure to include the icing provided for serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter.
- Keep an eye on cooking time to avoid burning as the sugar in the rolls caramelizes easily.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
