Imagine the heavenly aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls meeting the nostalgic warmth of classic French toast—now imagine that, but in delicious, poppable bites! Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are an irresistibly fun and easy breakfast that brings the best of both worlds to your table, perfect for brunch parties, lazy weekends, or when you simply want to treat yourself. With gooey icing drizzles, hints of vanilla and cinnamon, and a golden, tender finish, these bites never fail to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites:
- 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
Optional Toppings:
- powdered sugar
- maple syrup
- fresh berries
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Step 1: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
Start by opening your can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls—the anticipation is real! Gently remove each roll and, using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut each one into quarters. These cute little pieces will become wonderfully crisp around the edges while staying pillowy inside.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This blend gives your bites that classic French toast flavor with an extra kick of warmth and sweetness from the cinnamon and vanilla.
Step 3: Dip the Cinnamon Roll Pieces
Now, dip each quartered cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture. Make sure every little swirl is well-coated, but don’t leave them in too long—just enough for them to soak up flavor without falling apart.
Step 4: Cook on the Stovetop
Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s bubbling and fragrant. Add your coated cinnamon roll bites in batches, giving them enough space to cook evenly. Sizzle each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until you see that irresistible golden brown crust develop.
Step 5: Drizzle & Serve!
Once all the bites are cooked, arrange them on a plate and keep them warm while you finish up the rest. Warm up the reserved icing for a few seconds in the microwave, then drizzle generously over your bites. Serve immediately with a splash of maple syrup and any toppings you like.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Garnishes
Take your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites to new heights with a dramatic flourish of toppings. A snowy dusting of powdered sugar, a luscious maple syrup drizzle, or a handful of fresh, juicy berries will make each bite extra special—and totally irresistible.
Side Dishes
These bites are a brunch showstopper on their own, but pairing them with sides like crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, or fragrant fresh fruit brings balance and variety to the table. For something lighter, serve alongside a vibrant fruit salad or creamy Greek yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites high on a decorative platter for casual gatherings, or skewer them onto wooden sticks for a playful, dippable treat. For brunch parties, stack them into mini “towers” with toothpicks and let guests drizzle on their own toppings at a DIY bar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites (a rare event!), simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious, ready to brighten your next breakfast.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month—just be sure to save the icing separately to drizzle on after reheating!
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen bites in the oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. For a quick fix, you can also microwave them on medium power, but the oven will help restore their crispy edges. Don’t forget to add the icing (and maybe an extra splash of syrup) after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite batch of homemade cinnamon roll dough, roll it, slice it, and proceed as directed. Just make sure they’re pre-baked or par-baked before you start turning them into French toast bites.
Is it possible to bake the bites instead of frying?
Yes, for an even easier clean-up and a hands-off approach, you can bake them at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes. They’ll be a little less crisp on the outside but just as tender and flavorful.
What’s the best way to reheat these for a crowd?
Spread the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven right before serving. This keeps them crisp and serves a big group easily—just heat the icing separately and drizzle over the top.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can! Look for gluten-free refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (several brands make them now), and double-check all your other ingredients. Follow the same steps, and enjoy a gluten-free treat.
Could I use another flavor of refrigerated rolls, like orange or caramel?
Absolutely! Swap the classic cinnamon rolls for your favorite flavor for a fun twist—orange, pumpkin spice, or caramel rolls would all make an equally delicious batch of French toast bites.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the best kind of breakfast magic—quick, easy, and guaranteed to delight everyone at the table. Give them a try next time you need a brunch treat or cozy morning pick-me-up. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and smiles will be everywhere!
PrintCinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a delightful twist on traditional French toast, combining the flavors of cinnamon rolls with the classic breakfast favorite. Easy to make and perfect for weekend brunch, these sweet and indulgent bites are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites:
- 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
Optional Toppings:
- powdered sugar
- maple syrup
- fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites: Open the can of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Coat the Cinnamon Rolls: Dip the cinnamon roll pieces into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cook the Bites: Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the coated cinnamon roll pieces in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Drizzle with reserved icing and serve warm with maple syrup or desired toppings.
Notes
- Great for brunch or as a fun weekend breakfast treat.
- You can bake the bites at 375°F for 12–15 minutes if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
