If you crave the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls combined with the satisfying comfort of French toast, look no further. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a delightful little treat that transform classic cinnamon roll dough into bite-sized, golden pockets of pure joy. Each piece has a crisp, buttery exterior with a soft, sweet interior that soaks up the cinnamon-spiced egg mixture perfectly. Whether you’re serving them for a fun weekend brunch or a special breakfast-for-dinner surprise, these bites offer a fun and irresistible twist that will have everyone asking for more.

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients to whip up these tasty bites, each playing an essential role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma that makes these treats unforgettable.

Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (1 can, 12 oz): The star of the show, providing sweetness and that classic cinnamon swirl.
Large eggs (2): Bind the coating together and add richness to the custard dip.
Whole milk (⅓ cup): Helps create a smooth and creamy egg mixture for soaking the dough pieces.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a lovely fragrant note that enhances the flavors without overpowering.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Amplifies the warm spice element for that comforting taste.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): For frying, ensuring a golden, crispy exterior without too much saltiness.
Maple syrup (optional, 2 tablespoons): Perfect for drizzling and adding extra sweetness when serving.
Icing from the cinnamon roll package: The final touch that turns these bites into a finger-licking delight.

How to Make These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Step 1: Prep the Dough

Start by cutting your refrigerated cinnamon roll dough into bite-sized pieces. These small bites are easier to cook evenly and make the perfect portion for snacking or sharing. Don’t forget to set aside the icing from the package, as that’s about to become your secret weapon for sweetness.

Step 2: Whisk Your Egg Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This mixture is where the magic happens—it soaks into the dough pieces, infusing them with that classic French toast custard flavor balanced with warm cinnamon notes.

Step 3: Coat each Bite

Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, giving it a thorough coating on every side. Make sure each bite soaks up enough but doesn’t become too soggy, so they maintain their structure when cooking.

Step 4: Heat Your Pan and Cook

Heat unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add your coated cinnamon roll pieces evenly in a single layer. Cooking them slowly allows for an even, golden brown crust to form while ensuring the inside cooks thoroughly.

Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking

Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, turning bites carefully to brown all sides evenly. The result? Crispy, caramelized edges hugging tender cinnamon-scented centers—true perfection.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Once cooked, transfer your French toast bites to a plate and generously drizzle the reserved icing over the top. Add a splash of maple syrup if you like an added layer of sweetness. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are now ready to delight everyone at the table!

How to Serve These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries makes for a lovely finishing touch that adds both color and a little extra brightness to the plate. Nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts can add a fun crunchy contrast to the soft bites.

Side Dishes

These bites pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salads, creamy yogurt, or even a smoky bacon side for those who like a sweet-savory combo. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai latte will complete the cozy breakfast experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or brunch spread, serve these cinnamon roll French toast bites on a large platter with little bowls of toppings like whipped cream, fruit compotes, and extra syrup. You can also thread them onto skewers for a fun, pass-around appetizer style that’s as charming as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 2 days, perfect for quick snacks or a speedy breakfast.

Freezing

To freeze these treats, arrange the fully cooked bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month, making them a great make-ahead option for busy mornings.

Reheating

Reheat your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the outside delightfully crunchy!

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade dough works beautifully and lets you customize the sweetness and spice levels. Just make sure to cut it into similar-sized bite pieces for even cooking.

Do I need to add extra sugar to the egg mixture?

Since the cinnamon roll dough is already sweet, added sugar isn’t necessary in the egg mixture. The icing and optional syrup provide enough sweetness on their own.

What if I don’t have whole milk? Can I substitute?

You can use any milk you have on hand—whether skim, 2%, or a plant-based alternative. Whole milk just adds extra creaminess but the recipe is quite forgiving.

Is it possible to bake these instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Arrange the coated bites on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to get that golden crisp all over.

Can I make these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites vegan?

With a few adjustments like using vegan cinnamon roll dough, a plant-based milk, and an egg substitute, you can enjoy a vegan version. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are pure breakfast happiness in every bite. They bring together the best of two beloved treats in a fun size that’s perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself. I hope you’ll give this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe a try and create warm, happy memories around your table just like I do. Trust me, once you taste these, they’ll become one of your favorite ways to start the day.

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 7 reviews

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, a tasty twist on traditional French toast made using refrigerated cinnamon roll dough. Perfectly golden and coated with cinnamon and vanilla egg mixture, these bite-sized treats are drizzled with sweet icing and optional maple syrup for an irresistible breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 can (12 oz) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 large eggs
⅓ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for serving)
Icing from cinnamon roll package

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Cut the refrigerated cinnamon roll dough into bite-sized pieces and set aside the icing from the package for later use.
Make the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Coat the Dough Pieces: Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides thoroughly for even cooking and flavor.
Heat the Pan: Melt the unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, preparing for sautéing the coated dough pieces.
Cook the Bites: Place the coated cinnamon roll pieces in a single layer in the skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, turning carefully until all sides are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
Serve: Drizzle the warm French toast bites with the reserved icing and serve immediately. Optionally, add maple syrup on the side for extra sweetness.

Notes

Use refrigerated cinnamon roll dough from a trusted brand to ensure consistent results.
Monitor heat to avoid burning the butter or the French toast bites; medium heat is ideal.
For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
The icing from the cinnamon roll package adds authentic flavor, but you can also use cream cheese frosting as a substitute.
Serve immediately for best texture and taste; leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven for crispiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American