Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites – Easy Breakfast Treat

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a quick and delicious way to transform a can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls into something extra special. With just a few basic ingredients, eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, you can create golden, crispy bites that are soft and gooey on the inside, bursting with sweet cinnamon flavor.

Perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunch, or even a fun breakfast-for-dinner idea, this recipe comes together in minutes and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. The magic happens when the cinnamon roll dough is cut into bite-sized pieces, dipped in a rich custard mixture, and then pan-fried to golden perfection. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or the icing that comes in the can for an extra indulgent finish.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these bites are a cozy, comforting twist on two breakfast favorites classic French toast and cinnamon rolls—all in one!

Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing packet)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
• Maple syrup or icing (from the cinnamon rolls, optional for serving)

this RECIPE

Instructions

Top and enjoy: Serve the cinnamon roll French toast bites warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and drizzled with maple syrup or the reserved icing.

Prepare the cinnamon rolls: Open the can of cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing packet. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters for bite-sized pieces.

Make the egg mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined.

Coat the cinnamon roll pieces: Dip each piece of cinnamon roll into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let any excess drip off before cooking.

Cook the bites: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the cinnamon roll pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Fry until golden: Cook each side for about 2–3 minutes, turning them gently with tongs until all sides are golden brown and crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside.

Serve: Remove the bites from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Repeat with the remaining pieces.

Notes

• You can use flavored coffee creamer in place of milk for a fun twist.
• Serve with fresh fruit for a brunch-worthy spread.
• For extra crisp edges, let the cinnamon bites sit an extra minute in the pan.

Helpful Tips

• Use Day-Old Rolls: If you’re prepping ahead, slightly stale cinnamon rolls absorb the egg mixture better and hold their shape during frying.
• Don’t Over-Soak: Let the roll pieces sit in the egg mixture just long enough to coat about 1–2 minutes. Over-soaking can make them mushy.
• Cook in Batches: Avoid crowding the skillet. Cooking in batches ensures each bite gets golden and crisp without steaming.
• Low and Slow: Medium heat works best. Too hot and the outsides may brown too quickly while the centers stay undercooked.
• Add Toppings: Finish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of icing (included in the roll can), or a splash of warm maple syrup. For extra indulgence, try a cream cheese glaze!
• Flavor Twists: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or use flavored coffee creamer in place of milk for added flavor. Pumpkin spice, vanilla, or hazelnut work beautifully.
• Make Ahead: You can cut and refrigerate the cinnamon roll pieces the night before. Just coat and fry fresh in the morning.
• Kid-Friendly: These bites are perfect for little hands! Serve with dipping cups of syrup or icing to make it interactive.
• Leftovers? Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to keep them crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the texture.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration: Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the bites to cool completely before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through and crisped up again. You can also use a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. While the microwave is convenient, it tends to make the bites soft and chewy rather than crispy.

Freezing: These bites can be frozen, though they’re best fresh. To freeze, place the cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 1 month.

Reheating from Frozen: For frozen bites, reheat in an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes until hot and lightly crisped. No need to thaw first.

Pro Tip: If freezing, hold off on adding powdered sugar or syrup until after reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

These bites are ideal for quick breakfasts or sweet snacks, even days later. Just reheat and enjoy the gooey, cinnamon-swirled magic all over again!

Serving Suggestions

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the ultimate cozy breakfast or brunch treat—and they pair perfectly with a variety of sides and toppings to round out the experience.

Classic Style: Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup or the included cinnamon roll icing. Add a pat of butter on top for extra richness.

Brunch Board: Make it a centerpiece! Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, sausage links, and fresh fruit for a fun breakfast platter everyone can customize.

Fresh Fruit: Pair with a bowl of fresh berries, banana slices, or orange segments. The bright, juicy fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet bites.

Cream Cheese Glaze: Want a bakery-style finish? Whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk to create a silky glaze for drizzling.

Dipping Fun: Serve with little ramekins of warm syrup, icing, or even chocolate sauce for dipping especially fun for kids or brunch parties.

Holiday Brunch Upgrade: Add a sprinkle of crushed pecans or walnuts and a pinch of cinnamon sugar for a festive touch. A cinnamon-spiced latte or hot cocoa makes the perfect companion.

Mini Dessert Option: These bites also double as an easy dessert. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle for a fun twist on bread pudding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Yes! If you have leftover or homemade cinnamon rolls, just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps. Day-old rolls work best for soaking up the egg mixture without getting too soft.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prep the cinnamon roll pieces and whisk together the egg mixture the night before. Store separately in the fridge, then combine and cook in the morning.

What kind of milk works best?
Any milk works well! Whole milk adds richness, but you can use skim, almond, oat, or even flavored coffee creamer for a fun twist.

Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
This recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, but you can try baking the coated bites at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crisp but will still be delicious.

Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes! Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Kids love these mini bites, especially when served with dipping sauces like icing or syrup.

Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Just use a larger skillet or cook in multiple batches to avoid crowding.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting breakfast that comes together in minutes but tastes like it came from a café, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are your new go-to. With their crispy edges, gooey centers, and sweet cinnamon swirl, they bring together the best of both worlds—classic French toast and warm cinnamon rolls in one irresistible bite.

This recipe is not only quick and easy but also endlessly versatile. Whether you’re whipping it up for a lazy weekend breakfast, a festive holiday brunch, or a kid-friendly morning treat, these bites deliver on flavor, fun, and convenience. Plus, using store-bought cinnamon rolls keeps prep minimal while still offering that homemade, fresh-off-the-skillet feel.

Dress them up with powdered sugar, a drizzle of icing, or fresh fruit, or keep it simple and let the buttery cinnamon flavor shine. Either way, it’s a breakfast win.

Leftovers? No problem. They reheat beautifully and can even be frozen for later perfect for busy mornings or sweet snack breaks.

So next time you have a can of cinnamon rolls in the fridge, skip the oven and reach for your skillet instead. These French Toast Bites are

Love bite-sized breakfasts? You might also enjoy these Cinnamon French Toast Bites from RecipeTin Eats a delicious twist on a classic that’s just as fun and flavorful.

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