Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Imagine this: your favorite cinnamon rolls met your childhood French toast, had a bite-sized baby, and topped it all with a glaze. That’s what you get with these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites—little chunks of sweet, spiced dough, crisped up in a skillet and dripping with icing or syrup. Perfect for brunch, breakfast-for-dinner, or just those mornings when cereal doesn’t cut it.

Behind the Recipe

This came from one of those “let’s throw it together” mornings. I had some leftover cinnamon rolls (the store-bought kind you bake at home), and no one touched them the next day. Rather than microwave them into rubber, I diced them up, gave them the French toast treatment, and what came out was something better than either on its own. These bites are soft inside, crisp outside, and coated with cinnamon-vanilla custard that makes every piece sing.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

While French toast has been around for centuries (thanks to clever cooks turning stale bread into magic), cinnamon roll French toast bites are a modern mash-up. These started showing up on brunch menus and viral recipe videos, and it’s no wonder—they’re easy, fun, and pure comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Here’s why this recipe will be on repeat in your kitchen:

• Bite-sized magic: Easier to serve, easier to eat.
• No stale bread needed: Just a can of cinnamon rolls or homemade leftovers.
• Fast and easy: 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Customizable: Glaze, syrup, powdered sugar, or all three.
• Perfect for brunch boards or breakfast platters.
• Kid-approved: They’ll disappear before you even plate them.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• If using canned cinnamon rolls, slightly underbake before using—keeps them tender.
• Whisk your custard well to avoid eggy clumps.
• Use a non-stick skillet and medium heat to get golden edges without burning the sugar.
• Add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg to the egg mixture for extra warmth.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed for even browning.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Non-stick skillet or griddle
• Medium bowl for egg mixture
• Whisk and spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Optional: piping bag for drizzling icing

Ingredients in Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Whether using pre-baked rolls or baking from scratch, here’s the base recipe:

1. 1 can of cinnamon rolls (8-count) – baked and cooled, then cubed
2. 2 eggs
3. 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6. Butter or oil for the pan
7. Glaze or syrup for topping

Optional add-ons:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Maple syrup or caramel drizzle
• Chopped nuts or fruit on top

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use homemade cinnamon rolls if you have them (even stale works!).
• Almond milk, oat milk, or cream all work in place of dairy milk.
• For egg-free version, try a custard made with mashed banana or flax egg + milk.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cinnamon Rolls – These are the star. Their soft texture, built-in swirl, and slight sweetness make them perfect for soaking up custard without falling apart. It’s like using brioche or challah, but with built-in flavor.

Instructions for Making Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

This recipe’s about as easy as it gets. Here’s the play-by-play:

1. Bake and Cool (if needed):
   Bake your cinnamon rolls if using the canned kind. Let them cool slightly, then cut each roll into quarters or sixths.
2. Whisk the Custard:
   In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
3. Soak the Bites:
   Gently toss your cinnamon roll pieces in the egg mixture. Let them soak for about 1–2 minutes max.
4. Heat the Skillet:
   Add a little butter or oil to your skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook the Bites:
   Add the soaked pieces in a single layer, cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp on all edges.
6. Serve with Toppings:
   Remove from pan and drizzle with glaze, powdered sugar, or maple syrup.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

You want crisp outside edges (thanks to the skillet and a bit of butter) and soft, custard-soaked centers. The cinnamon swirl deepens during cooking, giving rich, spiced bites with a little sweetness in every piece. Topped with icing or syrup? Heaven.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Keep the pan medium-low so the sugar doesn’t burn.
• Serve immediately—these are best fresh and warm.
• Make a cream cheese glaze for extra “cinnamon roll” vibes.

What to Avoid

• Don’t oversoak the bites—they’ll fall apart.
• Don’t crowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of crisp.
• Skip high heat—it’ll burn the sugars before the inside cooks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: ~6 bites
Calories: ~280 (varies with icing and syrup)
Carbs: 33g
Fat: 14g
Protein: 5g
These are estimates and will change with toppings.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Best fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2 days.
• Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for crispness.
• The egg mixture can be pre-whisked the night before.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

• As part of a brunch board with fruit and bacon.
• Dusted with powdered sugar and served with coffee.
• With toothpicks for a party appetizer vibe.
• Piled in a bowl and drizzled with cream cheese icing.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Add leftovers to a yogurt parfait.
• Bake into a bread pudding with extra eggs and cream.
• Use in a sweet breakfast wrap with banana and peanut butter.

Additional Tips

• Want it sweeter? Add a spoon of brown sugar to the egg mix.
• For dessert, top with ice cream and caramel sauce.
• Try pumpkin spice or chai spice instead of cinnamon for fall.

Variations to Try

• Sticky Bun Version: Add pecans and caramel drizzle.
• Apple Cinnamon: Toss in diced apples before cooking.
• Savory Twist: Use sausage-stuffed cinnamon rolls, skip sweet toppings.
• Iced Mocha: Add espresso powder to the egg mix and top with chocolate glaze.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these with stale cinnamon rolls?
A1: Yes, and they might even hold up better when soaked.

Q2: Can I freeze them?
A2: Cooked bites don’t freeze well, but unbaked cinnamon rolls do.

Q3: Do I need to bake the cinnamon rolls first?
A3: Yes—raw dough doesn’t work for this recipe.

Q4: Can I make these dairy-free?
A4: Yes—use non-dairy milk and oil or vegan butter.

Q5: Can I air-fry them?
A5: Definitely. 350°F for 5–6 minutes after soaking works great.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites bring together the best of two breakfast legends—soft, spiced dough and rich, eggy custard—into one bite-sized, craveable treat. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weekend brunch or just need a cozy morning pick-me-up, this recipe brings smiles and sticky fingers every time.

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