There’s something magical about slow weekend mornings in my kitchen. The sunlight spills in, the coffee brews in the background, and the aroma of cinnamon begins to dance through the air. That’s when I know it’s time to make one of my favorite indulgences: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. This recipe is a playful twist on two breakfast classics — the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls and the golden richness of French toast — all bundled up into bite-sized pieces that are impossible to resist.
I first started making these on quiet Sunday mornings, when the goal was to create something that felt special but didn’t require hours in the kitchen. They quickly became a family tradition, the kind of breakfast that gets everyone to the table before I’ve even finished plating. I love how each bite captures the soft, pillowy texture of a cinnamon roll with the sweet, slightly crisp edges of French toast.
Why you will love this recipe
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are everything a weekend breakfast should be: comforting, flavorful, and a little bit indulgent. They’re perfect for when you want to serve something that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort. The recipe is beginner-friendly and forgiving, so even if you’re not used to baking or cooking in the morning, you can still achieve perfect results.
Versatile
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. You can prepare it as a sit-down breakfast for the whole family or serve it as a fun finger food at brunch gatherings. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup. You can even get creative with toppings — cream cheese glaze for a bakery-style feel, or a light vanilla yogurt drizzle for a fresher option.
Affordable
This recipe doesn’t require expensive ingredients or special equipment, which makes it perfect for families, students, or anyone looking to make something special without overspending. You can use store-bought cinnamon rolls to save time, or homemade ones if you feel like going the extra mile. Either way, it’s a budget-friendly indulgence that delivers a luxurious flavor.
Ingredients for the recipe
To make these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, you’ll need:
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Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing packet) or homemade cinnamon rolls
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Large eggs
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Whole milk (or any milk of choice)
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Pure vanilla extract
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Ground cinnamon
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Unsalted butter (for frying)
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Maple syrup or cream cheese glaze for serving (optional)
How to Prepare Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Making Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites is a process that feels both indulgent and effortless. The goal is to bring together the soft sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the rich custard coating of French toast. This method ensures every bite is tender on the inside and golden on the outside, with just the right balance of flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1 – Prepare the cinnamon rolls
Begin by removing the cinnamon rolls from their packaging. If you are using refrigerated dough, separate each roll and set the icing packet aside for later. Cut each roll into four equal bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. If you are working with homemade cinnamon rolls, slice them into similar portions, aiming for even sizes so they cook uniformly.
Step 2 – Make the custard mixture
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until smooth. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whisk again until the mixture is fully combined and slightly frothy. This custard base will soak into the cinnamon roll pieces, giving them that classic French toast flavor.
Step 3 – Coat the cinnamon roll pieces
Place the cinnamon roll bites into the custard mixture. Gently stir with a spatula until each piece is evenly coated. Let them sit for about one to two minutes to absorb some of the liquid, but avoid letting them soak too long or they may fall apart.
Step 4 – Heat the pan
Set a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small knob of unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely, swirling it to coat the pan. The butter will give the French toast bites their golden-brown crust and rich flavor.
Step 5 – Cook the bites
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, lift the coated cinnamon roll pieces from the custard, letting excess liquid drip off. Place them into the hot skillet, leaving space between each piece. Cook for two to three minutes per side, turning them gently until all sides are evenly browned. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
Step 6 – Warm the icing or prepare toppings
While the bites are cooking, warm the icing packet from the cinnamon rolls in a small bowl of hot water or in the microwave for a few seconds. You can also prepare other toppings at this stage, such as maple syrup, cream cheese glaze, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Step 7 – Serve immediately
Once the bites are golden and cooked through, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle the warm icing over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. Add fresh fruit or a small dish of syrup if you like. Serve them hot for the best texture and flavor.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans. Using store-bought cinnamon rolls keeps prep time minimal, while still giving you a homemade-style treat.
Customizable
You can adjust this recipe to suit your preferences. Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, swap the glaze for a yogurt drizzle, or fold in a few chocolate chips before cooking. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives.
Popular with Many People
From children to adults, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are universally loved. They’re perfect for casual family breakfasts, holiday mornings, or as part of a larger brunch spread. Their bite-sized shape makes them fun to eat and easy to share.
PrintThese Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Are the Ultimate Weekend Breakfast Treat!
A delightful combination of soft, sweet cinnamon rolls and rich, custardy French toast, cut into bite-sized pieces. Perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or a quick sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 8
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing packet) or homemade cinnamon rolls
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
- Optional: maple syrup, cream cheese glaze, or powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the cinnamon rolls – Open the package of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and set the icing packet aside. Cut each cinnamon roll into four equal bite-sized pieces. If using homemade cinnamon rolls, cut them into similar portions.
- Make the custard mixture – In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Coat the bites – Place the cinnamon roll pieces into the custard mixture and gently stir to coat evenly. Let them sit for 1–2 minutes without over-soaking.
- Heat the pan – Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add butter and allow it to melt completely, swirling to coat the surface.
- Cook the bites – Remove coated pieces from the custard, letting excess drip off, and place them in the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown, turning as needed for even cooking.
- Warm the icing or toppings – While the bites are cooking, warm the icing packet briefly in the microwave or a bowl of hot water. Prepare any additional toppings.
- Serve – Arrange the bites on a serving plate. Drizzle with warm icing, maple syrup, or cream cheese glaze, or dust lightly with powdered sugar. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
For dairy-free options, substitute plant-based milk and use a dairy-free glaze.
Avoid over-soaking the cinnamon roll bites to keep their shape during cooking.
These bites are best served fresh but can be frozen and reheated.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the cinnamon roll bites the night before, refrigerate them, and cook them in the morning. For best results, store the coated pieces separately from the custard mixture to avoid sogginess.
Can I freeze cooked Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?
Absolutely. Once cooked and cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to one month. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warm.
Can I make them without dairy?
Yes. Replace the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free icing or glaze.
Do I have to use store-bought cinnamon rolls?
No. Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully. Just make sure they are baked and cooled before cutting into bites for this recipe.
What toppings work best?
The icing that comes with store-bought cinnamon rolls is a classic choice. You can also use maple syrup, cream cheese glaze, powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream.
How do I prevent them from burning?
Keep the heat at medium and monitor closely. Turning the pieces frequently ensures even browning without overcooking.
Can I make a healthier version?
Yes. Use whole-grain cinnamon rolls, low-fat or plant-based milk, and a lighter glaze or fresh fruit topping to reduce sugar content.