Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate mashup of comfort foods, then Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites will instantly win a spot in your breakfast rotation. Imagine all the gooey, swirled deliciousness of a classic cinnamon roll transformed into warm, golden pillows—each one coated in a silky French toast custard, then pan-fried until just the right amount of crisp edges form. Every bite is an explosion of cinnamon and sweetness, all finished with a drizzle of icing and maple syrup that tastes like a cozy weekend morning in every forkful. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into a treat-yourself occasion, and best of all, it comes together in a mere 20 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need
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Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites:
- 1 (11-ounce) package refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- maple syrup for serving
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Step 1: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
Start by removing the refrigerated cinnamon rolls from the packaging (don’t forget to save the icing for later!) and use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut each roll into bite-sized pieces. You’ll want them small enough to pop in your mouth but not so tiny that they fall apart in the pan. Spacing them out on a plate prevents sticking and makes the next step a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the eggs are completely broken up and everything looks smooth and evenly mixed. This custard will soak into every nook and cranny of your cinnamon roll pieces, giving them that irresistible French toast texture and flavor boost.
Step 3: Dip the Pieces
Carefully dip each cinnamon roll bite into the custard, rolling it around to coat all sides. Don’t rush—let them soak briefly so the mixture sinks in, but not so long that they get soggy. Lay the coated pieces back onto your plate as you work through the batch.
Step 4: Cook in the Skillet
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and just barely sizzling. Working in batches if needed, place the soaked cinnamon roll bites in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning carefully as they brown. You’re looking for a golden, lightly crispy exterior while the centers stay fluffy.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once all the bites are cooked, pile them onto a serving dish while still warm. Drizzle generously with the reserved icing packet and a pour of maple syrup. If you’re feeling extra, scatter on a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of berries, and get ready to savor every gooey, cinnamon-swirled bite!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Garnishes
Sometimes it’s the little things that send a good dish over the top, so don’t hesitate to have fun with your garnishes. A drizzle of the included icing is a must, but a shower of powdered sugar, a scattering of fresh berries, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts can add both eye appeal and layers of texture. If you love a citrusy punch, a bit of orange zest brightens everything up, making these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites even more special.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites pair beautifully with a variety of breakfast classics. For a balanced brunch, serve them alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon, or try a fresh fruit salad for a lighter option. If you’re hosting a crowd, a platter of these bites next to bowls of yogurt and granola creates a build-your-own breakfast buffet that’ll make everyone happy.
Creative Ways to Present
These bites practically beg to be showcased. Stack them high on a cake stand for a pretty focal point at brunch, or pop toothpicks in each one for an easy-to-grab, party-ready treat at baby showers or holiday mornings. You could even serve them in mini muffin wrappers on a board alongside small bowls of dipping sauces—think maple syrup and whipped cream—for a festive breakfast “charcuterie” moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, transfer them to an airtight container once completely cooled. Store in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. The bites retain their soft middles and can be quickly revived with a little heat, making morning-after breakfasts a total breeze.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these bites for future cravings. Arrange the cooled French toast bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months—perfect for planning ahead or surprise guests.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the bites gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or pop them in a 350°F oven on a baking tray for about 5-8 minutes until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine for a quick zap, but the oven or skillet brings back the best crisp texture. Just add a fresh drizzle of icing or maple syrup right before serving!
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully and let you control the flavors even more. Just pre-bake them slightly so they’re sturdy enough to cut and dip into the custard before frying as directed.
What’s the best way to keep Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites warm for a crowd?
Once cooked, you can keep your bites warm in a low oven (about 200°F) on a baking sheet, loosely covered with foil. This way everyone gets to enjoy them at their melty, gooey best, even if brunch runs long.
Can I make these dairy free?
Yes! Just grab a dairy-free refrigerated cinnamon roll brand and sub in your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) for the custard, along with plant-based butter for frying. The results are every bit as scrumptious.
How do I prevent the bites from getting soggy?
The key is to soak the cinnamon roll pieces briefly—just enough to absorb some custard but not too much. Make sure your skillet is preheated and cook in batches without overcrowding, as this helps them brown up nicely instead of steaming.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Definitely! You can whisk together the custard mixture up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just give it a quick re-whisk before dipping in your cinnamon roll pieces.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites that makes breakfast feel like a special celebration, even on a casual weekend morning. Whether you’re gathering with friends or treating your family, don’t be surprised if these sweet, cinnamony bites disappear faster than you can say “seconds!” Give them a try and turn your next breakfast into a memory worth savoring.
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Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a delightful twist on classic French toast, made with refrigerated cinnamon rolls for extra flavor. Perfect for a quick and easy breakfast treat!
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites:
- 1 (11-ounce) package refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Cut cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbly.
- Dip cinnamon roll pieces into the egg mixture, coating all sides, and place them in the skillet.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning carefully, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from skillet and serve warm with maple syrup and the icing packet drizzled on top.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, cook in batches without overcrowding the pan.
- You can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or fresh fruit when serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 155mg