A Sweet and Simple Breakfast Favorite in Every Bite
Looking for a fun and delicious twist on breakfast that the whole family will love? These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible! Whether you’re hosting brunch, need a weekend treat, or want to surprise the kids with something special, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Let’s get started on creating a sweet breakfast delight that’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Introduction
Breakfast just got better—and way more exciting! These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites combine the ooey-gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the classic comfort of French toast, all in a bite-sized format. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with sweet cinnamon flavor.
Perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or even holiday breakfasts, these little bites are made using refrigerated cinnamon rolls, which cuts down on prep time without sacrificing taste. With a golden crust, warm center, and a drizzle of icing or syrup, every bite is a warm hug on a plate.
Ready to wow your taste buds (and your breakfast guests)? Here’s everything you need to make these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites a staple in your kitchen.
Tools Needed, Servings, and Cooking Time
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
- Large non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Serving plate or platter
Servings and Time:
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
This recipe makes enough for four, but you can easily double or triple it for a larger crowd.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering bites:
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with included icing packet)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
- Maple syrup or icing (from the cinnamon rolls, optional for drizzling)
Tip: Choose your favorite brand of refrigerated cinnamon rolls for the best taste. The icing packet that comes with it makes a perfect topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Start by opening the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and removing the icing packet. Set the icing aside for later use.
Place the cinnamon rolls on a cutting board and cut each roll into bite-sized pieces—roughly 6–8 pieces per roll, depending on their size. You want pieces small enough to eat in one or two bites.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This mixture will act as the coating that gives the bites their delicious French toast flavor.
Make sure the mixture is well combined so each bite gets an even coating of the rich, spiced egg wash.
Step 3: Coat the Cinnamon Roll Pieces
Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture. Use your hands or a slotted spoon to gently turn and coat each side.
Let any excess mixture drip off before placing the pieces in the skillet to prevent sogginess.
Note: Work in batches to avoid soaking all the pieces at once, which can lead to oversaturation.
Step 4: Cook the Bites
In a large non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and sizzling slightly, add the coated cinnamon roll bites in a single layer.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet—you want enough space between each piece to allow for even browning. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping carefully until they are golden brown and cooked through.
If needed, cook in batches, adding more butter between rounds.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the golden brown bites from the skillet and transfer them to a serving plate.
Now for the fun part—drizzle with the reserved icing or warm maple syrup, and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
Serve immediately while warm and fluffy. These bites are perfect on their own, or pair them with scrambled eggs and fruit for a complete breakfast spread.
Recommendations for Recipe Success
1. Don’t Skip the Butter:
Butter helps the bites develop a beautifully crisp exterior and rich flavor. You can substitute with coconut oil or ghee for a dairy-free version.
2. Use a Non-Stick Skillet:
To avoid sticking and burning, always use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan.
3. Keep an Eye on the Heat:
Medium heat is ideal. Too high and the outside may burn before the inside is cooked; too low and they may become soggy.
4. Adjust Size for Cooking:
Cut the cinnamon rolls into uniform bite-sized pieces. Uneven sizes may cook inconsistently.
5. Want Extra Spice?
Add a dash of nutmeg or a pinch of clove to the egg mixture for a deeper flavor profile.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve:
- Serve warm right out of the skillet for the best texture.
- Pair with fresh berries, whipped cream, or Greek yogurt for a more complete meal.
- Great for brunch buffets, holiday breakfasts, or kids’ sleepover mornings.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm in the skillet over low heat for a few minutes or use a toaster oven for best texture. Avoid the microwave, which can make the bites rubbery.
Freezing not recommended due to the egg coating and icing texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the cinnamon roll bites and the egg mixture the night before. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then dip and cook fresh in the morning.
2. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have leftover homemade cinnamon rolls or dough, use them in place of the canned variety. Just make sure they’re cut into small, uniform pieces.
3. Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a plant-based butter alternative. Just check the cinnamon roll packaging to ensure it’s dairy-free.
4. What can I use instead of the icing?
If you prefer to skip the icing, drizzle the bites with maple syrup, honey, or a cream cheese glaze. You can also dust them with cinnamon sugar for a crunchy finish.
5. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, although the texture will be different. Arrange the dipped pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy, but still delicious.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the ultimate mashup of two classic breakfast favorites. They’re soft, crispy, warm, and packed with cinnamon sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family, treating weekend guests, or simply indulging yourself, these bites are sure to please.
And with only 20 minutes from start to finish, there’s no reason not to make them a part of your breakfast routine. Keep a can of cinnamon rolls in the fridge, and you’ll always be just minutes away from a breakfast that feels special but is super simple.
Ready to turn your morning into something magical? Fire up that skillet and let these cinnamon-swirled bites become your new go-to breakfast treat.
