Do Share Recipe

The Ultimate Breakfast Mashup: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe

When I first stumbled upon this idea, I knew it would be a game-changer for my weekend breakfast routine. It combines two of my absolute favorites—gooey cinnamon rolls and classic French toast—into one perfect bite.

It’s so simple yet feels incredibly special. This has become my go-to for a quick, sweet treat. For something savory, you can also explore our guide to the Turkey Chili Recipe; it’s another family favorite of mine.

The Perfect Ingredients for Your Bites

To create these delightful morsels, you will need a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with icing) – This is the magic shortcut, providing the dough and the sweet glaze all in one.
2 large eggs – These create the rich custard base for our French toast coating.
1/4 cup milk – Use whole milk for a richer taste, but any milk will work to thin the egg mixture.
1 tsp vanilla extract – A dash of good quality vanilla adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – This enhances the cinnamon flavor already in the rolls.
1/4 tsp nutmeg – An optional but highly recommended spice that adds a warm, nutty aroma.
2 tbsp butter – For frying the bites to a perfect golden brown. Unsalted is best to control the saltiness.
Powdered sugar – A light dusting for garnish makes them look and taste even more decadent.
Maple syrup – Pure maple syrup is the ideal companion for dipping.

Note: This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings, depending on appetite.

Cooking Time

Get ready for a treat that’s as quick as it is delicious.

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

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe. Just a few kitchen basics will do the trick.

Large Skillet or Griddle: To cook the bites evenly to a golden-brown finish.
Medium Bowl: For whisking together the egg custard mixture.
Whisk: To ensure your egg mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Knife and Cutting Board: For easily quartering the cinnamon roll dough.
Tongs or a Slotted Spoon: To safely add, flip, and remove the bites from the hot skillet.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

This process is incredibly simple and fun. Just follow these easy steps to create the most amazing breakfast bites you’ve ever had. From preparing the dough to that final drizzle of icing, each step is quick and straightforward.

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

First, open your can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and separate the individual rolls. Place them on a cutting board and carefully slice each roll into four equal pieces, or quarters. This size is perfect for creating bite-sized morsels that cook quickly and are easy to eat. Set the icing container aside for later.

Step 2: Create the French Toast Batter

In a medium-sized bowl, it’s time to make the custard. Crack in the two large eggs and pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Add the ground cinnamon and nutmeg if you’re using it. Grab your whisk and beat everything together until the mixture is smooth, evenly colored, and slightly frothy.

Step 3: Coat the Bites

Now, take your quartered cinnamon roll pieces and dip them one by one into the egg mixture. Make sure each piece is fully submerged and coated on all sides. This coating is what will give the bites their classic French toast flavor and a beautiful golden crust when cooked. Don’t let them soak for too long, just a quick dip is all you need.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling slightly, carefully place the coated cinnamon roll pieces into the pan. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet; cook them in batches if needed. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm

Once all the bites are cooked, arrange them on a serving plate. Warm the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to drizzle. Generously drizzle the icing over the warm bites. For the final touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve immediately with a side of warm maple syrup for dipping.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making these countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make them even more spectacular.

I find that pressing down slightly on the bites with a spatula while they cook helps them cook more evenly and get a nice, crisp exterior.
For an extra layer of flavor, try browning the butter in the skillet before adding the bites. It creates a nutty, rich taste that is simply divine.
Don’t skip warming up the icing. A slightly thinned, warm icing drizzles much better and coats the bites more evenly than cold, thick icing from the can.
If you have any leftover egg mixture, don’t throw it out! You can use it to make a small, single-serving of classic French toast.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it. Here are a few ideas to get you started on customizing your bites.

Dairy-Free: Swap the cow’s milk for a dairy-free alternative like almond, soy, or oat milk. Use a plant-based butter or coconut oil for frying.
Flavor Boosts: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor. A little orange zest in the egg mixture also adds a bright, fresh note.
Sugar-Free: While the cinnamon roll dough contains sugar, you can serve the bites without the icing and use a sugar-free maple syrup for a lower-sugar option.

These variations make it easy to fit this treat into different dietary needs or just to try something new. You can explore more creative ideas in our other breakfast and dinner recipes.

Calories Count

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving. Please note that this can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used.

Calories: ~120 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~15g
Protein: ~3g
Fat: ~5g
Sugar: ~8g

How to Store Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Storing leftovers is simple, ensuring you can enjoy this treat again later.

Storing: Place any leftover bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to one month.
Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or frozen bites in the microwave, air fryer, or a warm oven until heated through for best results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this easy and delicious recipe.

Incredibly Fast: It goes from fridge to plate in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike go crazy for these sweet, poppable bites.
Simple Ingredients: It uses a can of cinnamon roll dough as a shortcut, minimizing prep and ingredients.
Fun and Versatile: It’s a fun recipe to make and can be served for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.

More to Know About Your Bites

This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate a simple can of store-bought cinnamon rolls into something that feels gourmet. Because the dough is already packed with cinnamon flavor, it creates a much deeper taste than using regular bread for French toast.

They puff up beautifully as they cook, becoming light and airy on the inside with a perfectly crisp, caramelized exterior. They are best served immediately while warm and gooey, so everyone can experience that fresh-from-the-skillet goodness.

Ben Carraoli