Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

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Golden, gooey, and irresistibly poppable, Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are what breakfast dreams are made of. These pillowy rounds are a delicious fusion of two classics: the sticky-sweet decadence of cinnamon rolls and the custardy comfort of French toast. Each bite is caramelized on the outside, soft on the inside, and finished with a drizzle of maple syrup and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry brunch crowd, treating yourself to a cozy weekend breakfast, or serving something special for the holidays, these bites are a showstopper. They come together surprisingly fast using pre-made dough and pantry staples, but they taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Let the cinnamon-sugar aroma fill your kitchen and your morning.


What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?

While you could make your own cinnamon roll dough from scratch, using refrigerated cinnamon roll dough makes this recipe incredibly quick and accessible. Pillsbury-style rolls are perfect since they already include that signature cinnamon swirl and icing packet. Just be sure to cut them small for that ideal bite-sized experience.


Ingredients for the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Refrigerated Cinnamon Roll Dough
This is the heart of the recipe, offering a sweet, cinnamony base without the work of making dough from scratch.

Eggs
They bind the custard and help give that classic French toast texture once cooked.

Milk or Heavy Cream
Adds richness to the egg mixture, soaking into the dough for that custardy middle.

Vanilla Extract
A little splash goes a long way in adding warmth and depth.

Cinnamon + Nutmeg (optional)
To bump up the spice flavor already in the rolls.

Butter
Used for cooking, it helps crisp the outsides while keeping the insides soft.

Maple Syrup + Powdered Sugar
These finishing touches add sweetness and visual appeal, perfect for serving.


How To Make the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Rolls

Open your can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and separate each one. Cut each roll into quarters or sixths, depending on how small you want your bites. Set aside the icing for later use.

Step 2: Make the Custard Dip

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (or cream), vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg if desired. Make sure it’s well combined.

Step 3: Dip the Dough

Gently toss the cinnamon roll pieces in the egg mixture until evenly coated, letting the dough absorb just enough without becoming soggy.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Heat butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the soaked cinnamon roll bites in batches. Cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Serve your French toast bites hot off the skillet with a generous drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and optionally, the reserved icing warmed slightly for drizzling.


Serving and Storing Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

These bites are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the skillet, when they’re at their fluffiest and crispiest. Serve them stacked on a platter with syrup on the side or pre-drizzled for easy grabbing. For a party, keep them warm in a low oven and serve with toothpicks.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back that delightful texture. Avoid microwaving if possible—it tends to make them soggy.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?

Absolutely. If you have the time and enjoy baking from scratch, homemade dough will work beautifully. Just ensure it’s soft and fluffy.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prep the custard and cut the rolls ahead, but it’s best to cook them just before serving to maintain the texture.

What if I don’t have cinnamon rolls?

You can use crescent roll dough sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, though you’ll miss that built-in swirl and icing.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Place the dipped dough pieces in a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, or until golden.

What toppings go well with these?

Aside from maple syrup and powdered sugar, try cream cheese glaze, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit.

Can I freeze them?

Not recommended. The texture after freezing and reheating won’t be as good.


Want More Breakfast Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make them extra crispy or keep them soft? Did you drizzle with syrup or icing?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other brunch better!


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Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites


  • Author: Olivia McKenney
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the ultimate brunch indulgence. Fluffy inside and caramelized outside, they combine the nostalgic warmth of cinnamon rolls with the custard richness of French toast. Perfect for busy mornings, holiday gatherings, or lazy weekend treats, they’re simple to make and impossible to resist.


Ingredients

1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with icing packet)

2 large eggs

1/4 cup milk or heavy cream

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

2 tbsp butter (for cooking)

Maple syrup, for drizzling

Powdered sugar, for dusting


Instructions

  1. Separate cinnamon rolls and cut each into 4–6 small pieces. Reserve icing.
  2. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.
  3. Toss dough pieces in the custard mixture to coat lightly.
  4. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add coated dough in batches.
  5. Cook until all sides are golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
  6. Drizzle with syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and serve with icing.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast

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