Name: The BEST Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with included icing or glaze); 2 eggs; 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Butter for greasing the skillet; Optional toppings: maple syrup, cream cheese glaze, powdered sugar, or whipped cream

These adorable Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites transform ordinary refrigerated cinnamon rolls into a delightful breakfast treat. Quick to prepare and fun to eat, they combine the flavors of classic French toast with the sweet, spicy goodness of cinnamon rolls in perfectly poppable, bite-sized pieces.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
Perfect for busy weekday mornings or lazy weekend brunches
Kid-friendly and fun to eat
Customizable with various toppings
Combines two breakfast favorites in one delicious dish
No special equipment needed
Great for serving a crowd
Can be made ahead and reheated

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Refrigerated cinnamon rolls serve as the star of this recipe, providing both convenience and that distinctive cinnamon swirl flavor without the hours of work traditional cinnamon rolls require. The dough absorbs the egg mixture beautifully while maintaining its sweet cinnamon filling.

Eggs create that classic French toast coating and add protein to make this treat more substantial. They help create the golden exterior and custardy interior that defines good French toast.

Milk works with the eggs to create the perfect soaking mixture. It adds richness and helps to thin the egg mixture to the right consistency for proper absorption.

Vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile, complementing both the cinnamon and the sweetness of the rolls. Even this small amount makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.

Ground cinnamon enhances the cinnamon that’s already in the rolls, creating a more pronounced spice flavor that makes these bites truly special. It also adds a wonderful aroma while cooking.

Butter is essential for greasing the pan and adds a rich, nutty flavor as the bites cook. It helps achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior that makes French toast irresistible.

Optional toppings allow for customization based on preference. The included icing packet provides convenience, while maple syrup offers a traditional French toast experience. Cream cheese glaze, powdered sugar, and whipped cream provide additional options for varying levels of sweetness and richness.

Directions

Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate each roll. Cut each into quarters or smaller bite-sized pieces.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Gently toss the cinnamon roll pieces in the egg mixture until they’re evenly coated but not soggy.
Heat a skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Once melted, add the soaked cinnamon roll pieces in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning often, until golden brown and cooked through.
Stack the warm French toast bites on a serving plate. Drizzle with the included icing, warm maple syrup, or cream cheese glaze.
Enjoy while warm, optionally topped with powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for extra sweetness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it perfect for a family breakfast. Each serving contains about 300 calories.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Berry Delicious: Add fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries as a topping for a fruity twist.

Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the finished bites for added texture and nutrition.

Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Drizzle with chocolate sauce instead of icing or add mini chocolate chips to the warm bites.

Banana Foster Style: Top with caramelized bananas.

Apple Pie Version: Add diced sautéed apples tossed with extra cinnamon as a topping.

Orange Zest Upgrade: Add orange zest to the egg mixture for a citrusy brightness that complements the cinnamon.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover French toast bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any unused icing or toppings separate.

Freezing: These bites freeze well for up to 1 month. Place cooled bites on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze icing separately.

Reheating from Refrigerated: For best results, reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. Microwave reheating (30-45 seconds) works in a pinch but may result in a softer texture.

Reheating from Frozen: No need to thaw first. Place frozen bites on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Warm the icing separately before drizzling.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of refrigerated?

Yes, you can certainly use homemade cinnamon roll dough if you prefer. Just make sure the dough is fully risen before cutting into pieces and dipping in the egg mixture. Note that homemade dough might absorb the egg mixture differently, so watch the soaking time carefully.

Why are my French toast bites soggy in the middle?

Soggy centers usually indicate that either the pieces were soaked too long in the egg mixture or the cooking temperature was too high, causing the outside to brown before the inside could cook through. Try soaking for less time and cooking over medium-low heat for more even cooking.

Can I make the egg mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! The egg mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick whisk before using to recombine any ingredients that may have separated.

What’s the best pan to use for this recipe?

A non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan works best. The non-stick surface prevents the sugary dough from sticking and makes cleanup easier. If using cast iron, make sure it’s well buttered.

Can I use a different flavor of cinnamon rolls?

Yes! This recipe works wonderfully with any flavor of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Try orange, strawberry, or chocolate varieties for a fun twist on the original recipe.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Certainly! You can substitute almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk for the dairy milk. Most refrigerated cinnamon roll brands don’t contain dairy in the dough itself, but check the label to be sure.

How do I know when the bites are cooked through?

The bites are done when they’re golden brown on all sides and feel slightly firm to the touch. If you’re unsure, you can cut one open – the center should be fully cooked with no raw dough, but still moist and tender.

Can I make this recipe in the air fryer?

Yes! To air fry, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the soaked bites in a single layer (you may need to work in batches), and cook for 4-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

What can I use if I don’t have vanilla extract?

If vanilla extract isn’t available, you can substitute almond extract (use half the amount), maple extract. Alternatively, you can omit it completely – the cinnamon rolls have plenty of flavor on their own.

How many cinnamon rolls should I use for a larger crowd?

For serving 8 people, double the recipe using two cans of cinnamon rolls and 4 eggs. The other ingredients can be doubled proportionally. You may need to cook in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites represent the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence. By transforming store-bought cinnamon rolls into these delightful, bite-sized morsels, you get all the comforting flavors of traditional French toast and cinnamon rolls in a fraction of the time.

Whether you’re whipping them up for a special weekend breakfast, serving them at a brunch gathering, or treating the kids to something fun before school, these versatile bites are sure to become a requested favorite in your household. The ease of preparation combined with their crowd-pleasing taste makes them an ideal addition to your breakfast and brunch repertoire.

Experiment with different toppings and variations to make this recipe your own, and enjoy the way these little bites bring big smiles to everyone at your table.