There’s something magical about mornings that start with cinnamon. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites combine two beloved breakfast treats, soft cinnamon rolls and golden French toast, into one irresistible bite-sized indulgence.
They’re buttery, sweet, and glazed with just enough icing to make them feel like dessert for breakfast. But the real charm? They’re incredibly easy to make. Whether you use canned cinnamon rolls or your own homemade dough, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites cook up golden on the outside and soft in the middle, ready to be dipped, drizzled, or devoured by the handful.
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites captures everything cozy about weekend mornings, the scent of cinnamon, the sound of sizzling butter, and the simple joy of sharing something warm and homemade.
The Story Behind Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
The Morning That Started It All
It all began one lazy Sunday. I was craving cinnamon rolls, but didn’t want to wait hours for the dough to rise. French toast was the next thought, but I’d already had that twice that week. So, I did what any curious baker does: I combined them.
A few chopped cinnamon rolls, a whisked egg mixture, a buttery skillet, and ten minutes later ,perfection. The smell that filled the kitchen was pure comfort. Each bite had that caramelized cinnamon swirl you love in a roll, but with the custardy softness of French toast.
The best part? They’re made to share. You can serve them as a brunch centerpiece or a cozy morning treat for two. They’re ideal for lazy weekends, holiday breakfasts, or when you just need a sweet little pick-me-up.
If you love easy breakfast bakes like Blueberry Cream Cheese Danish Bars or cozy morning treats like Maple Pecan Scones, this recipe will fit right into your rotation.
Why This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Works
Why this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites recipe works comes down to balance and texture. The rich egg custard gives each bite that soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel of classic French toast, while the cinnamon swirl inside every roll adds buttery sweetness and a hint of spice. Cooking them in butter gives a beautiful contrast, crisp, golden edges on the outside and a pillowy, tender center inside.
These little bites are perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings because they can be made ahead, stored, and reheated without losing their warmth or flavor. The secret to getting that perfect texture is to soak the pieces just enough to coat them, not drown them, so they stay light and fluffy instead of soggy. It’s a cozy, comforting recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something special, ready to enjoy in less than twenty minutes.
Ingredients & How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated cinnamon rolls | 1 can (8-count) | Base flavor |
| Eggs | 2 large | Custard texture |
| Milk or cream | ½ cup | Soft richness |
| Cinnamon | ½ tsp | Extra spice |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Warm aroma |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | For cooking |
| Icing from the rolls | As needed | Sweet glaze |
| Optional: Maple syrup | To drizzle | Finish |
Want to go the extra mile? Use homemade cinnamon roll dough — it makes the bites softer and richer in flavor. King Arthur Baking’s cinnamon roll dough recipe is a reliable choice for home bakers who want that from-scratch touch.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
- Cut the rolls. Slice each cinnamon roll into quarters.
- Mix custard. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Dip bites. Toss the pieces in the mixture until evenly coated.
- Cook. Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add bites and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- Glaze. Drizzle with icing or maple syrup.
That’s it, no oven, no long rise time, just golden, gooey perfection.
For a baked version, arrange the bites in a greased baking dish, pour the custard over, and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes. They’ll puff up slightly and turn perfectly tender.
Variations, Serving & Storage of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Fun Twists to Try
One of the joys of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites is how easily you can customize them. Once you’ve mastered the base, play with flavors!
| Variation | Additions | Flavor Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Caramel Apple Bites | Add diced apples before frying | Sweet, fruity balance |
| Pecan Sticky Bites | Sprinkle chopped pecans & caramel | Sticky, nutty crunch |
| Cream Cheese Swirl | Add softened cream cheese to the icing | Bakery-style finish |
| Maple Bacon Bites | Sprinkle cooked bacon crumbles | Sweet and savory combo |
If you love indulgent variations, check out Delish’s creative French toast ideas for even more flavor inspiration.
How to Serve & Store
These bites are best served warm, right from the skillet. Stack them high, drizzle generously, and sprinkle with powdered sugar. They pair beautifully with coffee, hot cocoa, or even spiced chai.
Hosting brunch? Make a Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, set out bowls of toppings like chopped nuts, fruit, syrups, and icing so guests can customize their own plate.
To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5 minutes — they’ll regain that soft inside and crisp edge.
You can also freeze them (before glazing) for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight and warm before serving.
For a cozy holiday breakfast, serve these alongside Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies or Pumpkin Patch Brownies — the mix of textures and flavors is pure comfort.
Healthier & Make-Ahead Options
Lighter Versions You’ll Love
Yes, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a treat, but with a few small swaps, you can make them a little lighter while keeping all the flavor.
| Swap | For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Whole milk or oat milk | Cream | Reduces fat, adds flavor |
| Olive oil spray | Butter | Lighter cooking method |
| Homemade cinnamon roll dough | Canned rolls | Less sugar, more control |
| Greek yogurt glaze | Icing | Adds protein & tang |
| Coconut sugar | White sugar | Natural alternative |
Make-Ahead & Entertaining Tips
You can absolutely prepare these ahead of time. Cook the bites, let them cool, and store in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or air fryer just before serving, they’ll crisp back up beautifully.
If you’re entertaining, make a big batch and keep them warm in the oven at 200°F. The glaze can be reheated gently in the microwave right before drizzling.
Want to go fancy? Serve them on a brunch board with fruit, mini pancakes, and Cottage Cheese Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins. The colors and flavors together make a gorgeous centerpiece.
And for something truly indulgent, drizzle the bites with caramel sauce and top with whipped cream — dessert and breakfast all in one.
With their mix of simplicity and decadence, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites remind us that joy often comes in small, sweet pieces, best shared around the breakfast table.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Open the can of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Dip the cinnamon roll pieces into the custard mixture, coating evenly.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter.
- Add the dipped cinnamon roll pieces and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Serve warm with icing, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutrition
Notes
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!FAQs About Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the bites and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven or air fryer until warm and crisp
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely. Canned dough keeps things quick, but homemade dough adds a soft, rich texture and deeper flavor.
Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
Yes. Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed. The result is a tender, bread-pudding-like texture that’s equally delicious.
How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Soak the bites just enough to coat them — don’t oversaturate. Then cook over medium heat for a crisp exterior
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are everything weekend mornings were meant for, warm, soft, and dripping with cinnamon-sugar goodness. They’re the kind of breakfast that makes you linger at the table a little longer, savoring every bite.
What I love most is how flexible they are. Make them with canned rolls for convenience or homemade dough for that extra touch of love. Bake, pan-fry, or even air fry, no matter how you make them, they always turn out golden and cozy.
They’re perfect for brunch parties, holiday breakfasts, or a quiet morning treat. Add coffee, some laughter, and maybe a bit of powdered sugar on your fingertips, because that’s what homemade happiness looks like.
So go ahead, whisk up a bowl of custard, chop those cinnamon rolls, and create something that tastes like joy in bite-sized form. These little treats may be small, but their comfort? It’s huge.
