Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites combine the best of two breakfast favorites in one sweet, poppable treat. With gooey cinnamon roll flavor and the rich texture of French toast, these golden bites are perfect for brunch, snacking, or holiday mornings. Drizzled with icing and served with maple syrup, they’re quick to make and impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Fuss Ingredients: Uses store-bought cinnamon rolls for quick prep.
- Perfect for Kids: Bite-sized, dippable, and fun to eat.
- Great for Entertaining: A hit at brunches, holidays, or sleepovers.
Ingredients Breakdown
Main Ingredients:
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1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (12.4 oz, 8 rolls) – Acts as the sweet and spiced base, prepped and ready for quick use.
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2 large eggs – Provide richness and help form the custard coating.
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¼ cup milk – Adds moisture and softens the cinnamon rolls as they cook.
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½ tsp vanilla extract – Boosts the warm, sweet flavor.
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½ tsp ground cinnamon – Enhances the cinnamon roll flavor and ties in the French toast element.
For Cooking:
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1 tbsp unsalted butter – Used for frying to give a golden, buttery crust.
For Serving:
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Reserved cinnamon roll icing – Heated slightly for drizzling on top.
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Maple syrup – Optional but perfect for dipping or pouring over.
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Powdered sugar (optional) – A light dusting adds an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Tips and Tricks
- Avoid Soggy Bites: Don’t soak too long in the egg mixture—just a quick dip is enough.
- Use a Griddle: For larger batches, a flat griddle lets you cook more at once.
- Make Ahead: Cut rolls and prep egg mixture the night before for a quicker morning routine.
- Kid-Friendly Hack: Serve with toothpicks and mini syrup cups for dipping.
Variations and Customizations
- Add a Crunch: Roll bites in crushed cornflakes before frying for added texture.
- Pumpkin Spice Twist: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice in the egg mixture.
- Cream Cheese Drizzle: Mix icing with cream cheese for a tangy-sweet topping.
- Fruit Add-On: Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices.
Pairing Suggestions
- Beverages: Serve with hot cocoa, cold brew coffee, or a cinnamon latte.
- Sides: Pair with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or breakfast sausage for a complete meal.
- Occasions: Perfect for holidays like Christmas morning or back-to-school breakfasts.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a skillet over low heat.
- Freezing Not Recommended: The texture may suffer due to the icing and custard coating.
Popular Questions
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! If you have the time, homemade rolls add an extra touch of flavor.
What kind of milk works best?
Whole or 2% milk is ideal, but you can also use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Are these freezer-friendly?
They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate them and reheat as needed.