Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the answer to every sweet breakfast craving when you want something fast but a little over the top. Think pillowy cinnamon rolls dressed up in a classic French toast coating and finished with gooey icing on top. This is meant for lazy weekends or when you want to impress overnight guests without a hassle.

I first whipped these up when my niece begged for “something delicious and sweet” and it instantly became a family tradition for all our Saturday mornings. Kids love helping toss the bites in the eggy cinnamon mix.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: this shortcut delivers buttery layers and cinnamon-sugar flavor without mixing dough look for a brand with a rich icing packet
• Eggs: for richness binding and adding that classic French toast custardy finish always use large eggs for consistency
• Milk: makes the custard fluffy and ensures the bites are tender feel free to substitute with almond or oat milk for a lighter taste
• Vanilla extract: brings aroma and bakery warmth real vanilla or a quality imitation is both fine
• Ground cinnamon: boosts the spice and pairs perfectly with the filling use a fresh bottle for the best punch
• Nutmeg (optional): for extra warmth and depth freshly grated tastes even more pronounced
• Butter or cooking spray: prevents sticking and adds crispness to the edges go for real butter if you want a richer finish
• Powdered sugar (optional): for dusting to add that bakery touch use a fine mesh sieve for even coverage
• Maple syrup: for drizzling and finishing look for pure maple syrup for the deepest flavor

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit which is ideal for yielding golden edges while ensuring the center cooks through without drying out

Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls:

Open up the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut each roll into quarters or bite-sized pieces this helps them soak up the custard and bake evenly

Make the Egg Mixture:

Crack all three eggs into a large mixing bowl add the milk vanilla ground cinnamon and nutmeg whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and everything is evenly dispersed

Coat the Cinnamon Roll Pieces:

Drop all the cut cinnamon roll pieces into the egg mixture give them a gentle toss using a silicone spatula so every side gets soaked let them sit for at least two to three minutes so the cinnamon flavor and custard can seep inside

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Take a baking dish around nine by thirteen inches and coat it thoroughly with butter or spray especially in the corners and edges to guarantee easy release after baking

Arrange the Bites:

Use tongs or a spoon to transfer the soaked cinnamon roll pieces into the greased dish arrange them so they are spread out evenly not stacked too much this helps every bite bake up fluffy and golden

Bake:

Slide the dish into your preheated oven bake for fifteen to twenty minutes about halfway through check to rotate the pan if needed when ready the bites will look puffy and golden brown a toothpick poked into the center should come out clean

Drizzle with Icing:

While still warm open the included icing and drizzle it generously across the top if you prefer thinner icing add a splash of milk first the warmth will help the icing ooze between all the bites

I adore how the vanilla melds with the cinnamon so every bite smells like a bakery in the morning. Last Christmas my mom helped me pour on the icing and we ended up laughing because she made a double batch just for herself.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat pop individual portions in the microwave or a toaster oven for the crispiest fresh-from-the-oven texture. Freeze finished bites in a zip top bag then thaw and warm up as needed no sogginess.

Ingredient Substitutions

For dairy-free simply swap the milk for almond or oat milk the flavor stays just as rich. Look for your grocery’s gluten-free cinnamon roll brands if you or your guests have sensitivities. You can even experiment with pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pile the warm bites into a brunch bowl dust with extra powdered sugar and let everyone drizzle on maple syrup to their heart’s content. These shine on a breakfast buffet next to fruit salad and crispy bacon or alongside hot coffee and whipped cream.

Cultural or Historical Context

French toast itself goes back to medieval Europe but the mash-up with cinnamon rolls is a true American brunch invention. Using store-bought dough means anyone can whip up a showstopper even when time is tight on special mornings.

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap regular milk for eggnog in December for a festive holiday spin. Incorporate diced apples or pears into the mix during fall for more flavor and texture. Serve with strawberries blueberries or peaches for a bright summer upgrade.

Success Stories

Several friends have told me these are now their go-to for last minute sleepovers. One even used heart-shaped cinnamon rolls for Valentine’s Day breakfast and now her kids request them every February.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Bake the french toast bites then cool completely before freezing. Reheat straight from the freezer in a low oven until warmed through. Drizzle fresh icing or syrup right before serving for best results.

Every bite is soft and perfectly sweet with gooey vanilla icing on top. You will want to make these again and again for breakfast treat mornings!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?

Yes, homemade rolls can be substituted by cutting them into bite-sized pieces and following the same soaking and baking steps.

→ How do I make this dairy-free?

Swap the milk for almond or oat milk, and ensure your cinnamon rolls do not contain dairy.

→ Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

You can assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Simply bake fresh in the morning for best results.

→ What can I use instead of powdered sugar for topping?

Drizzle extra icing, add a touch of maple syrup, or sprinkle with chopped nuts or fresh fruit.

→ Why soak the cinnamon roll pieces in egg mixture?

This allows each piece to absorb flavor and moisture, resulting in a soft, custardy interior when baked.

→ How can I tell when the bites are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bites are cooked through.