Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe – Sweet, Gooey, and Irresistibly Easy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These French toast bites are everything you love about a classic breakfast, made even better. They’re golden and crisp on the outside, soft and custardy inside, and coated in gooey cinnamon goodness. They cook up quickly in a skillet or on a griddle, making them perfect for busy mornings, brunch parties, or even holiday breakfasts. Whether you serve them dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with glaze, or dipped in syrup, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Refrigerated Cinnamon Roll Dough: The base of the recipe — soft, sweet, and full of cinnamon flavor.

Eggs: Create the custard that gives the bites their French toast texture.

Milk or Half-and-Half: Adds richness and helps the custard soak into the dough.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with a hint of warmth.

Cinnamon: Boosts the spice and sweetness of the rolls.

Butter: Used for frying — gives the bites a golden, crispy exterior.

Powdered Sugar or Glaze: The perfect finishing touch for drizzling or dusting.

Maple Syrup (optional): For serving — adds sweetness and depth.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Pieces

Open the refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and set the icing aside. Cut each roll into four to six bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Make the French Toast Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth.

Step 3: Soak the Cinnamon Roll Pieces

Add the cinnamon roll pieces to the bowl and gently toss until they’re evenly coated with the egg mixture. Let them soak for 1–2 minutes to absorb the custard.

Step 4: Cook the Bites

Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt butter. Add the soaked cinnamon roll pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining pieces, adding more butter as needed.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Warm the reserved icing in the microwave for a few seconds until pourable. Drizzle over the French toast bites, or dust with powdered sugar for a classic touch.

Serve warm with maple syrup or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is 10 minutes, cook time is 10 minutes, and total time is 20 minutes — perfect for a quick, indulgent breakfast or brunch.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep them crisp. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month — reheat directly from frozen in the oven until warm.

Variations and Customizations

Cream Cheese Drizzle

Whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk for a luscious tangy topping.

Apple Cinnamon Roll Bites

Add diced sautéed apples to the pan for a fall-inspired version.

Pecan Crunch

Sprinkle chopped pecans into the pan while cooking for texture and nutty flavor.

Chocolate Swirl

Drizzle with chocolate sauce or Nutella for a decadent twist.

Maple Bacon Bites

Add crisp bacon crumbles on top for a sweet-and-savory breakfast treat.

Overnight Bake

Assemble in a baking dish, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next morning at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely — homemade dough makes these even more flavorful.

2. Can I use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, any milk alternative will work fine.

3. Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes — bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes until golden.

4. Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes — cook and refrigerate, then reheat in the oven before serving.

5. What’s the best way to keep them warm for guests?

Place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until ready to serve.

6. Can I make a large batch?

Yes, double or triple the recipe — they cook quickly in batches.

7. Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, powdered sugar or maple syrup make perfect substitutes.

8. Can I air fry them?

Yes, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through.

9. How do I make them extra crispy?

Use slightly less milk and fry over medium-high heat for crispier edges.

10. What can I serve them with?

They pair beautifully with scrambled eggs, bacon, or fresh fruit.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the ultimate breakfast indulgence — bite-sized, buttery, and bursting with warm cinnamon sweetness. They combine the nostalgic comfort of cinnamon rolls with the rich flavor of classic French toast, all in an easy, 20-minute recipe. Whether you drizzle them with icing, serve them with syrup, or enjoy them plain and warm, these golden little bites guarantee smiles around the table every time.

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