As a wife and mom of two energetic little ones, I’ve always been on the lookout for recipes that bring joy to the table without demanding hours in the kitchen. One sunny Sunday, while my kids were busy building blanket forts, I had a spark of inspiration—what if I could combine two of our favorite breakfast treats: cinnamon rolls and French toast?
Enter these delightful Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites—crispy on the outside, soft and gooey inside, kissed with cinnamon-sugar love. They’re bite-sized bits of heaven that double as a breakfast or a dessert. These are perfect whether you’re planning a cozy brunch at home or surprising the kids with a midweek breakfast treat. The best part? They’re ready in under 30 minutes and make your kitchen smell like a bakery.
Let’s dive into the magic!
Quick Recipe Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: American
- Season: All year round
- Difficulty: Easy
- Focus Keyword: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cozy creation:
For the Bites:
- 1 can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with icing packet included)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for greasing)
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For Serving (Optional but fun!):
- Maple syrup or honey drizzle
- Fresh berries
- Dollop of whipped cream
- Icing from the cinnamon roll can (warmed slightly)
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Follow these simple steps to make this delicious, kid-approved recipe:
Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Rolls
- Open the cinnamon roll dough and separate each roll. Cut each one into 4 bite-sized pieces.
- Set aside the icing packet—we’ll use that later for drizzling!
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
- Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated but not overly soaked.
Step 3: Cook the Bites
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray.
- Place the coated bites onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar
- In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon for coating.
- Once the bites are cooked, remove them from the skillet and immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for that extra pop of sweetness and crunch.
Step 5: Serve with Love
- Arrange the warm bites on a plate. Drizzle with the warmed icing, add fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream, and serve with maple syrup on the side for dipping.
Daisy’s Mom Tips:
- Kid tip: Let your kids dunk their own bites in syrup or drizzle their own icing—it makes breakfast interactive and more fun!
- Flavor twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest to the egg mixture for a zesty, warming flavor.
- Dairy-free option: Use almond or oat milk and skip the icing if you prefer a lighter version.
- Make-ahead idea: These bites reheat wonderfully in the air fryer or toaster oven. Make a batch ahead and pop them in for busy mornings.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are incredibly versatile and work beautifully in so many settings:
Perfect Pairings:
- Weekend Brunch Platter: Pair them with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a smoothie for a full brunch spread.
- After-School Snack: Serve warm with apple slices and a touch of honey or peanut butter on the side.
- Holiday Breakfast: These bites look adorable on a festive tray with powdered sugar “snow” and red raspberries.
Fun Variations:
- Cinnamon Roll Skewers: Thread cooked bites onto skewers with fruit chunks for a brunch kabob!
- Mini Sandwiches: Add a smear of cream cheese or nut butter between two bites for a sweet sandwich twist.
- Chocolate Delight: Drizzle with melted chocolate or top with mini chocolate chips for dessert mode.
This is one of those recipes that sparks creativity—you can’t go wrong!
Nutrition & Storage Tips
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: 260
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 11g
- Sugar: 18g
These little bites pack a punch of energy, making them great for an indulgent breakfast or a sweet mid-morning treat.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze cooked, uncoated bites in a single layer. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat and coat with cinnamon sugar before serving.
Kid-Friendly Twists & Tips
As a mom of two, I know mealtime is more fun when little hands get involved. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are practically made for kids to help with—and get excited about!
Let the Kids:
- Help with Dipping: Let them dip the cinnamon roll pieces into the egg mixture (with supervision, of course!).
- Roll in Sugar: After the bites are cooked, let your kiddos roll them in the cinnamon sugar—it’s like crafting in the kitchen!
- Customize Toppings: Set up a “topping station” with mini bowls of sprinkles, fruit pieces, or small chocolate chips and let your little chefs decorate their bites.
Make it a Family Tradition:
- Turn Saturday mornings into French Toast Bite Day and create a tradition they’ll always remember. Add hot cocoa and cartoons—pure joy!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe brings together everything we love about breakfast and dessert in one bite-sized package. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Speed Meets Flavor: Using pre-made dough cuts time without sacrificing taste, and the egg mixture adds richness and body.
- Golden Crunch, Soft Center: The quick pan-fry delivers the perfect texture—crisp edges, pillowy insides.
- Sweet but Not Overwhelming: Thanks to the cinnamon-sugar coating, every bite is flavorful without being overly sweet.
- Flexible & Forgiving: You can easily adjust ingredients or toppings based on what’s in your pantry or your dietary needs.
It’s a go-to recipe that always delivers—and brings smiles all around.
Final Thoughts
If your mornings need a little spark—or your afternoons crave a cozy pick-me-up—these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the answer. In my house, they disappear faster than I can make them! Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a quick weekday treat, they never fail to delight.
As a mom, nothing makes me happier than seeing smiling faces around the breakfast table. I hope this recipe brings the same kind of magic to your home.
People Also Ask (PAA)
What are Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are mini cinnamon roll pieces dipped in a French toast egg mixture, cooked until golden, and coated in cinnamon sugar. They’re perfect for breakfast or brunch and loved by both kids and adults!
Can I make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can make and refrigerate them for up to 3 days or freeze them for a month. Just reheat in the toaster oven or air fryer to keep them crisp and warm.
Are Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites suitable for toddlers?
Absolutely! Just cut them into smaller pieces and skip sugary toppings if needed. They’re soft, easy to chew, and perfect for little fingers.
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
Definitely. If you have the time and enjoy baking from scratch, homemade cinnamon rolls add a special touch to the recipe.
How do I prevent them from getting soggy?
Make sure not to soak the dough pieces too long in the egg mixture, and cook them on a preheated skillet over medium heat until both sides are golden and firm.