Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the ultimate fusion breakfast, a brilliantly simple recipe that transforms a humble can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls into a decadent, shareable morning treat. This dish masterfully combines the warm, spiced comfort of a freshly baked cinnamon roll with the rich, custardy delight of French toast, resulting in bite-sized morsels that are irresistibly golden on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside. The process begins by quartering the pre-made dough, which maximizes the surface area for soaking up a classic egg and milk custard, infused with an extra hint of vanilla and cinnamon. As these pieces sizzle in a buttered skillet, they develop a beautifully caramelized, crispy exterior that gives way to a fluffy, almost bread-pudding-like center. The final, crucial step is a generous drizzle of the included cream cheese icing, which melts over the warm bites to create a sweet, tangy glaze that makes this dish feel like a dessert-worthy indulgence, perfectly suited for a leisurely weekend brunch.
The true genius of this recipe lies in its effortless elegance and crowd-pleasing nature. It takes the familiar, comforting elements of two beloved classics and reimagines them into a fun, finger-food format that is perfect for serving a group or for making a regular morning feel special. Unlike traditional French toast that can be messy to flip, these small bites are easy to manage and cook evenly in just minutes. The convenience of using pre-made dough means you can achieve a from-scratch taste with minimal effort, bypassing the need for proofing or kneading. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, treating your family on a Saturday, or creating a memorable breakfast-for-dinner, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites deliver maximum flavor and joy with minimal fuss, ensuring every bite is a perfect little package of comfort and delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The Best of Both Worlds: It captures the spiced, sweet flavor of a cinnamon roll and the rich, custardy texture of French toast in one irresistible bite.
- Fun and Shareable: The bite-sized format is perfect for kids and makes for a fantastic, interactive centerpiece at a brunch spread or buffet.
- Incredibly Quick and Easy: Using pre-made dough streamlines the process, allowing you to create a spectacular breakfast in under 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by adding orange zest to the custard, a pinch of nutmeg, or topping with fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (approximately 12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8-count)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk or 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
- Optional for serving: maple syrup, powdered sugar, or the included icing packet
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and separate the individual rolls. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut each roll into four equal-sized quarters. This will create the perfect, bite-sized pieces for cooking.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform in color, ensuring the egg yolks and whites are fully incorporated.
Step 3: Coat the Bites
Gently add the quartered cinnamon roll pieces to the bowl with the custard. Using a spatula, carefully fold and stir the pieces until every one is thoroughly and evenly coated in the egg mixture. Allow them to sit for 2-3 minutes to absorb the custard, but avoid letting them sit so long that they become soggy.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Brown
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the butter and swirl the pan until it has melted and begins to foam. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place the coated cinnamon roll pieces in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, using tongs to turn them, until they are puffed up and golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Transfer the cooked French toast bites to a serving plate. If using the included icing packet, microwave it for 5-10 seconds to make it pourable, then drizzle it generously over the warm bites. Alternatively, dust with powdered sugar or serve with maple syrup for dipping. Enjoy immediately while they are warm and delicious.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches is key. Overcrowding will steam the bites instead of frying them, preventing a golden, crispy exterior.
- Control the Heat: Maintain a consistent medium heat. If the skillet is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked; if it’s too low, the bites will absorb too much butter and become greasy.
- Soak, Don’t Drown: A quick 2-3 minute soak is sufficient. The dough is already soft and will absorb the custard quickly. Longer soaking may cause the bites to fall apart during cooking.
- Get Creative with Toppings: While the included icing is classic, consider serving with a side of warm maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or a fruit compote for a gourmet touch.
Storage Options:
- Best Served Immediately: These bites are absolutely best served fresh and warm from the skillet.
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to regain some of the crispiness. Microwaving will make them soft.
