There’s nothing quite like the smell of cinnamon rolls baking. One lazy Sunday morning, I wanted that warm, sweet scent but didn’t have time. That’s when I thought of making bite-sized versions of my favorite breakfast treat. The Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe was born!

This easy brunch recipe satisfies my cravings and impresses friends and family. It combines the comfort of cinnamon rolls with the quick prep of homemade French toast bites. Now, I can make these treats in no time, perfect for serving with syrup or whipped cream. Let me share how you can make them too!

Key Takeaways

The recipe blends cinnamon rolls with French toast for a delicious twist.
Preparation is quick and ideal for brunch gatherings.
Bite-sized portions make sharing and serving easy.
Customizable with various add-ins and toppings to suit your taste.
A perfect blend of comfort food and convenience.

Introduction to Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a perfect mix of taste and ease. They turn breakfast into a special treat. This recipe is a hit at home because it’s so simple to make.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about great taste and simplicity. The mix of cinnamon rolls and egg makes each bite irresistible. They’re perfect for any day, not just weekends. And they always make people happy.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These bites are great for any event. They’re perfect for brunch with friends or holiday meals. Their small size is great for sharing, and their warm taste is perfect for any gathering.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

Total Time: 22-25 minutes

Servings: 4-6 servings (approximately 32-48 bite-sized pieces)

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients

1 can (12.4 oz/8 count) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
3 large eggs, at room temperature
¼ cup whole milk (or half-and-half for richer flavor)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for pan-frying method)
Pinch of salt
Non-stick cooking spray (for baking method)

Optional Add-Ins and Toppings

Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
Sliced bananas
Mini chocolate chips
Chopped walnuts or pecans
Powdered sugar for dusting
Maple syrup or honey
Whipped cream
Caramel sauce
Cream cheese frosting

Equipment Needed

Sharp knife and cutting board
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Large non-stick skillet (for pan-frying) OR baking sheet with parchment paper (for baking)
Spatula
Serving plate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients and equipment. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for the best results, as this helps them blend more smoothly with the milk. If your eggs are cold from the refrigerator, place them in a bowl of warm water for about 5 minutes to bring them to room temperature quickly.

Step 2: Open and Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls by pressing a spoon along the seam until it pops open. Carefully remove all 8 cinnamon rolls from the can and place them on your cutting board. Very important: Set the icing container aside and save it for drizzling over the finished bites later. Do not discard the icing as it adds the perfect finishing touch to this recipe.

Step 3: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls into Bite-Sized Pieces

Using a sharp knife, cut each cinnamon roll into 4 to 6 evenly sized pieces. For best results, use a clean, swift cutting motion rather than a sawing motion to prevent squishing the soft dough. The pieces should be roughly 1-inch cubes or slightly larger. You should end up with approximately 32 to 48 pieces total, depending on how large you cut them. If the dough is sticking to your knife, wipe the blade clean between cuts or lightly coat it with cooking spray.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, crack the 3 eggs and add the milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Using a whisk or fork, beat the mixture vigorously until everything is completely combined and smooth. You should not see any streaks of egg white remaining. The mixture should have a uniform pale yellow color with visible specks of cinnamon throughout. For extra flavor, you can also add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or a dash of maple extract at this stage.

Step 5: Coat the Cinnamon Roll Pieces

Working in batches, gently place several cinnamon roll pieces into the egg mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to turn each piece, ensuring all sides get coated with the egg mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that classic French toast texture. However, do not let the pieces soak for too long. A quick dip of about 3 to 5 seconds per piece is all you need. If the pieces absorb too much egg mixture, they will become soggy and won’t cook properly. Allow any excess egg mixture to drip off before transferring to the cooking surface.

Step 6A: Pan-Frying Method (Recommended for Crispiest Results)

Place a large non-stick skillet on your stove and set the heat to medium. It’s important to use medium heat rather than high heat because you want the cinnamon roll pieces to cook through completely without burning the outside. Allow the pan to preheat for about 2 minutes.

Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the heated skillet. Let the butter melt completely and swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly. The butter should be foamy but not brown or smoking. If the butter starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.

Using a fork or tongs, carefully place the coated cinnamon roll pieces into the hot skillet, leaving about half an inch of space between each piece. Do not overcrowd the pan as this will cause the pieces to steam rather than get crispy. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook in 2 or 3 batches.

Let the pieces cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes. Resist the urge to move them around. After 2 to 3 minutes, check the bottom of one piece by lifting it gently with a spatula. It should be golden brown. If it’s still pale, continue cooking for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Once golden brown on the bottom, carefully flip each piece using a spatula or fork. Cook the second side for another 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. The pieces should feel slightly firm to the touch when fully cooked.

Transfer the cooked pieces to a serving plate. Add more butter to the skillet as needed between batches to prevent sticking. Repeat the process until all pieces are cooked.

Step 6B: Baking Method (Best for Larger Batches)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position your oven rack in the center of the oven for even heat distribution. Allow the oven to fully preheat before baking, which usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on your oven.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter.

Arrange the coated cinnamon roll pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the pieces are not touching each other to allow hot air to circulate around each piece for even cooking.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7 to 8 minutes. At this point, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip each piece over using a spatula. This ensures both sides get evenly browned and crispy.

Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue baking for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the pieces are golden brown on all sides and cooked through. The total baking time should be between 12 to 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes as they can go from golden to burned quickly.

Remove from the oven and let the pieces cool on the baking sheet for 1 to 2 minutes before transferring to a serving plate.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

While the French toast bites are still warm, drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing over the top. You can warm the icing slightly by placing the sealed container in a bowl of warm water for a minute or by microwaving it for 5 to 10 seconds. This makes it easier to drizzle and helps it spread more evenly over the warm bites.

For additional toppings, dust with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve for even coverage, add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, top with fresh berries, add a dollop of whipped cream, or sprinkle with chopped nuts for extra crunch. Get creative and customize with your favorite toppings.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites immediately while they are still warm and at their best. Arrange them on a platter for sharing or divide them among individual plates. These bites are perfect served alongside fresh fruit, bacon or sausage, and your favorite morning beverage like hot coffee, fresh orange juice, or a warm cup of tea.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Temperature is key: Always use medium heat when pan-frying. High heat will burn the outside before the inside cooks through, leaving you with raw dough in the center.
Don’t over-soak: A quick dip in the egg mixture is all you need. Over-saturated pieces become soggy and fall apart during cooking. Think of it as coating, not soaking.
Use a sharp knife: A dull knife will squish and compress the soft cinnamon roll dough, making uneven pieces that cook inconsistently.
Room temperature eggs: Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly with milk and create a more uniform coating than cold eggs straight from the refrigerator.
Don’t skip the butter: When pan-frying, butter adds flavor and helps achieve that beautiful golden color. Add more butter between batches as needed.
Work in batches: Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and creates steam, resulting in soft rather than crispy bites. Be patient and cook in smaller batches for best results.
Warm the icing: Slightly warming the cinnamon roll icing makes it thinner and easier to drizzle evenly over the finished bites.

Delicious Variations to Try

Fall Apple Cinnamon: Add half a cup of finely diced apples to the egg mixture along with a pinch of nutmeg. The apple pieces will cook into the bites and add a wonderful autumn flavor.
Chocolate Lover’s: Skip the cinnamon in the egg mixture and add mini chocolate chips on top of each piece just before cooking. Drizzle with chocolate sauce instead of the icing.
Berry Bliss: Top the finished bites with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Add a drizzle of honey and a dollop of whipped cream for a summery treat.
Banana Nut: Add mashed banana to the egg mixture and top the finished bites with sliced bananas and chopped walnuts. Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Pumpkin Spice: Replace the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree to the egg mixture. Perfect for fall mornings.
Cream Cheese Stuffed: Use cream cheese-filled cinnamon rolls for an extra creamy, indulgent version. These are especially delicious with fresh berries on top.

Storage Instructions

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can be stored and reheated if you have leftovers.

Refrigerator Storage

Allow the bites to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Store the icing separately in its original container or a small sealed jar.

Freezer Storage

Place cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
Transfer frozen bites to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Instructions

Microwave Method (Quickest)

Place 4 to 6 bites on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 15 to 20 seconds. Check and continue heating in 10-second intervals if needed. Be careful not to overheat as they can become rubbery. This method is quick but won’t restore crispiness.

Oven Method (Best for Crispiness)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet in a single layer. Heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside. This is the best method for restoring that fresh-from-the-pan texture.

Skillet Method (Great Balance)

Heat a non-stick skillet over low to medium-low heat. Add a small pat of butter. Place the bites in the skillet and warm for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping occasionally for even heating. This method brings back some crispiness while keeping the inside soft.

From Frozen

You can reheat frozen bites directly without thawing. For the oven method, add an extra 3 to 5 minutes to the reheating time. For the microwave, start with 30 seconds and add time as needed. For the skillet, use low heat and cover the pan to help them heat through evenly.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile bites can be served in many delicious ways. Here are some ideas to inspire your next brunch spread.

Topping Ideas

Dust with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve for even, elegant coverage
Drizzle with warm maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar
Add a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream
Top with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or diced peaches
Sprinkle with chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds
Drizzle with caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or Nutella
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert version

Perfect Drink Pairings

Complete your breakfast or brunch with the perfect beverage. Hot coffee or espresso complements the sweetness beautifully. Freshly squeezed orange juice or apple juice provides a refreshing contrast. For something special, try a chai latte or hot chocolate. For adult brunch gatherings, these bites pair wonderfully with mimosas or Bellinis.

Occasions Perfect for This Recipe

These bites are ideal for lazy weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, bridal or baby shower spreads, potluck contributions, breakfast-for-dinner nights, or any time you want to make breakfast feel special without a lot of effort. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for buffet-style serving where guests can help themselves.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: Approximately 6-8 pieces

Calories: Approximately 280-320 calories per serving

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on the specific brand of cinnamon rolls used and the amount of toppings added. For more accurate nutritional information, refer to the packaging of your specific ingredients.

Ingredients I Use

Making tasty homemade french toast bites is easy with the right ingredients. I choose simple items that make cooking a breeze. They also ensure a delicious cinnamon flavored breakfast. Here are the main ingredients and some optional extras to make your dish special.

Essential Ingredients

Canned cinnamon rolls
Eggs
Milk
Cinnamon for extra flavor

These ingredients are the foundation of my easy brunch recipe. They mix well to create soft, fluffy bites that everyone enjoys. The canned cinnamon rolls are the main ingredient, while eggs and milk add a custardy texture.

Optional Add-Ins

Adding some seasonal fruits or chocolate chips can make your homemade french toast bites even better. Here are some tasty options:

Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Banana slices
Chocolate chips
Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)

These add-ins let you get creative and boost the flavor of your cinnamon flavored breakfast. With so many choices, you can make each batch of homemade french toast bites your own.

Preparation Tips

Getting ready is key to making Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites tasty and fun. A few easy tips can help you get the flavor and texture just right. This breakfast treat will be a hit with everyone.

Prepping the Cinnamon Rolls

Start by cutting the cinnamon rolls into small pieces. This makes them cook evenly and is easier to eat. Each piece should be big enough to hold the roll’s flavor but still fluffy inside.

Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. This helps avoid squishing the dough.

Whisking the Egg Mixture

Next, mix the eggs and milk together well. A smooth mixture is crucial for coating each cinnamon roll piece evenly. Adding vanilla extract can add extra flavor.

This egg mixture will make each bite even more delicious. It’s a key part of the treat’s appeal.

Cooking Instructions

Making homemade french toast bites is fun and easy. You can whip up a tasty breakfast that everyone will enjoy. Follow this guide to make sure your bites are perfect every time.

Step-by-Step Guide

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. If baking, set your oven to 375°F.
Dip each cinnamon roll into the egg mixture. Make sure it’s coated but not too wet.
For pan-frying, melt a tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Place the coated pieces, leaving space between them.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden. Flip carefully to keep their shape.
If baking, put the bites on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Let them cool for a minute before serving. They’re best warm!

Cooking Times and Techniques

Timing is key for fluffy and tasty homemade french toast bites. Here’s a quick look at cooking times for each method:

Cooking Method	Time	Notes
Pan-Frying	2-3 minutes per side	Use medium heat and butter for added flavor.
Baking	12-15 minutes	Flip halfway for even cooking.

quick breakfast idea, homemade french toast bites

Follow these instructions to make a quick and delicious breakfast. Enjoy the yummy flavors and the happy faces they bring!

Flavor Variations

Trying out new flavors for my cinnamon roll French toast bites makes breakfast fun. I mix in seasonal fruits and spices to make a tasty cinnamon breakfast recipe. It’s perfect for any time of year.

Seasonal Additions

Seasonal fruits give this dish a fresh twist. In the fall, apples and pumpkins work great with cinnamon. Their sweetness makes breakfast cozy.

In spring and summer, bright berries like strawberries and blueberries are perfect. They add color and a refreshing taste that balances the rich flavors.

Spice It Up with Extras

Spices are key to making my cinnamon roll bites even better. A little nutmeg adds warmth, and vanilla extract boosts the flavor. These tweaks make a satisfying cinnamon breakfast recipe that everyone will love.

Whether you like classic or adventurous flavors, trying these additions will impress your breakfast guests.

Season	Fruit Suggestions	Spice Suggestions
Fall	Apples, Pumpkins	Nutmeg, Cinnamon
Spring/Summer	Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries	Vanilla Extract, Cardamom

Serving Suggestions

Presenting Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites in a creative way makes them stand out. I enjoy making the plating special, as it boosts the dish’s appeal. A well-presented meal not only looks good but also tastes better.

Creative Plating Ideas

I often sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a touch of class. Adding fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries adds color. A drizzle of maple syrup or some chopped nuts can also improve the taste and texture.

This mix of colors and textures makes the dish not just tasty but also visually appealing.

Perfect Pairings for Breakfast

The right drink can complete this lovely meal. A warm cup of coffee, whether brewed or espresso, pairs well with the sweet bites. Freshly squeezed juice, like orange or apple, offers a refreshing contrast.

For something different, try a flavored sparkling water. These drinks complement the meal, making breakfast enjoyable and balanced.

Garnish Idea	Description
Powdered Sugar	A light coating that adds sweetness and elegance.
Fresh Berries	A colorful and nutritious addition that enhances flavor.
Maple Syrup	A sweet drizzle that complements the cinnamon rolls perfectly.
Chopped Nuts	Adds crunch and a nutty flavor for added depth.

Storing Leftovers

Enjoying Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites is a treat. Storing leftovers right lets you enjoy them again. Here’s how to keep them fresh for your next breakfast.

Best Practices for Storage

Keep your leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites fresh with these tips:

Put them in an airtight container to keep them from getting soggy.
Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep their taste and texture.

Reheating Tips

Reheating these bites carefully keeps their taste great. Try these methods:

Microwave: Heat each bite for 15-20 seconds. Check and repeat if needed.
Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for 10 minutes for crispiness.
Skillet: Warm on low heat, flipping often for even warmth.

Conclusion

My Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a great choice for your breakfast. They mix rich flavors and textures in a perfect way. Each bite is a mix of cinnamon and French toast, making it a great brunch option.

Feel free to get creative with this recipe. You can add fruits, spices, or your favorite toppings. This lets you make the dish your own and enjoy it even more.

So, get your ingredients ready and make this treat. Enjoying these bites and sharing them with others will bring joy. This recipe is a chance to make special memories with cinnamon!