Looking for the ultimate sweet breakfast or brunch recipe that will have everyone coming back for more? Look no further than these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. This recipe is a decadent twist on traditional French toast, using fluffy cinnamon rolls as the base, then coating them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and frying them to golden perfection. The result is an irresistibly delicious bite-sized breakfast treat that’s crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, and drizzled with a sweet glaze to top it off.
Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, a weekend brunch, or just as a fun weekend breakfast, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites will quickly become a favorite in your household. They’re easy to make, highly customizable, and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the French Toast Bites:
- 1 can (8 count) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk (you can also use half-and-half or almond milk)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- Icing from the cinnamon rolls (included in the can) or
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Start by unrolling the cinnamon rolls from the can. Cut each cinnamon roll into four equal pieces to create bite-sized portions. Set the pieces aside on a cutting board or plate. This makes it easier to coat and cook them in the following steps.
Step 2: Make the French Toast Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. This mixture will help coat the cinnamon roll bites and create that classic French toast texture.
Step 3: Coat the Cinnamon Roll Bites
Dip each cinnamon roll bite into the egg mixture, making sure they are fully coated. Allow the excess egg mixture to drip off before moving on to the next step. It’s important to give each piece a good soak but not leave them in the mixture too long to avoid sogginess.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir to combine evenly. This mixture will give your cinnamon roll bites a sweet, crispy crust once they’re fried.
Step 5: Fry the Cinnamon Roll Bites
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted and is sizzling, add the cinnamon roll bites, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook the bites for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning them carefully with tongs or a spatula until they are golden brown and crispy.
As the bites cook, they will puff up and become slightly caramelized from the sugar coating. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t burn. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook them in batches.
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar
Once the cinnamon roll bites are cooked, immediately transfer them to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Toss them gently in the sugar mixture to coat them evenly on all sides. This gives the bites a sweet, cinnamon-sugar crust that enhances the flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
If you’re using the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls, simply microwave it for 15-20 seconds to soften and drizzle it over the hot cinnamon roll bites. If you prefer a homemade glaze, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the bites once they’re plated.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are coated in sugar and drizzled with glaze, serve them immediately. They’re best enjoyed warm and fresh, but they’ll still be delicious at room temperature. For an extra touch, you can garnish with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Cinnamon Rolls: The quality of the cinnamon rolls can make a big difference in the final result. If you have the time, you can even try making homemade cinnamon rolls for a more personalized touch. However, using refrigerated cinnamon rolls from the store works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.
- Customize with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas can add a fresh and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the bites. You can also drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate syrup for an indulgent treat.
- Make it Extra Gooey: For an even more indulgent version, you can add a small piece of chocolate or cream cheese filling to the center of each cinnamon roll bite before frying. This creates a gooey surprise in the middle of each piece!
- Air Fryer Option: If you have an air fryer, you can use it to cook the cinnamon roll bites. Place the coated bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer gives them a crispy exterior without the need for as much oil.
- Serve with a Side: While these cinnamon roll bites are delicious on their own, you can serve them with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a full breakfast spread. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a hot cup of coffee will complement this treat perfectly.
- Freezing for Later: If you have leftover cinnamon roll bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat them in the oven or microwave.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy mornings or when you want to treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen. The convenience of using refrigerated cinnamon rolls speeds up the process, while still delivering an indulgent result.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will absolutely love these cinnamon roll bites. They’re bite-sized, sweet, and fun to eat. You can even get the little ones involved in dipping and coating the bites to make it a family activity. The sweetness of the cinnamon rolls and glaze will appeal to everyone, making it a guaranteed hit.
- Customizable: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding chocolate chips, swapping out the glaze for maple syrup, or using different spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the coating. You can also add fruit or nuts to make it even more flavorful.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday brunch, a birthday breakfast, or just a weekend treat, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are sure to impress. They’re elegant enough to serve at a special gathering, yet simple enough to make any day feel like a celebration.
- One-Pan Wonder: The beauty of frying these bites in one skillet is that it keeps things simple and minimizes cleanup. You can easily prepare the bites in batches, keeping them warm in the oven, while you continue cooking.
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the epitome of comfort food and the perfect breakfast indulgence. They combine the warmth and spice of cinnamon rolls with the rich, custardy texture of French toast, all coated in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a sweet glaze. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy weekend morning, these little bites are sure to be a hit. Easy to make, highly customizable, and absolutely delicious, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!