Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites (Sweet, Gooey, and Irresistible)
If you love cinnamon rolls and French toast, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together in one irresistible dish. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are soft on the inside, golden on the outside, coated in cinnamon sugar, and drizzled with sweet icing. They’re perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, sleepovers, or even dessert.
These bite-sized pieces are fun, easy to serve, and incredibly satisfying. They combine the rich cinnamon swirl of classic cinnamon rolls with the custardy warmth of French toast — all in a poppable, shareable format.
This complete guide will walk you through everything: ingredients, preparation techniques, cooking methods, flavor variations, storage, troubleshooting, and expert tips to ensure perfect results every time.
Let’s begin.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Quick and easy
• Crowd-pleasing
• Perfect for brunch or holidays
• Crispy edges, soft center
• Customizable flavors
• Kid-friendly and adult-approved
The magic comes from transforming simple cinnamon rolls into golden French toast-style bites.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Base
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2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8 rolls per can)
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3 large eggs
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½ cup whole milk (or heavy cream for richer texture)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
For Cooking
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2 tablespoons butter
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings
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Reserved icing from cinnamon roll cans
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Maple syrup
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Powdered sugar
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Fresh berries
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Whipped cream
Choosing the Right Cinnamon Rolls
For best results:
• Use classic cinnamon rolls (not flaky layered dough)
• Cream cheese icing versions add extra richness
• Larger rolls create bigger bites
You can also use homemade cinnamon rolls if preferred.
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Open cans and separate rolls.
Reserve icing packets for later.
Cut each cinnamon roll into 6–8 bite-sized pieces.
Try to keep pieces similar in size for even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
• Eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
This mixture creates that classic French toast flavor and custardy texture.
Step 3: Coat the Bites
Add cinnamon roll pieces into custard mixture.
Gently toss to coat evenly.
Let soak for 2–3 minutes — not too long, or they may become overly soft.
Step 4: Heat the Pan
Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add butter and allow it to melt completely.
Swirl to coat the pan evenly.
Step 5: Cook the Bites
Place soaked cinnamon roll pieces into skillet in a single layer.
Do not overcrowd.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs or spatula.
They should be:
• Golden brown
• Slightly crisp outside
• Soft and tender inside
Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While bites are still warm:
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Roll cooked bites in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
This adds a slightly crunchy, sweet exterior.
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
Warm icing packets slightly (10 seconds in microwave).
Drizzle over bites or serve on the side for dipping.
Serve immediately for best texture.
Texture and Flavor Profile
These bites are:
• Crisp on the outside
• Soft and fluffy inside
• Sweet and warmly spiced
• Slightly caramelized
They taste like mini cinnamon roll doughnuts crossed with French toast.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
• Don’t oversoak the dough
• Cook on medium heat — not too high
• Flip gently to avoid breaking
• Use fresh butter for each batch
• Serve warm for best texture
Oven-Baked Version (Hands-Off Option)
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place soaked bites on greased baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
Flip halfway through.
Coat in cinnamon sugar after baking.
Great for feeding larger groups.
Air Fryer Method
Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Place bites in basket (do not overcrowd).
Cook 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway.
They become slightly crispier with this method.
Flavor Variations
Maple Glaze Version
Replace icing with:
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Splash of milk
Whisk until smooth.
Stuffed Bites
Before cooking, insert:
• Small cream cheese cube
• Chocolate chip
• Nutella
Inside each piece.
Creates surprise center.
Apple Cinnamon Version
Add small diced apples to custard mixture.
Cook gently until apples soften.
Adds fruity warmth.
Pumpkin Spice Twist
Add ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to custard.
Perfect for fall mornings.
Making It More Indulgent
• Use heavy cream instead of milk
• Add extra drizzle of caramel sauce
• Top with vanilla ice cream (dessert version)
Healthier Adjustments
• Use low-fat milk
• Reduce cinnamon sugar coating
• Serve with fresh fruit instead of syrup
Still delicious with lighter touch.
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
• Fresh strawberries
• Blueberries
• Banana slices
• Bacon or sausage
• Scrambled eggs
Creates balanced brunch plate.
Holiday Favorite
Perfect for:
• Christmas morning
• Thanksgiving brunch
• Easter breakfast
• Birthday mornings
• Sleepovers
Easy, festive, and comforting.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
Store in airtight container.
Reheat in:
• Air fryer (best texture)
• Oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes
• Microwave (softest texture)
Freezing Instructions
Freeze fully cooked bites on tray.
Transfer to freezer bag once solid.
Freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat in oven or air fryer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too Soggy
Cause: Oversoaking in custard.
Burnt Outside
Cause: Heat too high.
Undercooked Center
Cause: Pieces too large or heat too low.
Scaling the Recipe
For smaller batch:
• Use 1 can cinnamon rolls
• Halve custard ingredients
For larger group:
• Double recipe
• Cook in batches or bake in oven
Why This Recipe Is So Popular
It combines:
• Nostalgia of cinnamon rolls
• Comfort of French toast
• Fun, bite-sized format
• Easy preparation
Perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity.
Turning It Into a Casserole
Instead of cooking individually:
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Place soaked bites in greased 9x13 dish.
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Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
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Coat top with cinnamon sugar.
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Drizzle icing.
Great for large gatherings.
The Science Behind the Texture
Eggs in custard:
• Create structure
• Add richness
• Help browning
Sugar caramelizes in pan, forming golden crust.
Butter adds flavor and crispness.
Presentation Tips
For beautiful plating:
• Stack bites in pyramid shape
• Drizzle icing in zigzag pattern
• Sprinkle powdered sugar
• Garnish with mint leaves
Makes brunch look professional.
Nutrition Overview (Approximate per serving)
• 320–400 calories
• 6–8g protein
• 45–55g carbohydrates
• 15–20g fat
Varies by brand and toppings.
Why Kids Love Them
• Bite-sized
• Sweet and familiar
• Easy to dip
• Fun to share
Perfect finger food.
Why Adults Love Them
• Nostalgic flavors
• Rich but comforting
• Customizable
• Great with coffee
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a fun, indulgent twist on two classic breakfast favorites. They’re quick to prepare, easy to customize, and guaranteed to impress both family and guests. With their golden exterior, soft center, and sweet cinnamon coating, they deliver comfort in every bite.
Whether you cook them on the stovetop, bake them in the oven, or crisp them in the air fryer, this recipe offers flexibility and reliability. It’s one you’ll want to make again and again for holidays, brunches, or whenever you’re craving something warm and sweet.
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