Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cooling & Glaze Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Intensity Level: Easy
Cuisine: American Breakfast / Brunch
Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal

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Introduction

When you combine two breakfast classics — cinnamon rolls and French toast — the result is a breakfast that feels like dessert. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are golden, gooey, and irresistibly sweet, with warm cinnamon swirls in every bite and a creamy vanilla glaze drizzled on top.

They’re bite-sized, fun to eat, and perfect for brunch buffets, holidays, or lazy weekend mornings. Best of all, they’re easy to make in under an hour and can even be prepped the night before.

This recipe transforms store-bought cinnamon rolls into a breakfast masterpiece, but if you prefer to make your own dough from scratch, it works beautifully either way.

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Ingredients

For the French Toast Bites:

• 1 can (8–10 rolls) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (such as Pillsbury Grands)

• 4 large eggs

• ½ cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half for richness)

• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra custard flavor)

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for cooking)

• Pinch of salt

For the Glaze (optional but recommended):

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon milk or cream

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

• (Or simply use the icing packet from the cinnamon roll can!)

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Equipment Needed

• Nonstick skillet or griddle

• Mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Tongs or spatula

• Knife and cutting board

• Medium bowl for glaze

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Pieces (5 minutes)

1. Open the can of cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing packet if it’s included.

2. Separate each roll and cut them into quarters to create bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).

3. Gently roll or shape the pieces so they hold together — no need to be perfect; they’ll puff as they cook.

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Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture (5 minutes)

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

2. Stir until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.

3. This custard is the key to that classic French toast flavor — creamy inside, crisp outside.

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Step 3: Soak the Cinnamon Roll Bites (5 minutes)

1. Dip the cinnamon roll pieces into the custard mixture, coating them thoroughly.

2. Let them soak for about 30–45 seconds, just enough to absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy.

3. Remove and set aside on a plate.

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Step 4: Cook the French Toast Bites (12–15 minutes)

1. Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.

2. Add half the coated bites, spacing them out so they cook evenly.

3. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning with tongs or a spatula until all sides are golden brown.

4. Repeat with the remaining bites, adding more butter as needed.

5. Transfer cooked bites to a paper towel–lined plate or warm oven (set to 200°F) while finishing the rest.

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Step 5: Make the Glaze (3–5 minutes)

If you’re using the prepackaged icing from the cinnamon rolls, simply warm it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds until pourable.

For homemade glaze:

1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

2. Adjust thickness as desired — add more sugar for thicker glaze, more milk for thinner.

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Step 6: Assemble and Serve (5–10 minutes)

1. Arrange your golden cinnamon roll bites on a serving platter or in small bowls.

2. Drizzle generously with the warm glaze or icing.

3. Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or top with chopped pecans for crunch.

4. Serve warm — ideally with a cup of coffee, chai latte, or cold milk.

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Cooking Intensity and Timing

Intensity Explanation:
This recipe is beginner-friendly. The hardest part is keeping an eye on the bites while cooking so they don’t over-brown. With minimal prep and a simple glaze, it’s a perfect recipe for home cooks, families, or anyone wanting an impressive brunch without the hassle.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are estimated and can vary based on brand and portion size.

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Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

• Don’t oversoak: Too long in the custard and your bites will get mushy. A quick dip ensures a crisp exterior.

• Keep the heat moderate: Medium heat cooks the inside gently without burning the outside.

• Batch cooking: Work in small batches to maintain even cooking and color.

• Make-ahead option: Cut and coat the cinnamon roll pieces the night before. Store covered in the fridge, then cook in the morning.

• Oven option: For a hands-off version, bake soaked bites at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden, flipping halfway through.

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Flavor Variations

🎃 Pumpkin Spice Version: Add 1 tablespoon pumpkin purée and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the custard. Perfect for fall mornings.

🍫 Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between layers of bites before glazing.

🍎 Apple Cinnamon: Add diced cooked apples or apple pie filling before drizzling with icing.

🍓 Berry Bliss: Top finished bites with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a fruity brunch option.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freeze: Freeze cooked bites (without glaze) for up to 1 month. Reheat before glazing.

• Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 30–40 seconds or reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 5–8 minutes to crisp them back up.

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The Story Behind the Recipe

The inspiration for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites came from the best part of every weekend: the debate between pancakes, French toast, or cinnamon rolls. So why not enjoy all the flavors in one dish?

These little bites were created to be shared — a mix-and-match brunch treat that’s as fun for kids as it is for adults. Their compact size makes them ideal for gatherings, brunch boards, or breakfast-for-dinner nights.

They also freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. Pop a few in the toaster oven on a weekday morning, drizzle with glaze, and you’ve got a gourmet breakfast in minutes.

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Serving Suggestions

To turn these French Toast Bites into a full breakfast experience, serve with:

• Scrambled eggs and bacon for a savory balance

• Fresh fruit salad for color and contrast

• Maple syrup or cream cheese icing drizzle for extra sweetness

• Hot coffee or chai latte for the ultimate cozy morning

You can even skewer them with toothpicks for a brunch buffet — instant crowd-pleaser!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Quick & Easy: No dough kneading or overnight proofing — just mix, cook, and enjoy.
✔️ Kid-Friendly: Bite-sized, fun, and perfectly sweet.
✔️ Customizable: Endless flavor variations.
✔️ Perfect for Brunch: Looks fancy, but it’s simple enough for beginners.

Whether it’s a lazy Sunday, a holiday breakfast, or just a sweet start to your day, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites guarantee smiles all around.

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Final Thoughts

The beauty of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites lies in their simplicity — every soft, spiced, and sugary bite delivers the nostalgic flavor of cinnamon rolls with the custardy goodness of French toast.

They’re versatile, easy to make, and an instant favorite for all ages. Serve them at your next brunch, holiday breakfast, or cozy weekend morning, and watch them disappear fast.

With crispy edges, fluffy centers, and a drizzle of icing that ties everything together, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into a special-occasion treat.

Warm, sweet, and absolutely irresistible — Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the definition of breakfast bliss.