Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
If you’re craving a delightful treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the crispy, golden charm of French toast, then you’re in for a real treat with this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe. It’s essentially bite-sized pieces of cinnamon rolls dipped in a spiced egg batter and fried until perfectly crispy, creating a decadent breakfast or brunch favorite that feels indulgent but comes together in just 20 minutes. This easy recipe is perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a cozy morning pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for bringing together the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden hue. Each component plays a special role, from the soft cinnamon rolls to the creamy egg mixture that creates the French toast crispiness.
- 1 can (8-count) refrigerated cinnamon rolls: The star of the dish, providing that cinnamony sweetness and tender layers to start with.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind and coat the cinnamon roll bites while adding richness.
- ¼ cup milk: Keeps the egg mixture smooth and ensures a luscious batter for the coating.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Boosts the cinnamon flavor, making it even more comforting and cozy.
- 2 tablespoons butter, for frying: Creates that golden, crispy crust and adds a buttery depth of flavor.
- Maple syrup, for serving (optional): A drizzle of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and French toast flavors.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): Adds a delicate, snowy finish and an extra touch of sweetness.
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional): A creamy, airy complement that turns this treat into full-on indulgence.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Cinnamon Rolls
Start by opening your can of cinnamon rolls and carefully separating each one. Then, cut every roll into four bite-sized pieces. These smaller pieces will absorb the egg mixture beautifully and fry evenly, ensuring each bite is packed with cinnamon goodness.
Step 2: Make Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This mixture will coat the cinnamon roll bites, adding that classic French toast flavor and helping create a crisp outer crust.
Step 3: Coat Cinnamon Roll Bites
Now it’s time for the fun part! Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully and evenly coated. This step is crucial because the egg bath transforms the tender dough into perfectly crispy bites once fried.
Step 4: Fry
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the coated cinnamon roll bites in a single layer. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides become golden brown and crispy. Don’t rush this step—patience ensures that perfect crunch and mellow caramelization.
Step 5: Serve
Once fried, transfer the cinnamon roll bites onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess butter. Repeat the frying process with the remaining bites, adding more butter to the skillet as needed to maintain that buttery, crispy magic.
Step 6: Optional Toppings
If you want to take your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe to the next level, serve them with classic maple syrup, dust them lightly with powdered sugar, or top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. These additions boost the sweetness and offer delightful contrasts in texture and flavor.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish like a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm maple syrup can transform these bites into something truly special. Fresh berries also work great to brighten the plate and add a tart counterpoint to the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cinnamon roll French toast bites with crisp bacon or sausage for a savory balance, or add a fresh fruit salad to lighten things up. A cup of hot coffee or spiced chai completes the perfect cozy morning spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch presentation, serve the bites skewered on small sticks for easy grabbing. Or, create a sweet dipping station with multiple dipping sauces like cream cheese glaze, caramel, or chocolate sauce. This makes the dish interactive and super indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They tend to lose some crispness but will still taste delicious warmed up.
Freezing
You can freeze these bites by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 1 month and make for a fantastic quick breakfast option.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the bites in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it softens the texture too much and takes away from that perfect crunch.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully and add a fresh, personalized touch. Just make sure your rolls are firm enough to cut into bite-sized pieces without falling apart.
What kind of cinnamon rolls work best for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe?
The refrigerated canned cinnamon rolls are convenient and yield great results, but any soft cinnamon roll that holds together well will work. Avoid overly sticky or gooey rolls that might not crisp up properly during frying.
Is it necessary to add vanilla extract?
While you can skip it in a pinch, vanilla extract adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon and sweetness, making your bites taste a little more special.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Frying gives the bites their signature crispy exterior, but you can try baking them at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes on a greased sheet for a slightly lighter version. They won’t be as crunchy but will still taste delicious.
What other toppings can I try?
Beyond powdered sugar and syrup, try cream cheese frosting, fresh fruit compotes, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut to mix up the flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that combines the best of both worlds—the cinnamon-sweet appeal of rolls and the crispy, golden delight of French toast. I truly believe the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or whenever you want to feel a little extra cozy and indulgent. So go ahead, try this at home, and enjoy every bite of pure happiness!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites transform classic cinnamon rolls into bite-sized, golden French toast pieces that are perfect for a quick, indulgent breakfast or delightful snack. These crispy, fluffy bites are fried to perfection and can be served with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream for a sweet finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (8-count) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, for frying
- Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate each roll. Cut each cinnamon roll into 4 bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy dipping.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. This will coat the cinnamon roll bites and add flavor.
- Coat Cinnamon Roll Bites: Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, making sure that each piece is fully coated to achieve a crispy exterior once cooked.
- Fry: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Place the coated cinnamon roll bites in the skillet, cooking and turning them occasionally for 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Add more butter to the skillet as needed for each batch.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked bites onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess butter. Repeat frying with the remaining pieces until all are cooked.
- Optional Toppings: Serve with maple syrup for sweetness, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or add whipped cream for extra indulgence, according to your preference.
Notes
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle to prevent sticking and ensure easy flipping.
- Make sure the skillet is properly heated to medium to avoid burning the bites before they cook thoroughly inside.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Use canned cinnamon rolls with icing on the side or omit it if you prefer less sweetness.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture as the bites may soften if left standing too long.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
