Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

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Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a dreamy combination of two beloved breakfast treats—cinnamon rolls and French toast. When I first made these, I was amazed at how perfectly the flavors blended together. The soft, pillowy texture of cinnamon rolls, soaked in a rich custard and caramelized to golden perfection, creates an irresistible bite-sized delight. Topped with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar, they’re a guaranteed hit for breakfast or brunch.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. Whether you’re making a quick weekend breakfast or hosting a brunch gathering, these French toast bites come together effortlessly. They have that classic, comforting cinnamon-sugar flavor with a slightly crisped edge, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Serve them up with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a side of bacon, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will devour.

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Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

• Quick & Easy – They take just a few minutes to prepare, making them perfect for busy mornings.
• Great for Sharing – These bite-sized treats are ideal for brunch, holiday mornings, or a fun weekend breakfast.
• Irresistible Flavor – The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and caramelized edges makes every bite pure bliss.
• Kid-Friendly – Little ones will love these mini bites, especially when paired with their favorite toppings.
• Customizable – Serve with maple syrup, cream cheese drizzle, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.

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What Kind of Cinnamon Rolls Should I Use?

The best part about this recipe is its versatility. You can use store-bought refrigerated cinnamon rolls for a quick and easy version, or if you have time, homemade cinnamon rolls will add a richer, more indulgent flavor. If using store-bought, I recommend brands that bake up soft and fluffy rather than dense. If going homemade, make sure your rolls are slightly cooled before slicing so they hold their shape better when dipped in the French toast mixture.

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Options for Substitutions

If you need to tweak the recipe, here are some simple swaps that work well:

• Dairy-Free Option – Use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of regular milk, and replace butter with coconut oil.
• Egg-Free Option – Substitute the eggs with a mixture of mashed banana or flaxseed meal mixed with water.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls available at many grocery stores.
• Lighter Version – Swap out heavy cream for a lower-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk to cut down on calories.
• Extra Flavor Boost – Add a splash of flavored extracts like maple or almond, or mix some orange zest into the custard for a citrusy twist.

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Ingredients for These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cinnamon Rolls – The base of the recipe, providing a soft and flavorful bite with built-in cinnamon goodness.
• Eggs – Essential for the custard mixture, giving the bites a rich, creamy texture when cooked.
• Milk – Helps thin out the custard and adds moisture to soak into the cinnamon rolls.
• Heavy Cream – Adds extra richness for a more indulgent flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness and warmth of the cinnamon flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon – Boosts the spice and gives that classic French toast warmth.
• Butter – Used for frying, giving the bites a golden, crispy exterior.
• Maple Syrup – The perfect topping for extra sweetness and a delicious finishing touch.
• Powdered Sugar (Optional) – A light dusting adds a beautiful, sweet touch before serving.

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Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

If using store-bought cinnamon rolls, remove them from the package and slice each roll into bite-sized rounds. If using homemade cinnamon rolls, make sure they are fully cooled before cutting them into thick slices to maintain their shape.

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Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This mixture will coat the cinnamon roll pieces and give them that classic French toast texture.

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Step 3: Dip the Cinnamon Roll Bites

One at a time, dip each cinnamon roll piece into the custard mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated but not overly soaked. Let any excess drip off before cooking.

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Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt butter in the pan. Place the soaked cinnamon roll pieces in the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the cooked French toast bites to a plate and drizzle with maple syrup. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream. Serve warm and enjoy!

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How Long to Cook the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

These bite-sized treats cook up quickly! Once placed in a buttered skillet over medium heat, they take about 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when they develop a golden-brown crust and feel slightly firm to the touch. Avoid cooking them on high heat, as this can cause the outside to brown too quickly while leaving the inside undercooked.

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Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

• Don’t Over-Soak – A quick dip in the custard is enough. Letting them sit too long can make them soggy.
• Use a Nonstick Pan – This helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning.
• Cook on Medium Heat – Too high, and they’ll burn; too low, and they won’t crisp up properly.
• Flip Gently – Use a spatula to turn them carefully to keep their shape intact.
• Let Them Rest – Give them a minute or two after cooking to set before serving. This helps the custard firm up inside.
• Customize Your Toppings – Try a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, a sprinkle of crushed nuts, or fresh berries for extra flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Soaking Too Long – The cinnamon rolls should be coated in the custard, not drenched. Oversoaking will make them fall apart.
• Using Too Much Heat – Cooking on high heat can burn the outside before the inside is fully cooked. Stick to medium heat for even cooking.
• Skipping the Butter – Butter not only prevents sticking but also adds a rich, golden crust. Don’t skip it!
• Crowding the Pan – Too many pieces in the pan will cause them to steam rather than crisp up. Cook in batches if needed.
• Not Using Stale Rolls – If your cinnamon rolls are too soft, they might get too mushy. Slightly stale or day-old rolls work best!

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What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?

These sweet bites are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides makes for an even more satisfying meal.

1. Fresh Berries

A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a fresh, tart contrast to the sweet bites.

2. Whipped Cream

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream makes these extra indulgent.

3. Crispy Bacon

The salty crunch of bacon balances out the sweetness perfectly.

4. Scrambled Eggs

Add a side of fluffy scrambled eggs for a protein boost and a complete breakfast.

5. Greek Yogurt

Serve with a bowl of Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy contrast.

6. Nuts and Granola

A sprinkle of chopped pecans, almonds, or granola adds crunch and texture.

7. Cream Cheese Glaze

A drizzle of warm cream cheese glaze brings in that classic cinnamon roll taste.

8. Caramel Sauce

For an extra decadent touch, try drizzling with caramel sauce instead of maple syrup.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), you can easily store and reheat these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites for later.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Arrange the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm them in a skillet over low heat with a little butter or reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. For a crispier texture, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition

While exact values depend on the ingredients used, here’s a general breakdown per serving (about 4-5 bites):

• Calories: ~250-300
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Protein: ~5g
• Fat: ~12g
• Sugar: ~18g
• Fiber: ~1g

For a lighter option, use low-fat milk, reduce the butter, and opt for sugar-free syrup.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?

Yes! Homemade cinnamon rolls will add a richer flavor. Just make sure they’re slightly cooled before slicing so they hold their shape when dipped in the custard.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare and cook them ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for the best texture.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute almond, oat, or coconut milk for regular milk and use dairy-free butter.

4. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can replace it with whole milk, half-and-half, or even evaporated milk for a similar rich texture.

5. Can I freeze these French toast bites?

Yes! Lay them on a baking sheet, freeze for an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.

6. What’s the best way to reheat them?

For the best texture, reheat in a skillet with a little butter or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes. The microwave works too but may make them softer.

7. Can I add extra flavors to the custard?

Definitely! Try adding a splash of maple extract, almond extract, or orange zest for a unique twist.

8. How do I make these extra crispy?

Make sure you’re cooking on medium heat with butter, and avoid overcrowding the pan. You can also place them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes after cooking for an extra crisp.

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Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the ultimate breakfast treat—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor. Whether you’re making them for a holiday brunch, a weekend breakfast, or just because, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with family and friends! Enjoy!

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