Crispy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe

Heavenly Crispy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe

Breakfast becomes a delightful adventure with these cinnamon roll french toast bites that combine classic comfort with irresistible flavor.

Soft bread cubes soak up a rich, spiced custard, creating a mouthwatering treat that melts in your mouth.

Each golden-brown morsel carries a hint of sweetness and warm cinnamon notes that dance across your palate.

The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, custardy center that guarantees pure morning bliss.

Drizzled with maple syrup or a decadent glaze, these bite-sized delights transform an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.

Weekend brunch or weekday indulgence, these french toast bites promise to make every moment deliciously memorable.

Prepare to fall in love with this game-changing breakfast sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

For Base Ingredients:
  • Cinnamon Rolls: Select soft, fresh refrigerated rolls for maximum flavor and texture.
  • Bread: Choose thick-cut, slightly stale bread for better absorption of egg mixture.
For Egg Mixture Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Primary binding agent that creates rich, custardy coating for crispy exterior.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create smooth, creamy egg mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth to enhance overall sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides classic warm spice that complements roll's flavor profile.
  • Nutmeg: Adds subtle, complex warmth to elevate egg mixture.
For Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates golden, crispy exterior and prevents sticking during cooking.
  • Powdered Sugar: Key ingredient for creating silky smooth glaze.
  • Granulated Sugar: Helps create sweet, caramelized cinnamon coating.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds extra spice layer to sugar coating.
  • Milk: Thins glaze to perfect drizzling consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out glaze flavor with subtle sweetness.

Tools You Need for Bite-Sized French Toast Rolls

  • Large Skillet or Griddle: Perfect for evenly cooking your french toast bites with a golden, crispy exterior.
  • Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking together eggs, milk, and spices to create a delicious coating.
  • Whisk: Key tool for blending egg mixture smoothly without lumps.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing cinnamon rolls or bread into bite-sized pieces.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps cut rolls or bread into uniform cubes quickly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredients for the perfect flavor balance.
  • Spatula: Great for flipping and turning bites while cooking to get an even golden color.

How to Bake Cinnamon Rolls With a French Toast Flair

  • Slice and Prep

Cut each cinnamon roll into four equal pieces or slice bread into bite-sized cubes.

  • Create Magical Mixture

Whip eggs, milk, vanilla, and warm spices together in a mixing bowl until beautifully blended.

  • Dive and Coat

Gently submerge each roll piece or bread cube into the creamy egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

  • Sizzle and Transform

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, creating a golden cooking surface.

  • Cook to Perfection

Place coated bites into the pan, allowing each side to turn a gorgeous golden brown – about 2-3 minutes per side.

  • Dust with Sweet Sparkle

Roll warm bites in a delightful cinnamon sugar blend, creating a crispy, sweet exterior.

  • Drizzle and Delight

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into a silky smooth glaze, then generously drench the warm bites with this sweet nectar.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Plate these delectable morsels immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure breakfast joy!

Creative Tips for Syrup or Fruit Pairings

  • Swap fancy cinnamon rolls with day-old bread or leftover bakery rolls to reduce costs without compromising flavor.
  • For extra crispy edges, use slightly stale bread that absorbs egg mixture more effectively and creates a delightful crunch.
  • Replace milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy richness.
  • Prepare the egg mixture and cut bread pieces the night before, storing separately in refrigerator to streamline morning cooking process.
  • Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls or bread, ensuring all ingredients meet dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.

Serve These Toast Bites for Breakfast or Dessert

  • Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these delightful bites with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a vibrant morning plate that adds natural sweetness and nutritional balance.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the cinnamon roll French toast bites on a beautiful platter with a small pitcher of extra glaze, creating an interactive and inviting breakfast spread that encourages sharing.
  • Coffee Sidekick: Serve alongside a hot cup of strong coffee or creamy latte, letting the warm spices of cinnamon complement the rich coffee notes for a perfect flavor harmony.
  • Dessert Transformation: Turn these bites into a decadent dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, transforming the breakfast treat into an indulgent after-dinner surprise.

Storage Tips for Cinnamon French Toast Bites

  • Store leftover French toast bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crispy texture.
  • Arrange bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. These delightful morsels will stay fresh for 2 months, ready for quick reheating.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen bites in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave to keep the crispy exterior intact and prevent soggy results.
  • Separate bites into small meal-prep containers for grab-and-go breakfast or snack options. Pack the glaze separately to keep the coating crisp and prevent sogginess during storage.
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Crispy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe

Crispy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe


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4.9 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Sweet cinnamon roll french toast bites deliver pure breakfast bliss with crispy edges and gooey centers. Breakfast lovers will dive into these irresistible morsels that combine classic french toast magic with beloved cinnamon roll comfort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (340 g) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (or 4 thick slices of brioche bread, cubed)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 120 ml milk
  • 5 ml vanilla extract
  • 5 ml cinnamon
  • 2.5 ml nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 tbsp butter (for cooking)
  • 50 g granulated sugar
  • 5 ml cinnamon
  • 60 g powdered sugar
  • 15 ml milk
  • 2.5 ml vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Slice Preparation: Quarter refrigerated cinnamon rolls or cube bread into uniform 1-inch pieces.
  2. Egg Mixture Creation: Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  3. Coating Process: Generously dunk each cinnamon roll segment or bread cube into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Cooking Technique: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then carefully place coated pieces into the pan.
  5. Golden Transformation: Sauté each piece for 2-3 minutes per side, rotating until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
  6. Cinnamon Sugar Embrace: While still warm, tumble the freshly cooked bites into a cinnamon sugar mixture, coating each piece evenly.
  7. Glaze Preparation: In a separate bowl, blend powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until creating a silky, pourable consistency.
  8. Final Flourish: Artfully drizzle the glossy glaze over the warm cinnamon roll french toast bites, serving immediately for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Choose sturdy bread like brioche or challah for richer flavor and better absorption of egg mixture, preventing soggy results.
  • Maintain medium heat and watch carefully to achieve golden-brown color without scorching, which can make bites bitter and dry.
  • Toss bites immediately after cooking while warm to ensure cinnamon sugar mixture adheres perfectly and creates a delicious crispy exterior.
  • Add milk gradually to powdered sugar to achieve ideal drizzling thickness – thick enough to cling but thin enough to spread smoothly over bites.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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