Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

These cinnamon roll french toast bites transform ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary. I stumbled upon this recipe one lazy Sunday morning when I couldn't decide between making cinnamon rolls or french toast. The magical combination creates these perfectly crispy, cinnamon-infused bites that soak up maple syrup beautifully while maintaining their structure. Each bite delivers that warm, comforting cinnamon flavor wrapped in a golden, buttery exterior.

Last month, I made these for a family brunch and my nephew, who usually pushes food around his plate, devoured his portion and then asked for seconds. My sister immediately requested the recipe, saying this was the first time in months he'd cleaned his plate without being coaxed.

Perfect Elements

• Cinnamon rolls: Provide the sweet, doughy base with ribbons of cinnamon already baked in. Using slightly underbaked rolls ensures they won't fall apart during cooking.
• Whole milk: Creates the richest custard, though any milk works well. The fat content helps achieve that perfect golden exterior while keeping the inside moist.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness without adding more sugar. Look for pure extract rather than imitation for the best flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: Amplifies the spice notes already in the rolls. Fresh ground cinnamon has a much more potent flavor than pre-ground.
• Butter for frying: Adds a nutty, rich flavor that vegetable oil simply can't match. Its lower smoke point actually works perfectly for the gentle heat needed here.

I've experimented with different brands of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, and honestly, the store brand works just as well as the name brands. The key is getting that slightly underbaked texture before cutting them into pieces. If they're too soft, they'll fall apart in the batter, and if they're too firm, they won't soak up the custard properly.

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Cooking Method

Prepare the foundation

Bake cinnamon rolls according to package instructions but reduce the baking time by about 2 minutes. You want them cooked through but still soft in the center. Allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes before handling, as they'll firm up slightly. Cut each roll into quarters using a serrated knife to prevent squishing them.

Create the custard

In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk eggs vigorously until no streaks of white remain. Add milk in a slow stream while continuing to whisk to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Incorporate vanilla extract and cinnamon, whisking until the mixture looks slightly frothy with tiny bubbles on the surface. This aeration helps create a lighter coating.

Soak methodology

Working with just a few pieces at a time, place cinnamon roll bites into the custard mixture. Gently turn each piece with a fork, allowing it to soak for about 15 seconds per side. The roll should absorb some liquid but not become soggy. If using homemade or very soft rolls, reduce soaking time to prevent them from falling apart.

Perfect heating

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles gently when it hits the surface. Add butter and swirl to coat the pan evenly, waiting until the foaming subsides. This indicates the water content has evaporated and the butter won't make your bites soggy.

Strategic cooking

Arrange soaked bites in the pan with at least an inch between each piece. Overcrowding causes steam that prevents proper browning. Cook until the bottom develops a rich golden color, about 1.5-2 minutes, before gently flipping each piece. The second side will cook slightly faster, so watch carefully.

Rest and absorb

Transfer cooked bites to a paper towel-lined plate for just a moment to absorb excess butter. Then move them to a serving plate and keep warm in a 200°F oven while cooking remaining batches. This brief rest allows the custardy interior to set slightly while maintaining the crispy exterior.

Finishing touches

Arrange warm bites on a serving platter, drizzling with maple syrup in a decorative pattern. Allow some areas to remain uncoated so guests can experience both the glazed and unglazed textures. Add fresh berries around the plate for color contrast and a burst of freshness that balances the sweetness.

I first created this recipe when hosting overnight guests and needed something special yet quick for breakfast. What I love most is how the cinnamon from the rolls infuses the custard, creating layers of flavor in each bite. Using slightly underbaked cinnamon rolls was a happy accident from a morning when I was too impatient to wait the full baking time, but it turned out to be the perfect texture for soaking up the french toast mixture.

Breakfast Companions

These cinnamon roll french toast bites pair beautifully with a fruit salad for a balanced breakfast spread. For special occasions, create a DIY topping bar with various syrups, fruit compotes, and whipped cream. I often serve them alongside savory breakfast casseroles or egg dishes to create a complete sweet and savory morning meal. The contrast between the sweet bites and savory eggs creates a satisfying balance that keeps everyone happy.

Creative Twists

Try using different flavored refrigerated rolls like orange or strawberry for seasonal variations. Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the custard mixture for a bright citrus note that works beautifully with the cinnamon. For an adult version, add a splash of bourbon to your maple syrup or mix a tablespoon of espresso into the custard mixture. My personal favorite variation involves stuffing each bite with a small piece of cream cheese before soaking and frying – the melty center adds another dimension of richness.

Leftover Magic

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, arrange them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, which restores some of the crispness. Avoid microwaving as this makes them soggy. These bites also freeze surprisingly well. Place cooled bites on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a toaster oven for a quick weekday breakfast treat. The texture won't be quite as perfect as fresh, but they're still delicious.

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I've served these cinnamon roll french toast bites at countless family brunches, holiday breakfasts, and even as a surprise birthday breakfast-in-bed. There's something magical about combining two beloved breakfast treats into one perfect bite. The way the custard transforms the cinnamon roll creates something entirely new yet comfortingly familiar. My family now requests these instead of traditional cinnamon rolls or french toast, and honestly, they're so simple to make that I'm always happy to oblige!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these with homemade cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully, just make sure they're baked but still slightly firm so they hold up when dipped in the batter and fried.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwaving works too but they won't be as crispy.

→ Can I use dairy-free milk?

Yes! Almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk substitute works well in the French toast batter. Just make sure to check that your cinnamon rolls are also dairy-free if needed.

→ What's the best way to serve these for a brunch?

Create a DIY cinnamon roll bite bar! Serve the warm bites with various toppings like fresh berries, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, different syrups, and whipped cream so guests can customize their own.

→ Can I freeze these for later?

Yes! Freeze cooked and cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.