Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

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I’ve always loved lazy weekend mornings, when the kitchen fills with the comforting scent of cinnamon and butter. One day, I decided to combine two of my favorite indulgences—cinnamon rolls and French toast—into one irresistible treat: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. The result? Little golden bites of heaven, crisp on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, with just the right amount of sweetness.

They’re perfect for brunch, special breakfasts, or even as a fun dessert. I find myself making them whenever I want to impress guests or just treat myself to something cozy and delicious. Whether served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup, these bites disappear fast!

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

These little bites are packed with flavor and texture—crispy edges, tender centers, and a swirl of cinnamon goodness in every piece. They’re quick to prepare and fun to eat, especially for kids and brunch parties. Plus, you can make them with simple pantry ingredients and customize them to your liking. They’re a delightful twist on two beloved classics!

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What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?

I typically reach for a can of store-bought cinnamon roll dough when I’m short on time—it works beautifully and gives consistent results. However, if you enjoy making dough from scratch, a homemade cinnamon roll dough will elevate these bites even more with a soft, pillowy texture. You could also experiment with puff pastry or crescent roll dough for a flakier version, though the texture will differ slightly from the traditional French toast bite.

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Options for Substitutions

• Dough: As mentioned, you can swap canned cinnamon roll dough for homemade or use crescent roll dough for a buttery twist.
• Egg Mixture: For a dairy-free option, substitute almond milk or oat milk for regular milk. You can also use a flaxseed egg mixture if you want to avoid eggs entirely, though the texture will change.
• Sweeteners: Instead of maple syrup, try honey, agave, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
• Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice to the egg mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
• Toppings: Swap powdered sugar for a cream cheese glaze or caramel drizzle for a decadent finish.

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Ingredients for This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

• Cinnamon Roll Dough
  The heart of this recipe! Whether store-bought or homemade, this dough provides that signature cinnamon swirl and tender bite.
• Eggs
  They help bind the ingredients and create the classic French toast coating.
• Milk
  I use whole milk for richness, but any milk will do. It makes the egg mixture creamy and smooth.
• Vanilla Extract
  A splash of vanilla adds warmth and enhances the cinnamon flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon
  Even though the dough has cinnamon, adding extra to the egg mixture brings more depth and spice.
• Butter
  For frying—gives the bites a golden, crispy exterior and irresistible buttery flavor.
• Powdered Sugar
  A light dusting on top makes them extra pretty and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Maple Syrup
  The perfect finishing drizzle to complement the warm spices and tender bites.

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Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Start by unrolling your cinnamon roll dough and slicing each roll into smaller bite-sized pieces—about 3 to 4 cuts per roll works well. If you’re using homemade dough, roll it up with cinnamon sugar and then slice.

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Step 2: Mix the Egg Coating

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This will be your dipping mixture to coat the bites.

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Step 3: Dip the Bites

Gently dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well coated but not soaked through. This will give you a tender inside with a golden crust on the outside.

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Step 4: Heat the Pan

Melt a generous pat of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, you’re ready to cook.

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Step 5: Cook the Bites

Place the dipped bites into the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, turning carefully until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You may need to work in batches—add more butter as needed.

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Step 6: Plate and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the bites to a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve immediately while warm and crispy!

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How Long to Cook the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Cooking these bites is quick and simple. Once your skillet is hot and buttered, each batch takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side—so roughly 5 to 6 minutes total for a batch. Keep an eye on them: they should turn golden brown with a slightly crisp exterior and a soft, gooey center.

If you’re cooking multiple batches, you can keep the cooked bites warm in a low oven (about 200°F/95°C) while you finish the rest.

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Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

• Don’t Over-soak the bites in the egg mixture—a quick dip is all you need. If they’re too wet, they can become soggy in the pan.
• Medium Heat is Best
  Too high, and the outsides will burn before the centers cook; too low, and they won’t crisp up properly.
• Use Plenty of Butter
  It not only prevents sticking but also gives the bites that irresistible buttery crispiness.
• Work in Batches
  Avoid crowding the pan. Give the bites room to cook evenly and flip easily.
• Serve Immediately
  These are best hot off the pan, when the edges are crispy and the centers are tender.
• Experiment with Toppings
  Don’t be afraid to get creative—add cream cheese glaze, berries, nuts, or flavored syrups to change things up.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Over-soaking the Dough
  If you let the cinnamon roll pieces sit in the egg mixture too long, they’ll absorb too much liquid and turn mushy. Just a quick dip does the trick.
• Pan Too Hot
  Cooking on high heat can burn the outsides before the centers cook through. Stick with medium heat for even browning.
• Crowding the Pan
  Too many pieces at once can cause uneven cooking and steaming instead of crisping. Work in batches for the best results.
• Skipping the Butter
  Butter isn’t just for flavor—it also ensures a beautiful golden crust. Don’t skimp!
• Neglecting to Stir the Egg Mixture
  The cinnamon can settle at the bottom of the bowl, so give the egg mixture a quick whisk between dips to keep the flavors balanced.
• Serving Too Late
  These bites are best enjoyed fresh and hot. If they sit too long, they lose their delightful texture.

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What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?

Fresh Fruit

Berries, sliced bananas, or citrus segments add brightness and balance the sweetness.

Yogurt Parfait

Layered with granola and fruit, a parfait brings creaminess and crunch to the plate.

Bacon or Sausage

Savory sides like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage provide a satisfying contrast.

Scrambled Eggs

Light, fluffy eggs round out the meal and add protein.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream makes these bites feel extra indulgent.

Cream Cheese Glaze

Drizzle a tangy glaze over the bites for an elevated twist.

Nut Toppings

Chopped pecans or walnuts add texture and nutty flavor.

Coffee or Spiced Tea

A warm drink complements the cozy, spiced flavors of the dish perfectly.

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Storage Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers (though they disappear fast in my house!), you can store them easily. Let the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter, or pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes. The oven method helps bring back their crispy exterior. I don’t recommend microwaving, as it can make them soft and rubbery.

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Estimated Nutrition

Please note that exact values will vary depending on the brand of dough and specific ingredients you use, but here’s a rough estimate for one serving (about 5–6 bites):

• Calories: ~250–300
• Protein: 5–7 grams
• Fat: 12–15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30–35 grams
• Sugar: 10–15 grams
• Fiber: 1–2 grams

Enjoy them as an occasional treat—totally worth every bite!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the bites from becoming soggy?

Don’t over-soak the dough in the egg mixture. A quick dip is enough to coat the bites without making them soggy.

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Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prep the dough pieces and the egg mixture ahead, but for the best texture, cook them fresh right before serving. You can reheat leftovers in the oven if needed.

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What’s the best pan to use?

A non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan works perfectly. Both promote even browning and help prevent sticking.

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Can I bake these instead of frying?

You can! Arrange the dipped bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be slightly less crisp than the pan-fried version.

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Are they kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love these sweet, bite-sized treats. You can even serve them with fun dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel.

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Can I freeze them?

I don’t recommend freezing once cooked—they lose their texture. However, you can freeze the unbaked cinnamon roll pieces and thaw them when ready to cook.

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What can I use instead of cinnamon roll dough?

Crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or homemade brioche dough can all work well as substitutes. Just add a cinnamon-sugar filling to mimic the classic flavor.

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Do I need to serve them with syrup?

Not at all! They’re delicious with just powdered sugar, cream cheese glaze, or fresh fruit. Syrup is an optional (but tasty) bonus.

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Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are one of those magical recipes that bring joy with every bite. They combine the best elements of two beloved breakfast favorites into one fun, flavorful dish. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, whipping up a weekend treat, or indulging in a sweet snack, they’re sure to delight everyone at the table.

I hope you give this recipe a try—and enjoy every warm, cinnamon-swirled bite!

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