Fluffy on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are everything you want in a comforting, bite-sized treat. Imagine the sweet swirl of cinnamon tucked inside a warm, buttery pastry—now add the richness of custardy French toast and a touch of caramelized edges. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by soft, sugary warmth that makes them downright addictive.

Perfect for brunch spreads, weekend breakfast indulgence, or even a cozy dessert, these mini-rolls are easy to make and even easier to devour. They pair beautifully with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a generous dollop of whipped cream. If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls or French toast, this fusion will be your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe

Quick and Fun to Make – Minimal ingredients, maximum reward.
Perfect for Sharing – Their cute size makes them ideal for parties or breakfast boards.
Versatile – Serve sweet or slightly savory with cream cheese or fruit compotes.
Make Ahead Friendly – Prepare in advance and reheat without losing texture.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Before diving into the cooking, having the right tools on hand can make the whole process smoother and faster. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each item matters:

Non-stick Skillet or Griddle: Essential for evenly cooking the bites without burning or sticking. It ensures the outsides get that golden, crispy finish while the insides stay tender.
Sharp Knife or Kitchen Scissors: Needed to slice the cinnamon rolls into even mini-bites. Even cuts help them cook uniformly.
Mixing Bowl: Used to whisk together your egg mixture—make sure it’s large enough for dipping your bites without making a mess.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Helpful for turning the bites while cooking and safely removing them from the skillet.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate proportions of milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and any other additions to the egg mixture.
Whisk or Fork: A whisk makes blending the egg custard smooth and lump-free for an even coating on every bite.

Preparation Tips

Use Day-Old Cinnamon Rolls: Slightly dried-out rolls soak in the egg mixture better without getting too soggy. If you’re using fresh ones, refrigerate them for 30 minutes first.
Don’t Over-Soak: Dip the bites quickly into the custard mix—2–3 seconds is enough. Over-soaking can lead to mushy centers.
Preheat the Pan: Always heat your skillet before adding the bites. A hot pan gives you a better sear and helps lock in the structure.
Work in Batches: Avoid crowding the skillet. Cooking in small batches gives you better control over browning and texture.
Optional Add-ins: A pinch of nutmeg, splash of heavy cream, or orange zest can elevate your custard mix.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

To bring this delicious breakfast treat to life, you’ll only need a few accessible ingredients. Here’s everything required to make about 4 servings:

For the Bites:

1 can of pre-made cinnamon rolls (with icing, 8-count or 12-count depending on brand)
Butter – 2 tablespoons, for greasing the skillet and adding flavor

For the Custard Coating:

2 large eggs
1/4 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness in the custard)
Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

Powdered sugar – for dusting
Maple syrup – for drizzling
Extra cinnamon sugar – for rolling after cooking
Icing from cinnamon roll package – for the classic finishing touch

These ingredients combine to create a custard-like coating around the cinnamon rolls, enhancing their flavor while delivering that classic French toast feel.

Step 1: Slice the Cinnamon Rolls

Open your pre-made cinnamon roll can and separate each roll. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut each roll into 4 equal bite-sized pieces. If your rolls are large, feel free to cut into smaller portions for crispier edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
A pinch of salt
Optional: 1 tbsp sugar

Make sure the mixture is smooth and well-combined, with the cinnamon evenly distributed.

Step 3: Dip the Cinnamon Roll Bites

Gently dip each piece into the egg mixture for about 2–3 seconds. Coat all sides but don’t let them soak too long—just enough to absorb a light layer of the custard.

Step 4: Heat the Skillet and Add Butter

Set a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and swirl it to coat the surface. You want it evenly distributed for golden browning.

Step 5: Cook the Bites

Place the dipped bites onto the skillet in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, turning with tongs or a spatula until all sides are golden brown and cooked through.

Repeat with remaining batches, adding more butter if needed.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Once all bites are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle with maple syrup or icing. For extra flair, dust with powdered sugar or roll lightly in cinnamon sugar.

Serve warm and enjoy immediately!

Notes

Using Homemade Cinnamon Rolls? You absolutely can—just make sure they’re baked and cooled first before cutting and dipping.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can slice the rolls and prepare the egg mixture the night before. Store both separately, and combine in the morning for quick cooking.
Customizable Flavor: Add a dash of nutmeg, cardamom, or even orange zest to the custard mix for a unique spin.
Make it a Dessert: Serve with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Soaking Too Long: This turns the bites soggy and hard to flip. Dip briefly and move on.
Overcrowding the Pan: Crowding leads to uneven cooking and steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches for best results.
Cold Pan: A pan that’s not properly preheated won’t give you that lovely caramelized crust—always heat before adding bites.
Skipping the Butter: Butter not only prevents sticking but adds flavor and helps create that golden crust.
Not Stirring the Egg Mixture: The cinnamon tends to settle at the bottom. Stir it up occasionally during dipping to ensure even coating.
Using Low-Quality Rolls: Some canned rolls lack structure and fall apart when dipped. Choose a brand with dense, sturdy dough.
Rushing the Flip: Give each side enough time to brown before turning or they’ll fall apart.
Not Draining Excess Custard: A heavy coating can pool in the pan, leading to a scrambled egg texture around the rolls. Let excess drip off before cooking.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?

These sweet, golden bites shine on their own—but pairing them with complementary sides can elevate the whole experience, especially for brunches or festive breakfasts. Here are some tasty ideas to round out your plate.

8 Recommendations

Fresh Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries bring a refreshing tart contrast to the sweet richness of the bites.
Greek Yogurt with Honey
Adds creaminess and tang that balances the sweetness while offering a protein boost.
Scrambled or Fried Eggs
A savory element keeps the meal grounded and satisfying, creating that perfect sweet-salty combo.
Crispy Bacon or Sausage Links
The saltiness and crunch of bacon or sausage pair beautifully with the soft, sweet bites.
Fruit Compote or Sautéed Apples
Warm fruit toppings like apple-cinnamon or berry compote bring extra flavor and moisture.
Whipped Cream or Cream Cheese Frosting
Add a dessert-style touch with a swirl of whipped cream or a drizzle of tangy cream cheese icing.
Maple Syrup or Caramel Drizzle
A classic partner—just a little goes a long way in enhancing flavor.
Chai or Spiced Latte
The cinnamon notes in chai or pumpkin spice lattes harmonize perfectly with the flavor profile of the bites.

Storage Instructions

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites store quite well if you have leftovers—or if you’re prepping ahead. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

Refrigerator: Store cooled bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Layer with parchment paper if stacking to avoid sticking.
Freezer: Place the bites on a baking sheet and freeze individually for 1 hour. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Microwave works for a quick fix—heat for 30–45 seconds—but they’ll be softer.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 4 bites)

Note: Based on use of pre-made cinnamon rolls and standard custard mixture.

Calories: ~240
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 300mg

These values can vary depending on the brand of cinnamon rolls and toppings used, so always check packaging or use a nutrition calculator for accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure they are fully baked and cooled before slicing and dipping them in the custard mix. Homemade versions add a more personalized flavor.

2. Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free cinnamon roll dough (store-bought or homemade) and ensuring your other ingredients like vanilla and syrup are gluten-free as well.

3. Do I have to use milk in the custard mix?

Not at all. You can use any milk substitute like almond milk, oat milk, or even half-and-half for a creamier texture. Just note it may slightly alter the richness.

4. How can I make these ahead of time?

Slice the rolls and mix the custard the night before. Store separately in the fridge, then dip and cook in the morning. You can also fully cook and reheat them if needed.

5. Can I bake them instead of pan-frying?

Yes. Line a baking tray with parchment, lightly spray with oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll be less crisp but still tasty.

6. How do I keep them warm for a brunch spread?

Place them in a low oven (around 200°F/90°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This keeps them warm without softening the crust.

7. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! Kids love the sweet cinnamon flavor, and the bite-sized portions are perfect for little hands. You can even let them help dip or sprinkle toppings.

8. Can I add extra flavors to the custard mix?

Yes! Nutmeg, cardamom, orange zest, or even a splash of maple syrup or bourbon vanilla can enhance the flavor. Feel free to experiment!

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the ultimate comfort food mash-up—sweet, spiced, crisp, and soft all in one. Whether you serve them as a brunch centerpiece, a quick morning treat, or a fun dessert, they’ll disappear fast. With easy prep, familiar ingredients, and endless topping options, this recipe is a go-to favorite for all ages.

Now that you’ve got everything you need, grab that cinnamon roll can and start flipping—deliciousness awaits!