Few breakfast dishes can match the indulgence of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. This delightful recipe combines the rich, buttery taste of cinnamon rolls with the crispy, golden texture of French toast. Perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings, these bites are easy to prepare and packed with comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a brunch, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
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Why This Recipe Is the Ultimate Breakfast Comfort Food
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites bring together two breakfast favorites in one irresistible dish. The soft, cinnamon-swirled dough soaks up a sweet, creamy batter before being cooked to golden perfection. The result is a crispy exterior with a warm, gooey center.
Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Quick and easy preparation
- Perfect balance of sweetness and spice
- Customizable with different toppings
- Ideal for meal prep or serving at gatherings
This dish is more than just breakfast—it’s a comforting experience that starts your day on a delicious note.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
To create the perfect batch of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Cinnamon rolls – Store-bought or homemade
- Eggs – Helps bind the batter to the dough
- Milk or heavy cream – Adds richness
- Vanilla extract – Enhances sweetness
- Cinnamon and nutmeg – Elevates the warm spice flavor
- Butter – For cooking and extra richness
- Maple syrup or honey – Perfect for drizzling over the bites
Optional Ingredients to Customize the Recipe
To add variety and personalization, consider these optional ingredients:
- Powdered sugar – A light dusting for extra sweetness
- Cream cheese glaze – A rich, tangy topping
- Chopped nuts – Adds crunch and texture
- Fresh berries – Provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet bites
- Chocolate chips – For a decadent twist
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Step 1: Preparing the Cinnamon Roll Dough
Before making Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, start by prepping the cinnamon roll dough. If using store-bought rolls, cut each into bite-sized pieces. For homemade dough, roll it out and sprinkle generously with cinnamon and sugar before slicing.
Steps:
- Cut the cinnamon rolls into small, even pieces.
- If making homemade, prepare the dough by rolling, filling, and slicing it.
- Set the pieces aside while preparing the batter.
How to Make These Bites Even More Delicious
To enhance flavor and texture, try these tips:
- Let the dough sit for a few minutes after cutting to absorb the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Slightly toast the cinnamon roll pieces before dipping to add crispiness.
- Add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon to deepen the flavor.
Step 2: Making the French Toast Batter
The batter is key to achieving the perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites.
Steps:
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Ensure the mixture is well combined for even coating.
- Set aside for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
This batter gives the bites a creamy interior and a golden, crispy exterior.
Step 3: Assembling the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Now it’s time to coat the cinnamon roll pieces.
Steps:
- Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Let excess batter drip off before transferring to a plate.
- If desired, roll each piece in extra cinnamon sugar for added flavor.
Step 4: Cooking the Bites to Perfection
Cooking technique matters to get the ideal texture for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites.
Steps:
- Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and add butter.
- Place the coated cinnamon roll pieces in the pan, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess butter.
Step 5: Adding the Finishing Touches
Now for the best part—toppings and final presentation.
Steps:
- Drizzle maple syrup or honey over the bites.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a classic touch.
- Top with cream cheese glaze, fresh berries, or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
These finishing touches make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites visually appealing and even more delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do French toast sticks taste like?
French toast sticks have a sweet, warm, and slightly crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior. The taste is a delicious mix of cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of butter, making them similar to traditional French toast but in a more convenient, finger-food form. When paired with syrup, powdered sugar, or fruit, they can be even more indulgent!
Why are my French toast sticks soggy?
Too much liquid in the batter: If the egg and milk mixture is too runny, the bread will soak up too much liquid, making it soggy. Try using less milk or adding an extra egg to thicken the batter.
Not cooking long enough: If the heat is too low or the sticks aren’t cooked long enough, they won’t crisp up properly. Make sure the pan is hot enough before you cook them and give them enough time on each side to get golden and crisp.
Using the wrong bread: Some bread types absorb more liquid than others. Thick, sturdy bread like Texas toast works better for French toast sticks, as it holds up better during cooking.
Over-soaking the bread: If the bread sits too long in the batter, it can become too soggy. Dip the bread sticks quickly, ensuring they’re coated but not drenched.
Not draining excess batter: After dipping the bread in the egg mixture, make sure to let any excess drip off before cooking.
Adjusting these factors should help get your French toast sticks crispier!
How long to heat up French toast bites?
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.
Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes for a crispier texture.
Microwave: Heat in 15-20 second intervals until warmed through (may become softer).
Skillet: Warm on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side with a little butter.
Conclusion
Cinnamon roll French toast bites are a delightful and indulgent breakfast treat that perfectly blends two beloved dishes: cinnamon rolls and French toast. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that’s crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and full of sweet cinnamon flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or something special to serve at a brunch gathering, these bites are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. By following the tips and instructions provided, you’ll have a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the perfect combination of comfort and flavor with these irresistible cinnamon roll French toast bites!
Ingredients
- 4 cinnamon rolls store-bought or homemade
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter for cooking
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar for garnish
- Maple syrup optional, for serving
- Pros:
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat
- Sweet and satisfying flavor
- Kid-friendly and fun to eat
- Can be made with store-bought cinnamon rolls for convenience
- Cons:
- High in calories due to the cinnamon rolls and butter
- May not be suitable for those on a low-sugar or low-carb diet
Instructions
- Prepare the cinnamon rolls: Cut the cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Dip the cinnamon roll pieces: Dip each cinnamon roll bite into the egg mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Cook: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the cinnamon roll bites and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the skillet and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve with maple syrup on the side for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Storage: These cinnamon roll bites are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for best results.
- Make it healthier: For a lighter version, you can use a sugar-free cinnamon roll or whole wheat bread, and swap the butter for a cooking spray or coconut oil.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add a handful of berries or a drizzle of cream cheese icing on top for extra flavor.
- Variations: You can also make these bites using different types of rolls, such as sticky buns or sweet rolls, to change up the flavor profile.