Some of the best meals are those that take two beloved classics and combine them into something new and exciting. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a perfect example. They take a simple canned cinnamon roll and give it the classic French toast treatment, transforming it into a fun, bite-sized, and utterly delicious breakfast. With a crispy exterior and a soft, cinnamon-swirled interior, each bite is a delightful surprise. Finished with a simple vanilla glaze, these bites are the perfect way to start your weekend and are guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of recipes that are both fun to make and delicious to eat, and this one has quickly become a favorite. What I love most is the sheer genius of the idea. It’s a perfect breakfast mashup that delivers all the comfort of French toast with the convenience and nostalgic flavor of a cinnamon roll. The process is incredibly simple: just a quick dip in an egg mixture and a pan-fry. The result is a perfect texture—the outside is crispy and golden, while the inside is soft and gooey. It’s a fantastic recipe for a lazy Saturday morning or a special family brunch that feels indulgent without a lot of work.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Roll Bites:
- 1 can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8-count)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (or any alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for frying
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1−2 tablespoons milk (adjust for thickness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries
- Chopped nuts
- Maple syrup or chocolate sauce
Swaps and Notes
- Cinnamon Rolls: This recipe is specifically designed for refrigerated canned cinnamon rolls. The dough is dense and holds up well to frying, and the built-in cinnamon swirl is what gives these bites their flavor. You can use any brand you prefer.
- Milk: You can use any type of milk you have on hand, such as whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk.
- Vanilla Glaze: The recipe calls for a simple vanilla glaze, which is what comes with most canned cinnamon rolls. You can use that for convenience, or you can make your own with the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add a little more.
- Spices: The ground cinnamon in the egg mixture is what gives these bites their classic French toast flavor. You can also add a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Toppings: While the vanilla glaze is a perfect finish, you can get creative with your toppings. Fresh berries, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup or chocolate sauce would all be delicious additions.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Open the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1/2 cup milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Fry the Bites: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat with a little bit of butter or oil. Dip each cinnamon roll quarter into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides, but not to soak it.
- Cook to Golden: Place the coated cinnamon roll quarters in the hot pan. Cook for about 2−3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if needed, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Make the Glaze: While the bites are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1−2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm cinnamon roll bites. Serve immediately with any optional toppings you desire.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in batches is important. If you overcrowd the pan, the temperature will drop, and the bites will steam instead of fry, resulting in a soggy texture.
- Use a Shallow Bowl: A shallow bowl is perfect for the egg mixture. It makes it easy to dip the cinnamon roll quarters without them soaking up too much of the liquid.
- Flip Gently: Use tongs to flip the bites. This will prevent them from falling apart and help them cook evenly on both sides.
- Serve Immediately: These bites are at their best when they are served hot and fresh.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These cinnamon roll French toast bites are a perfect centerpiece for a family brunch. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a complete breakfast, you can serve them alongside some scrambled eggs or crispy bacon.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
These are an indulgent and delicious breakfast treat. The calories, carbohydrates, and fats come from the cinnamon rolls, eggs, and sugar. While they are a decadent treat, they are a wonderfully satisfying meal that is perfect for a special occasion or a fun family brunch.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of these bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and warm it up, or for a better texture, you can place them in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back some of their crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a comforting, delicious, and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of a fluffy cinnamon roll and the classic French toast flavor is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy this effortless and delicious treat as much as I do!
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