These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe

If you love the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls and the golden, custardy delight of French toast, get ready for a game-changer. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites combine the best of both worlds into irresistible little morsels that are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Soft, sweet, and bursting with cinnamon flavor, they are easy to make and guaranteed to become a new favorite for your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites lies in their simple ingredients that come to life in every bite. Each component plays an important role—from the fluffy texture of the cinnamon rolls to the creamy custard bath that creates a crispy, golden crust. Here’s what you’ll need to create this tasty treat:

• Cinnamon roll dough: The star of the dish, this adds soft layers and rich cinnamon sugar flavor.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and create that classic French toast custard texture.
• Whole milk: Provides creaminess to the custard mix for tender bites.
• Vanilla extract: A hit of vanilla rounds out the sweetness and adds warmth.
• Ground cinnamon: Enhances the cinnamon flavor for an extra cozy touch.
• Unsalted butter: Helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior when cooking.
• Maple syrup (optional): Perfect for drizzling and adding a touch of natural sweetness at the end.
• Icing from the cinnamon roll package: Drizzled on top for that final signature sweet finish.

How to Make These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by opening your can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and cutting it into bite-sized pieces. This is the perfect snack size and allows each piece to soak up the custard beautifully. No need to unroll the dough completely—just slice into thick rounds.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined. This mixture will give your bites that luscious, creamy coating that makes them so irresistible.

Step 3: Dip the Dough Bites

Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the custard mixture, ensuring it is fully coated but not soggy. Let the excess drip off to avoid a mushy texture. This step is key to creating a crispy outside with a melty center.

Step 4: Cook the Bites

Melt the unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the coated dough bites in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Once cooked, transfer the bites to a serving plate and drizzle the icing that came with your cinnamon rolls over the top. For an extra special touch, add a drizzle of maple syrup or sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon.

How to Serve These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Garnishes

These bites shine with simple garnishes that complement their warm cinnamon flavor. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries adds a juicy contrast, while a sprinkle of powdered sugar provides a delicate, snowy finish. Don’t forget a drizzle of maple syrup or extra icing for sweetness that melts in your mouth.

Side Dishes

Offer these bites alongside a dollop of whipped cream, a bowl of yogurt for creaminess, or crispy bacon strips for a savory counterpoint. A side of fresh fruit salad or a smoothie can also make the meal more balanced and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, stack the bites into a fun tower or skewer them on little sticks for an on-the-go treat. Serve in miniature muffin tins to keep each bite perfectly portioned and warm. These presentation ideas make them perfect for brunch parties or holiday breakfasts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor well but may lose a bit of crispness, which can easily be refreshed.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked cinnamon roll dough bites before dipping and cooking. Place them on a lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, let thaw completely before dipping and cooking as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the cooked bites in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up. Microwaving works in a pinch but might soften the crust.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough for these bites?

Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and lets you customize flavors, but using refrigerated dough keeps it quick and easy without sacrificing taste.

Is it necessary to use whole milk?

Whole milk gives the custard richness and creaminess, but you can substitute with 2% or even a non-dairy milk if needed, just expect a slightly different texture.

Can I make these bites gluten-free?

Yes, if you find a gluten-free cinnamon roll dough or make your own with gluten-free flour, you can enjoy these bites gluten-free without losing any of the deliciousness.

How long do these cinnamon roll French toast bites take to cook?

Each side only takes about 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden brown color, so total cook time per batch is around 5-6 minutes, making it a quick breakfast treat.

Can I skip the icing drizzle?

While the icing adds a classic sweet finish, you can certainly skip it or substitute with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple maple syrup drizzle for a less sweet option.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a delightful twist on two beloved breakfast classics, perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests with minimal effort. They’re warm, comforting, and downright addictive, making mornings something to look forward to. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how easy it is to make a small bite of happiness that melts in your mouth.

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