Every once in a while, you stumble upon a recipe that’s so good, you make it once—and then suddenly, it’s a weekend tradition. That’s exactly what happened with these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites in our home.

They’re soft, golden, buttery bites of cinnamon heaven, kissed with warm vanilla and coated in a custardy bath before hitting the skillet. And the best part? It all starts with a can of cinnamon rolls. Yep—this is a shortcut breakfast that still feels totally homemade, indulgent, and worth waking up for.

If you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend all morning in the kitchen, these bites will steal your heart—and your fork.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a magical mash-up of two beloved breakfast treats—cinnamon rolls and French toast—all packed into golden, fluffy little bites.

Ingredients Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

For the French Toast Bites

1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing included)
2 large eggs
¼ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp butter (for cooking)

Optional Toppings

Reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls
Maple syrup
Powdered sugar

Instructions Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate them.
Cut each roll into 4 bite-sized pieces.
Set aside the icing packet for later.

Step 2: Make the Custard Dip

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon

Step 3: Coat the Bites

Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture.
Make sure each side is well coated.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Add coated bites in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Repeat with remaining bites.

Step 5: Serve & Top

Transfer to a serving plate while still warm.
Drizzle with the reserved icing, maple syrup, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Serve immediately and enjoy every gooey bite!

Notes

This recipe is best served fresh and hot, straight from the skillet.
You can reheat leftovers in the air fryer or toaster oven.
Great for kids’ breakfast, sleepovers, or even dessert!

Helpful Tips

Use medium heat—too hot and the outside will burn before the center cooks.

Let excess custard drip off before frying to prevent sogginess.
Don’t skip the vanilla—it adds that warm, bakery-style flavor.
For a cinnamon sugar crust, sprinkle bites with a mix of sugar + cinnamon right after cooking.

Conservation and Storage

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheat: In a skillet over low heat, or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
Freezer: Not ideal, as the texture changes—but they’re so easy, just make fresh!

Substitutions and Variations

Milk Options: Use almond, oat, or soy milk if dairy-free.

Glaze Upgrade: Mix the icing with a little cream cheese for a tangy twist.
Berry Topping: Add fresh strawberries or blueberries before serving.
Dessert-ify It: Drizzle with chocolate sauce or top with mini chocolate chips.

Storage Instructions

Best Fresh: These are made to be eaten the same day.
If storing, let them cool completely before refrigerating.
Don’t microwave—they’ll get soggy. Use a pan or toaster oven for reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the bites instead of frying?
Yes! Arrange coated bites on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely. If you have time to make dough from scratch, it’ll work beautifully—just pre-bake them slightly before dipping in custard.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! In fact, it’s perfect for little hands. Kids love dipping and assembling their own mini stacks.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Not really—the texture is best when cooked fresh. But you can prep the custard and cut the rolls ahead to speed things up.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are everything you love about lazy weekend mornings—without any of the fuss. They’re fluffy, buttery, cinnamon-spiced bites that you can dress up or down. And with just one skillet and a few pantry ingredients, they come together faster than brewing a pot of coffee.

Trust me—your kitchen will smell like a dream, and your family will be hovering with forks in hand.

I’m kicking myself for not making a double batch the first time!

More Breakfast Treats You’ll Love

Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
Apple Pie Pancake Dippers
Mini Cinnamon Roll Skewers
Caramelized Banana French Toast Bake

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 3–4 bites)

Calories: ~210
Carbs: 26g
Sugar: 11g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 4g