Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe – Easy Bite-Sized Brunch Treat

A plate of golden cinnamon roll French toast bites drizzled with icing and dusted with powdered sugar, served with fresh berries and maple syrup.
Crispy, gooey, and loaded with cinnamon goodness—these bites are brunch goals! 🍴🍥
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Why Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Are the Ultimate Breakfast Mashup

Imagine the gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll meeting the crispy, golden edges of French toast—Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the breakfast mashup you didn’t know you needed. These bite-sized treats are pan-fried to perfection, with a soft, cinnamon-swirled center and a lightly crisped exterior that’s pure comfort in every bite.

Perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or even breakfast-for-dinner, they’re easy to make and even easier to devour. Whether you drizzle them with maple syrup, dust them with powdered sugar, or top them with whipped cream and berries, they’re a crowd-pleaser that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

What Are Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites?

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a playful twist on two breakfast classics. Start with bite-sized cinnamon rolls, dip them in a French toast-style custard, and pan-fry until golden and crisp.

Inspired by the flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls and the texture of classic French toast, these bites combine gooey sweetness with a satisfying crunch. They’re perfect for dipping, stacking, or serving with a variety of toppings.

Popular variations include:

  • Roll-ups made with flattened cinnamon rolls
  • A cinnamon sugar coating for extra crunch
  • A drizzle of cream cheese glaze for bakery-style decadence

Whether you use store-bought rolls or homemade dough, this recipe transforms breakfast into a treat worth celebrating.

Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this delicious mashup:

Base

  • 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (or homemade rolls)
  • Bake slightly underdone for better structure

Custard Batter

  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Cooking Fat

  • 2 tbsp butter or neutral oil for pan-frying

Toppings

  • Maple syrup
  • Cream cheese glaze
  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream

Tip: Slightly underbaked cinnamon rolls hold their shape better and crisp nicely when pan-fried.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Bake Cinnamon Rolls Prepare cinnamon rolls according to package or recipe instructions, but remove from oven a few minutes early so they’re slightly underdone. Let cool.
  2. Cut into Bites Slice each roll into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
  3. Make Custard Batter In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until frothy.
  4. Dip and Coat Dip each cinnamon roll bite into the batter, letting excess drip off.
  5. Pan-Fry Heat butter or oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add bites in a single layer and cook until golden and crispy on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
  6. Serve Warm Transfer to a plate and top with maple syrup, glaze, powdered sugar, or fruit.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches to ensure even browning and crisp texture.

Taste & Texture Profile

These bites deliver a delightful contrast of textures and flavors:

  • Crispy exterior from pan-frying
  • Soft, gooey center with cinnamon swirls
  • Warm spice from cinnamon and vanilla
  • Sweet glaze or syrup adds richness
  • Optional fruit or whipped cream balances the sweetness with freshness

They’re indulgent, comforting, and perfect for sharing—or savoring solo with a cozy cup of coffee.

A plate of golden cinnamon roll French toast bites drizzled with icing and dusted with powdered sugar, served with fresh berries and maple syrup.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe – Easy Bite-Sized Brunch Treat

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the ultimate brunch treat—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar flavor! Made from chopped cinnamon rolls dipped in a rich egg custard and pan-fried to perfection, they’re topped with icing and powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Perfect for weekend mornings, holiday breakfasts, or anytime you want a fun, indulgent twist on classic French toast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Sweet snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Non-stick or cast iron skillet
  • Spatula
  • Paper towels

Ingredients
  

Base

  • 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (or 6 homemade rolls)
  • 2 tbsp butter or oil for frying

Custard Batter

  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings

  • Maple syrup
  • Cream cheese glaze
  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream
  • Cinnamon sugar (for coating)

Instructions
 

  • Bake Cinnamon Rolls Prepare cinnamon rolls according to package or recipe instructions, but remove from oven 3–5 minutes early. Let cool slightly.
  • Cut into Bites Slice each roll into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
  • Make Custard Batter In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and frothy.
  • Dip and Coat Dip each cinnamon roll bite into the batter, letting excess drip off.
  • Pan-Fry Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add bites in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
  • Serve Warm Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve with toppings of choice.

Notes

  • For a roll-up version, flatten sandwich bread, spread with cinnamon sugar, roll, dip, and fry.
  • Toss fried bites in cinnamon sugar for a donut-like finish.
  • Add a dollop of cream cheese or Nutella inside rolls before baking for stuffed bites.
  • Try a savory twist with bacon bits or maple sausage and skip the sugar.
  • Make it vegan with plant-based rolls, egg substitute, and dairy-free milk.
  • Prep rolls and custard ahead; store cooked bites for 3 days or freeze uncooked bites and fry fresh.
  • Use a non-stick or cast iron skillet and medium heat for best results.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to brighten the flavors.
Keyword brunch recipe, Cinnamon roll bites, French toast bites, skillet breakfast, sweet breakfast