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.
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.