I first came up with these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites on a lazy Sunday morning when I couldn’t decide between classic cinnamon rolls and a plate of warm French toast so I decided to combine the best of both. I tore up some ready-made rolls dipped them in a quick egg mixture and pan-toasted them into little golden bites that were sticky sweet and totally addictive from the very first batch.

Now they’ve become a weekend staple in my house because they’re quick to make crowd-pleasing and feel like a bakery treat without all the effort. Dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup or glaze these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the kind of cozy breakfast that turns an ordinary morning into something extra special.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Store-bought cinnamon rolls – A shortcut that saves time and brings that classic cinnamon sugar flavor
Eggs – Help bind everything together and give that traditional French toast texture
Milk – Thins out the custard mixture so it soaks into the dough
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the cinnamon notes
Ground cinnamon – Boosts the spice flavor and ties it all together
Butter – Used for pan-frying to get a golden crispy exterior
Maple syrup – Perfect for drizzling on top after cooking
Powdered sugar – Lightly dusted over the bites for a pretty and sweet finish

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowl – For whisking together the egg custard mixture
Whisk or fork – To mix eggs and milk smoothly
Skillet or non-stick pan – For cooking the bites to golden perfection
Tongs or spatula – To flip and remove the bites easily
Knife – For cutting the cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces
Plate and paper towels – To drain any excess butter after cooking

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by cutting the cinnamon rolls into small bite-sized chunks which helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to dip and flip.

Step 2:

In a bowl I whisk together the eggs milk vanilla and a dash of ground cinnamon then I gently toss the cinnamon roll pieces in the mixture until they’re well coated but not soggy.

Step 3:

I heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a bit of butter then I place the soaked cinnamon roll bites into the pan making sure they’re spaced out and not overcrowded.

Step 4:

I cook them for about 2–3 minutes per side until each one is golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside and I flip carefully to keep their shape.

Step 5:

Once they’re done I transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate then I dust them with powdered sugar and serve them warm with maple syrup or a drizzle of icing from the cinnamon roll package if I saved it.

Tips

If you want a gooier texture you can bake the coated bites in a small dish at 350°F for 10–12 minutes instead of pan-frying. I also love tossing in a handful of chopped pecans or using flavored coffee creamer instead of milk for an extra decadent twist. Don’t over-soak the bites though or they’ll fall apart in the pan!

Ways to Serve

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are amazing for breakfast brunch or even dessert and I love serving them with a side of fresh fruit or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness. For a holiday brunch I sometimes stack them into a little tower and drizzle with icing like a cinnamon roll “tree” centerpiece!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites ahead of time?

Yes you can prep the pieces and egg mixture separately then just dip and cook them fresh when ready to serve.

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have leftovers or fresh ones they’ll work beautifully and give an even richer flavor.

Do Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites need syrup?

Not necessarily but they taste great with maple syrup icing or even a caramel drizzle if you’re feeling fancy.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites a try soon because they’re such a fun and comforting twist on two beloved breakfast favorites. Don’t forget to tag me or share how yours turned out—I love seeing your creations and hearing how you enjoyed them!

Happy Cooking!