Easy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites (Gooey & Fun!)

Some mornings you wake up with a specific craving. Not just for something sweet, but for something comforting, something that feels like a slow Saturday even if it’s a busy Tuesday. For me, that’s usually a battle between gooey, warm cinnamon rolls and rich, custardy French toast. For years, I’d just pick one. But one day, staring at a tube of cinnamon roll dough in my fridge, a brilliant, ridiculously simple idea struck: why not both? And so, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites were born. They are the absolute best of both worlds and have become one of my favorite fun breakfast treats.

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a weekend morning hack. It’s the joy of a decadent brunch, transformed into easy-to-eat finger foods. Each bite is a perfect little pillow—crisp and golden on the outside from the French toast treatment, with that signature soft, cinnamon-swirled center you love. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes everyone happy, whether you’re looking for sweet breakfast ideas for one or a crowd-pleasing dish for a family brunch.

Why This Recipe Just Works

The magic here is in the simplicity and the combination of textures. We’re not making anything from scratch, which is the beauty of it. This is all about elevating a few simple store-bought ingredients into something that tastes gourmet.

• The Dough: We use refrigerated cinnamon roll dough. It’s a fantastic shortcut that provides the structure, the cinnamon swirl, and the gooey factor all in one. When you chop it up, you create all these nooks and crannies for the rich custard to soak into.
• The Custard: This isn’t just a simple egg wash. The combination of whole milk and heavy cream creates a rich, decadent custard that keeps the inside of the bites incredibly moist and tender. The vanilla and extra cinnamon amplify the flavors already in the dough, making every bite taste intentional and layered.
• The Bake: Baking instead of pan-frying is the key. It allows all the bites to cook evenly at once, puffing up and turning a beautiful golden brown without any greasy mess. The heat of the oven crisps the edges while ensuring the center is perfectly cooked through.

Let’s Get Baking: Your Step-by-Step Guide

First things first, get that oven preheating to 375°F. A hot oven is key to getting these bites to puff up nicely. While it’s heating, chop up your cinnamon roll dough. I find it easiest to unroll the dough and cut it into small, roughly one-inch pieces. Don’t strive for perfection; the irregular shapes create wonderful texture.

Next, you’ll whip up the custard. In a good-sized bowl, whisk together the four large eggs until they’re uniform and light. Then, pour in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until everything is smooth. Finally, stir in the vanilla, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This simple mixture is what transforms the dough into French toast.

Now for the fun part. Gently add your chopped dough pieces into the custard. Use a spatula to toss them around, making sure every single piece gets a good coating. Drizzle the melted butter over the top and give it one last gentle stir. You want the dough to absorb the custard, but be careful not to let them soak for too long—we don’t want them to become mushy. Just a minute or two is perfect. Spread the coated bites onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single, even layer. This gives them the space they need to get crispy. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven.

My Secret for Next-Level Bites & Fun Variations

Want to know the one thing I sometimes add to take these over the top? A tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or cardamom in the egg mixture. It adds a subtle warmth and complexity that perfectly complements the cinnamon, making people wonder what your secret ingredient is.

These bites are also a fantastic base for a loaded French toast experience. Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: If you’re looking for breakfast ideas with chocolate, toss a handful of mini chocolate chips in with the dough before baking.
• Add a Little Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the bites in the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Instead of the maple syrup and powdered sugar, warm up the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls and drizzle that over the top for a more traditional cinnamon roll flavor.
• Build a French Toast Bar: This is one of my favorite ideas for brunch small bites. Serve the baked bites plain and set out bowls of toppings: maple syrup, chocolate sauce, fresh berries, whipped cream, and sprinkles. Let everyone customize their own!

Storing and Reheating for Later

While these are definitely best served warm and fresh from the oven, they do keep surprisingly well. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I highly recommend skipping the microwave, which can make them soggy. Instead, pop them in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or back in the oven for about 5-7 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up, tasting almost as good as new.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/4 cup maple syrup, for serving
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Chop the cinnamon roll dough into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk the four large eggs until well-beaten.
4. Add the milk and heavy cream to the eggs, whisking again to combine.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt, mixing thoroughly.
6. Place the chopped cinnamon roll dough into the egg mixture and toss gently to ensure each piece is well-coated.
7. Drizzle the melted butter over the dough and egg mixture and stir to combine.
8. Transfer the coated cinnamon roll dough to the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out in a single layer.
9. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
10. While the bites are baking, you can warm the maple syrup in a small saucepan over low heat if desired.
11. Remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
12. Dust the bites lightly with powdered sugar and serve immediately with the warmed maple syrup.