Easy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe

There are certain smells that just scream “weekend.” Freshly brewed coffee is one. Frying bacon is another. But the undisputed champion, the one that can pull even the sleepiest teenager out of bed, is the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon. This recipe captures that exact feeling. It’s the glorious, gooey heart of a cinnamon roll combined with the custardy, golden-brown perfection of French toast. The result? Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. These little morsels are one of my favorite fun breakfast treats, perfect for a lazy Sunday or when you want to make brunch feel a little more special without a ton of effort.

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a shortcut to joy. It’s for those mornings when you crave something decadent but don’t have the time or energy to make cinnamon rolls from scratch. Each bite is a perfect paradox—crispy and toasted on the outside, then soft, warm, and pillowy on the inside. They are fantastic as finger foods for breakfast, especially if you’re setting up a French toast bar for guests. Let’s be honest, they’re so good you might find yourself sneaking a few for lunch, too.

What You’ll Need for These Gooey Bites

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. We’re leaning on a store-bought shortcut to get us to breakfast bliss faster. The key is combining a few pantry staples to create a rich custard that transforms simple dough into something truly spectacular.

• Cinnamon Roll Dough: Two cups of chopped dough is what you’ll need. A can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough works perfectly here. Just pop it open and chop it up; no need to separate the rolls.
• Eggs: Four large eggs form the base of our rich custard. It’s best if they’re at room temperature, as they’ll mix more evenly.
• Milk & Heavy Cream: I use a combination of a half cup of milk (whole milk is best for richness) and a quarter cup of heavy cream. The cream is what gives the custard that luxurious, silky texture.
• Flavor Enhancers: A teaspoon of good vanilla extract, a half teaspoon of ground cinnamon to amplify that classic flavor, and a quarter teaspoon of salt to balance all the sweetness.
• Butter & Syrup: A tablespoon of melted butter adds flavor and helps the bites crisp up beautifully. And of course, a quarter cup of maple syrup for serving.
• Powdered Sugar: For that final, pretty dusting that makes everything look professionally made.

Bringing Your French Toast Bites to Life

This process is wonderfully straightforward. The main goal is to create a delicious custard, give the dough pieces a good soak, and bake them until they are golden and irresistible. First things first, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Creating the Perfect Custard

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, crack your four large eggs and give them a good whisk until they’re uniform in color and a little frothy. Pour in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until everything is combined. Now, stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until the cinnamon is well-distributed and you have a smooth, fragrant custard base.

Soaking the Dough

Take your chopped cinnamon roll dough and gently place it into the egg mixture. Use a spatula to toss the pieces, making sure every single one is thoroughly coated. You want the dough to start absorbing that delicious custard. Melt your tablespoon of butter and drizzle it over the coated dough pieces, then give it one last gentle stir to distribute the butter evenly.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Carefully transfer the soaked dough mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread the pieces out into a single, even layer. This is key to getting those crispy edges all around. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the bites are puffed up, golden brown, and slightly crispy on the edges. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine.

The Finishing Touches

While the bites are in the oven, you can gently warm the maple syrup in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the bites are baked, pull them from the oven and let them cool for just a minute or two. Use a sifter or a fine-mesh strainer to dust them generously with powdered sugar. Serve them warm with a drizzle of that heated maple syrup.

Make Them Your Own: Fun Twists & A Chef’s Secret

This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but it’s also incredibly fun to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started, including one of my favorite little secrets for deepening the flavor.

The Chef’s Secret: Add a tiny pinch—no more than 1/8 of a teaspoon—of ground nutmeg or cardamom to your egg mixture. This tiny addition adds a subtle warmth and complexity that beautifully complements the cinnamon without overpowering it. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.

• Cream Cheese Glaze: For a true cinnamon roll experience, skip the maple syrup and drizzle the bites with a simple cream cheese glaze. Just whisk together 2 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a few drops of vanilla until smooth.
• Loaded French Toast Style: For a truly loaded french toast experience, scatter some chopped pecans or walnuts over the bites before baking. The nuts will toast in the oven and add a wonderful crunch.
• Breakfast Ideas Chocolate Fans: Gently fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the mixture right before pouring it onto the baking sheet. The chocolate will get melty and delicious in the oven.
• Add a Fruity Topping: Serve the bites with a side of fresh berries or a quick homemade berry compote to cut through the richness.

What About Leftovers? (If You Have Any!)

On the rare occasion that we have leftovers, they are surprisingly easy to store and reheat. Once the bites have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and they’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I highly recommend skipping the microwave, which can make them soggy. Instead, spread the bites on a baking sheet and pop them into a 350°F (175°C) oven or an air fryer for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back their crispy exterior and warms the gooey center perfectly. They’ll taste almost as good as they did on day one.