Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites combine the gooey heart of a cinnamon roll with the custardy perfection of French toast. These little morsels are a fun breakfast treat, perfect for a lazy Sunday or a special brunch. This recipe offers a decadent shortcut for mornings when you crave something special without making cinnamon rolls from scratch.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Sifter
- Fine-mesh strainer
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Cinnamon Roll Dough: 2 cups chopped (from a can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough)
- Eggs: 4 large
- Milk: 1/2 cup (whole milk)
- Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Butter: 1 tablespoon, melted
- Maple Syrup: 1/4 cup (for serving)
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk four large eggs until uniform in color and slightly frothy.
- Pour in the half cup of milk and quarter cup of heavy cream, continuing to whisk until everything is combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until the cinnamon is well-distributed and you have a smooth, fragrant custard base.
- Gently place your chopped cinnamon roll dough 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.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the coated dough pieces, then give it one last gentle stir to distribute the butter evenly.
- Carefully transfer the soaked dough mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread the pieces out into a single, even layer.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the bites are puffed up, golden brown, and slightly crispy on the edges.
- While the bites are in the oven, 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.
Notes
Chef's Secret: Add a tiny pinch (1/8 teaspoon) of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for subtle warmth and complexity. For a true cinnamon roll experience, drizzle with a cream cheese glaze (2 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, splash of milk, few drops of vanilla). For a loaded style, scatter chopped pecans or walnuts over the bites before baking. For chocolate fans, fold in mini chocolate chips. Serve with fresh berries or a berry compote for a fruity topping. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes for best results; avoid microwave reheating.