Irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe for a Perfect Brunch

Posted on October 23, 2025

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites - featured image

Imagine this: warm, gooey cinnamon rolls meet the golden, crispy edges of French toast. Every bite is a little pillow of heaven—sweet, spiced, and smothered in creamy icing. That’s exactly what these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites deliver, and trust me, they’re the ultimate way to turn your ordinary brunch into something unforgettable.

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for recipes that feel fancy but don’t take forever to make. These little bites are crazy easy, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, you can prep them ahead of time, so you can actually enjoy your brunch instead of running around like a stressed-out chef.

Whether you’re hosting friends for a holiday morning, treating yourself to a lazy Sunday, or just looking for a fun twist on classic French toast, this recipe is your new go-to. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No exaggeration—these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a total game-changer. Here’s why:

Easy to Make: The bites are ready in under 30 minutes, and you don’t need any fancy equipment or techniques. Perfect for busy mornings!
Kid-Approved: If your kids love cinnamon rolls (or French toast), they’ll go nuts for these bite-sized treats. Plus, they’re fun to eat!
Perfectly Portable: Hosting brunch or heading to a potluck? These bites are easy to serve and travel well. Just pack them up and go!
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings—fresh fruit, chopped nuts, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of maple syrup. The possibilities are endless!

Honestly, this recipe is a little slice of joy. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone smile—and it smells incredible while it’s baking.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients, but they come together in the most delicious way. Here’s what you’ll need:

Day-old bread (6-8 slices): Brioche or challah works best—something soft and slightly sweet. If you don’t have day-old bread, just toast fresh bread lightly to dry it out.
Eggs (3 large): These help the batter stick to the bread and give that classic French toast texture.
Whole milk (¾ cup): Feel free to use half-and-half for a creamier finish, or even almond milk if you prefer dairy-free.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A little goes a long way—use the real stuff for the best flavor.
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The star of the show! Adjust the amount to your taste, but I wouldn’t skimp on this one.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the batter.
Butter (for cooking): Because buttery edges are a must for French toast bites.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): Optional, but it makes these bites look extra fancy.
Cream cheese frosting: You can make your own, or use store-bought to save time. Either way, it’s the finishing touch that takes these bites over the top.

Quick note: Don’t have day-old bread? No problem! Toast fresh bread for a couple of minutes in your oven at 300°F (150°C), just until it feels dry but not browned.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a massive kitchen arsenal for this recipe. Here’s what I use:

Large mixing bowl: For whisking together the batter.
Whisk: A fork works too, but a whisk makes it smoother.
Skillet or griddle: A non-stick surface is super helpful here.
Spatula: Perfect for flipping the bites without breaking them.
Plate with paper towels: Use this to drain excess butter from the cooked bites.

That’s it! No gadgets required, just the basics you probably already own.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites:

Prep the bread: Cut the bread slices into bite-sized cubes. About 1-inch pieces work well—big enough to hold their shape but small enough to pop in your mouth.
Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until smooth.
Dunk the bread: Toss the bread cubes in the batter, making sure they’re fully coated. Let them soak for about 1-2 minutes, but don’t leave them too long or they’ll get soggy.
Heat the skillet: Melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when the bread hits the pan.
Cook the bites: Add the soaked bread cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
Plate and serve: Transfer the cooked bites to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess butter. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle cream cheese frosting on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro tip: For even cooking, make sure the skillet isn’t overcrowded. Cook the bites in batches if necessary.

My Best Tips & Techniques

Here’s everything I’ve learned from making this recipe (probably way too many times):

Use the right bread: Soft, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah is ideal. It soaks up the batter without falling apart.
Don’t over-soak: A quick dunk is all you need. Too much soaking will make the bread mushy and hard to cook evenly.
Adjust the cinnamon: If you’re a cinnamon fanatic like me, feel free to add an extra sprinkle to the batter or on top of the finished bites.
Make ahead: You can cut and soak the bread cubes the night before. Just store them in the fridge in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to cook in the morning.
Keep them warm: If you’re cooking for a crowd, keep the cooked bites warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish the rest.

These little tips make a big difference, trust me!

Ways to Mix It Up

Looking to switch things up? Here are some fun variations to try:

Apple Cinnamon: Add ½ cup diced apples to the batter and sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top before cooking. Perfect for fall mornings!
Chocolate Swirl: Mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the batter and drizzle melted chocolate over the finished bites.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts onto the bites while they’re cooking. The nuts will toast and add a delicious crunch.

Feel free to get creative! This recipe is super versatile, so go ahead and experiment.

Serving Ideas & Storage

Here’s how to enjoy and store your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites:

Serving Suggestions:

Serve warm with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting.
Pair with fresh fruit or whipped cream for a complete brunch spread.
Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style presentation.

Storage Tips:

Room temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Quick tip: These bites are delicious when reheated in a toaster oven—it makes the edges crispy again!

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

Want to know what’s in these delicious bites? Here’s a rough breakdown:

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	150
Protein	6g
Carbs	20g
Fat	5g

Health Highlights:

Protein-packed: Eggs provide a nice little boost to keep you full.
Lower sugar: Compared to traditional cinnamon rolls, these bites are a lighter option.
Kid-friendly: A great way to sneak in eggs without complaints!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—Irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites! Perfect for brunch, lazy Sundays, or whenever you need a little cinnamon-spiced joy in your life.

I hope you love these as much as I do. Every time I make them, they disappear faster than I can plate them. Seriously, they’re that good.

Give them a try, and let me know how it goes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @YourHandle—I’d love to see your creations.

Happy brunching, friends!

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular sandwich bread?

A: Yes, but it’s not ideal. Softer, richer breads like brioche or challah will give you the best flavor and texture.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can cut and soak the bread cubes the night before and store them in the fridge. Cook them fresh in the morning for the best texture.

Q: Can I make them dairy-free?

A: Yes! Use almond milk instead of regular milk, and opt for a dairy-free cream cheese frosting or skip it entirely.

Q: What toppings work best?

A: Cream cheese frosting is the classic choice, but maple syrup, Nutella, or even a dollop of whipped cream work beautifully.

Q: How do I keep them warm for guests?

A: Place the cooked bites on a baking sheet and keep them in a 200°F (95°C) oven until you’re ready to serve.

Pin This Recipe!