The morning our kitchen filled with the aroma of cinnamon and butter was the day these little bites of heaven were born. It was one of those lazy Sundays when we couldn’t decide between making cinnamon rolls or French toast for breakfast. My husband was craving something sweet, I wanted something quick, and somehow, this magical mashup happened.
I remember standing in our tiny kitchen, coffee in hand, wondering if this experiment would work. Spoiler alert: it did, and it’s become our go-to weekend breakfast treat ever since.
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites combine everything you love about both classic breakfast favorites. The soft, pillowy texture of French toast with that warm, swirly cinnamon roll flavor – all in perfect bite-sized pieces that are dangerously poppable.
The first time I made these for friends, they disappeared faster than I could refill coffee cups. My friend Sarah actually called me the next day asking for the recipe because her kids wouldn’t stop talking about them. That’s when I knew this accidental creation needed to be shared.
What makes these bites special is how they transform ordinary bread into something that tastes like you spent hours making cinnamon rolls from scratch. The trick is in the cinnamon-sugar coating that caramelizes slightly when you cook them, creating that distinctive cinnamon roll flavor without all the work.
The Story Behind These Bites
I’ve always had a soft spot for cinnamon rolls. My grandma used to make them from scratch on special occasions, and the smell would wake us up before the sun. But let’s be honest – who has time to make proper cinnamon rolls on a regular weekend? Not me, especially after that disaster attempt when I forgot the yeast and ended up with cinnamon hockey pucks.
French toast, on the other hand, has always been our reliable breakfast hero. Quick, easy, and always satisfying. One morning, while cutting bread for French toast, I started thinking about how to make it more exciting. We’d been in a breakfast rut, eating the same things over and over.
I glanced at the cinnamon in our spice rack and had one of those lightbulb moments. What if I could combine the two? Not just cinnamon French toast – that’s been done – but something that actually captured the essence of a cinnamon roll?
After some experimenting (and a few batches that were either too soggy or too dry), these perfect little bites were born. The best part? They take just minutes to make, but taste like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all morning. That’s my kind of recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bites are perfect for so many reasons. First, they’re incredibly versatile. Serving a crowd for brunch? Make a big batch and watch them disappear. Just cooking for yourself? Make a small portion and save the rest of the bread for another day.
Kids absolutely go crazy for these – something about the bite-size pieces and sweet cinnamon flavor. Plus, they can eat them with their fingers, which is always a win in kid world.
The other thing I love about this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No special trips to the store or hunting down obscure ingredients. Just good, basic stuff transformed into something special.
Oh, and if you’re wondering about the mess factor – I’ve got you covered. This recipe is surprisingly neat to make. The first time I tried it, I expected my kitchen to look like a cinnamon bomb had exploded, but the method keeps things contained and cleanup is a breeze.
The Perfect Occasion
While these cinnamon roll bites are perfect for weekend breakfasts, they’ve become our go-to for so many occasions. When my sister and her family stay over, I make a double batch because her teenagers can literally eat their weight in these things.
They’re also perfect for holiday mornings when you want something special but don’t want to spend the whole morning in the kitchen. Last Christmas, I made these while we opened presents, and they were ready just as the last gift was unwrapped.
I’ve even packed them in lunchboxes as a special treat – they’re surprisingly good at room temperature, though nothing beats them warm from the pan.
And let me tell you about the time we had an impromptu neighborhood brunch after a power outage forced everyone outside. I made these on our gas stove, and they became the silver lining of that otherwise inconvenient morning.
Enough of my rambling – let’s get to the recipe so you can experience these little bites of joy for yourself!
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or Texas toast work wonderfully)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk (whole milk makes them richer, but any kind works)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds that bakery flavor)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cut each slice of bread into 9 equal squares (about 1-inch cubes). Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate shallow bowl, mix together the cinnamon sugar coating ingredients.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Working in batches, dip bread cubes into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Don’t soak them too long – a quick dip is all you need to prevent sogginess.
- Place the dipped bread cubes in the hot skillet, leaving a little space between each piece. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
- As soon as the cubes come out of the pan, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat. The heat from the French toast will help the cinnamon sugar stick better. (source: Ineskohl.info)
- Repeat with remaining bread cubes, adding more butter to the pan between batches as needed.
- For the cream cheese glaze, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, mixing until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk.
- Serve the cinnamon roll bites warm, drizzled with cream cheese glaze.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best for this recipe as it soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the cream cheese glaze and just dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup.
- These reheat surprisingly well! Just pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Getting these bites just right takes a little finesse, but I promise it’s not complicated. Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way:
First, the bread matters. A lot. While you can use regular sandwich bread in a pinch, something heartier like brioche, challah, or Texas toast will give you that perfect texture – crisp on the outside, soft and custardy inside. I’ve found that slightly stale bread works even better because it soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart.
Temperature control is key when cooking these bites. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too cool, and they get soggy. Medium heat is your friend here, and don’t be afraid to adjust as you go.
When it comes to the cinnamon sugar coating, timing is everything. You want to toss the bites in the mixture while they’re still hot from the pan. The residual heat helps the sugar mixture stick and creates that characteristic cinnamon roll texture.
The cream cheese glaze is optional but highly recommended. It really completes the cinnamon roll experience. If cream cheese isn’t your thing, a simple maple syrup drizzle works beautifully too.
One last tip – these bites are at their absolute best when served immediately, but if you need to make them ahead, you can keep them warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes without sacrificing too much quality.
Variations to Try
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations we’ve tried and loved:
- Apple Cinnamon Roll Bites: Add some finely diced apples to the pan after flipping the bread cubes. The apples get slightly caramelized and add a wonderful fruity dimension.
- Orange Cinnamon Roll Bites: Add some orange zest to both the egg mixture and the cream cheese glaze. It gives them a bright, citrusy note that’s reminiscent of those orange-flavored cinnamon rolls from the tube.
- Nutty Cinnamon Roll Bites: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the bites right after tossing them in the cinnamon sugar. The nuts get slightly toasted from the residual heat.
- Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll Bites: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the bites while they’re still hot. The chips melt slightly, creating pockets of chocolate goodness.
I hope these cinnamon roll French toast bites bring as much joy to your breakfast table as they have to ours. There’s something so satisfying about transforming simple ingredients into something that feels special and indulgent. And isn’t that what weekend breakfasts are all about?
Happy cooking, and may your mornings be filled with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and butter!
