Mini Cinnamon Roll French Toast
If you’ve ever wanted the soft, sugary goodness of cinnamon rolls paired with the warm comfort of French toast, this recipe delivers the best of both worlds. These poppable bites are crisp on the outside, tender in the middle, and packed with cozy cinnamon flavor—perfect for brunch spreads, holiday mornings, or an extra-special weekday treat.
Created from a spur-of-the-moment brunch idea, this recipe transforms refrigerated cinnamon rolls into golden, skillet-fried bites in minutes. There’s no waiting for dough to rise and no complicated prep—just quick, satisfying results in under 20 minutes.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
🧂 Ingredients
- Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (icing included) — 1 tube (12 oz / ~340 g)
- Large eggs — 2
- Milk (any variety) — ⅓ cup (80 ml)
- Pure vanilla extract — 1 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon — ½ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (for cooking) — 1 tablespoon
- Optional toppings — Powdered sugar or maple syrup
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Slice the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the package and reserve the icing. Cut each cinnamon roll into 6–8 small pieces.
2️⃣ Prepare the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined.
3️⃣ Coat the Bites
Gently toss the cinnamon roll pieces in the custard mixture, making sure each one is lightly coated. Avoid over-soaking to keep them from becoming too soft.
4️⃣ Cook on the Stovetop
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Arrange the coated pieces in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
🔄 Optional Air Fryer Method
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crisp and golden.
5️⃣ Drizzle and Serve
Warm the reserved cream cheese icing briefly in the microwave. Drizzle over the bites and serve right away while warm. Add powdered sugar or maple syrup if desired.
