Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are everything I love about a cozy weekend breakfast, rolled into one bite-sized treat. These sweet, golden nuggets are made by dunking chopped cinnamon rolls into a creamy egg mixture and cooking them until perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. With a final toss in cinnamon sugar and a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, they turn a simple breakfast into something unforgettable.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m all about recipes that are fun, quick, and deliver maximum flavor. Here’s why I keep making these:

They’re bite-sized and perfect for sharing at brunch or snacking straight from the plate.
Using pre-made cinnamon rolls saves me tons of time.
The cinnamon sugar coating gives them that extra sweet crunch.
I can prep everything in under 30 minutes.
The cream cheese glaze makes them feel like a bakery-style treat right at home.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the French toast bites:

1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing packet)
2 large eggs
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the cream cheese glaze (optional but worth it):

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

I open the can of cinnamon rolls, set aside the icing, and cut each roll into 4 small pieces.
In a bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
I dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture just until coated, then let the excess drip off.
In a large skillet, I melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. I add the bites in batches and cook them for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, adding more butter as needed between batches.
While they cook, I stir together the cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl.
As soon as the bites are done, I toss them in the cinnamon sugar to coat them evenly.
For the glaze, I beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. If it’s too thick, I add a splash more milk.
I drizzle the glaze over the warm bites and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

This recipe is easy to switch up based on what I have in the pantry:

Add-ins: I toss in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for texture.
Fruit-friendly: I serve these with sliced bananas or strawberries for balance.
Different glaze: I sometimes use maple syrup or a caramel drizzle instead of the cream cheese glaze.
Baked version: I lay the dipped pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes if I don’t want to pan-fry.

Storage and Reheating

If there are leftovers (rarely happens!), I store them like this:

Storage: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: I reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, or in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. I keep the glaze separate and drizzle it after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Yes, and I do when I have the time. I just prepare them as usual, slice into small pieces, and follow the recipe from there.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I can substitute dairy-free milk, use plant-based butter, and skip or swap the cream cheese glaze with a powdered sugar icing made with plant milk.

Do I need to use the icing from the cinnamon roll can?

Not at all. I sometimes use it in place of the glaze if I’m in a rush, or I save it to drizzle over pancakes or oatmeal another day.

How do I keep them from getting soggy?

I only dip each bite in the egg mixture briefly and make sure my skillet is hot enough to cook them quickly.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

Yes, I chop the rolls and mix the egg custard the night before. In the morning, I just dip, cook, and serve.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are one of those recipes I love to make when I want something sweet, fast, and totally satisfying. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday morning or a holiday brunch, they always bring a little extra fun and flavor to the table. Once I start popping them, I can’t stop!