I bring together the rich warmth of cinnamon rolls and the fluffy custard of French toast in one irresistibly poppable bite-sized treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and simple this recipe is—ready in around 25 minutes, it gives all the flavor of homemade cinnamon rolls without the yeast or rising time. It’s fun to make, perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch, and always disappears fast—especially with a cream cheese glaze or maple syrup drizzle.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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8 slices thick‑cut bread (brioche or Texas toast works wonderfully)
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3 large eggs
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1/3 cup milk (whole milk makes them richer, but any kind works)
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2 Tbsp granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp salt
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3 Tbsp butter, divided
For the Cinnamon‑Sugar Coating:
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
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1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, but adds that bakery flavor)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 Tbsp milk
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
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Cut each bread slice into 9 cubes (about 1‑inch).
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Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl.
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In another shallow bowl, mix cinnamon‑sugar ingredients.
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Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
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Quickly dip each cube into the egg mixture; let excess drip off.
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Cook in skillet about 2 minutes per side (or until golden), then toss immediately in cinnamon‑sugar to coat.
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Repeat, adding butter between batches as needed.
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For glaze: beat cream cheese until smooth; add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until drizzly.
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Serve warm bites drizzled with cream cheese glaze or maple syrup.
Servings and timing
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Makes 4 servings
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Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 15 minutes; Total: 25 minutes
Variations
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Apple Cinnamon Roll Bites: Add finely diced apples to the pan—bright fruitiness and caramel notes.
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Orange Cinnamon Roll Bites: Stir orange zest into the egg mixture and glaze for a citrus twist.
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Nutty Cinnamon Roll Bites: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts after coating to add crunch.
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Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll Bites: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on hot bites for melty pockets of chocolate.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—or freeze up to a month. To reheat, microwave 20–30 seconds or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
What kind of bread works best?
I prefer brioche, Texas toast, or challah—sturdy enough to hold shape, with a rich custardy interior and crisp exterior.
Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?
Absolutely. I often drizzle maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar instead, for simplicity.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
I usually cube the bread and whisk the egg mix ahead, but cook and serve fresh for best texture. Keeping them in a warm oven (about 200°F or 90°C) helps if making batches.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes! I freeze any extras for up to a month and reheat straight from the freezer in the oven.
Can I make these gluten- or dairy-free?
Definitely. Use your favorite gluten‑free bread, plant‑based milk, and butter substitute—it works well.
Conclusion
I adore how these bites bring big breakfast flavor in small, fun size with minimal effort. Whether I’m feeding family on a cozy weekend or treating friends, they’re always a hit—and clean‑up is a breeze. I hope these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites become your go‑to treat too!
PrintCinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
A delicious fusion of cinnamon rolls and French toast in bite-sized form, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or Texas toast works wonderfully)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk (whole milk makes them richer, but any kind works)
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp butter, divided
- For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, but adds that bakery flavor)
- For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 Tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cut each bread slice into 9 cubes (about 1-inch).
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In another shallow bowl, mix cinnamon-sugar ingredients.
- Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Quickly dip each cube into the egg mixture; let excess drip off.
- Cook in skillet about 2 minutes per side (or until golden), then toss immediately in cinnamon-sugar to coat.
- Repeat, adding butter between batches as needed.
- For glaze: beat cream cheese until smooth; add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until drizzly.
- Serve warm bites drizzled with cream cheese glaze or maple syrup.
Notes
- Substitute maple syrup or powdered sugar for the cream cheese glaze if desired.
- Feel free to experiment with different bread types like challah for a different texture.
- These bites are freezer-friendly for up to a month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg