When I want a breakfast that’s fun, sweet, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, I make these cinnamon roll French toast bites. They’re golden, buttery, and coated in cinnamon sugar—everything I love about cinnamon rolls, but quicker and easier. With crisp edges and soft centers, these bite-sized treats are perfect for mornings that need a little extra comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these French toast bites combine two breakfast favorites in one. I get the warm, sweet flavor of cinnamon rolls with the familiar richness of French toast, all in a snackable, finger-friendly format. They’re great for brunch spreads, holiday mornings, or even dessert. Plus, they cook quickly and make the kitchen smell amazing.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Bread (preferably brioche or challah), cut into bite-sized cubes
-
Eggs
-
Milk or half-and-half
-
Vanilla extract
-
Ground cinnamon
-
Granulated sugar
-
Butter (for cooking)
-
Optional: powdered sugar or cream cheese glaze for drizzling
Directions
-
I whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and a bit of cinnamon in a bowl.
-
I dip the bread cubes into the egg mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated but not soggy.
-
I melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the cubes in batches until they’re golden brown on all sides—about 6–8 minutes total.
-
While the bites are still warm, I toss them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated.
-
I serve them warm, either on their own or with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or maple syrup.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes 10 minutes to prep and another 10–15 minutes to cook, making it ready in under 30 minutes.
Variations
-
I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for extra depth.
-
For a richer version, I use heavy cream instead of milk.
-
A drizzle of homemade cream cheese glaze makes these taste just like cinnamon rolls.
-
To make them more decadent, I add mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts before cooking.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use a skillet or toaster oven to bring back the crispiness. Microwaving works too but softens them a bit. These bites are best served fresh but still taste great the next day.
FAQs
What kind of bread works best?
I like using brioche, challah, or thick-cut white bread for a soft texture and rich flavor. Day-old bread holds up better when soaked.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes, I prep the egg mixture and cube the bread ahead of time. I cook them fresh in the morning for best results.
How do I keep them warm for serving?
I keep cooked batches on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until I’m ready to serve.
Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes, I bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. They don’t get as crispy but still taste great.
Are these good for kids?
Absolutely. I often serve them with toothpicks and dipping sauces like maple syrup, yogurt, or cream cheese glaze—fun and mess-free!
Conclusion
These cinnamon roll French toast bites are the perfect combination of cozy and convenient. With warm cinnamon sugar flavor and a buttery crisp outside, they’re everything I want in a sweet breakfast—fast, fun, and completely delicious. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special brunch, this recipe always disappears fast.
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites: The Perfect Sweet Breakfast Treat
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Kid-Friendly
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are sweet, crispy, and full of warm cinnamon flavor—perfect for a fun breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Made with rich brioche or challah bread, these golden bites are tossed in cinnamon sugar and optionally drizzled with cream cheese glaze for a cinnamon roll-inspired treat that’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and totally irresistible.
Ingredients
- 4 cups brioche or challah bread, cubed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for egg mixture)
- 2–3 tbsp butter (for frying)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
- Optional: powdered sugar or cream cheese glaze for drizzling
Instructions
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp sugar.
-
Dip bread cubes into the mixture, making sure they’re well-coated but not soggy.
-
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Cook the coated cubes in batches, turning until golden on all sides—about 6–8 minutes total.
-
In a separate bowl, mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon. Toss warm bites in the mixture until coated.
-
Serve immediately, plain or with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, maple syrup, or powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better texture.
- Keep cooked bites warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while finishing the rest.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra flavor.
- Cream cheese glaze can be made with softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *