Okay, gather ’round, friend! Let me tell you about a little slice of heaven we call Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. I swear, just thinking about them makes my kitchen smell amazing!
It all started one chaotic Sunday morning. You know how it is – the kids were clamoring for something special, the fridge was looking a little bare, and I was seriously craving a cinnamon roll but didn’t have the time to make them from scratch. I had a can of cinnamon rolls in the fridge though, and was planning on making french toast. Then a lightbulb went off – why not combine them?! I figured I could cut the rolls into smaller pieces and soak them like regular french toast. What came out of the oven was nothing short of spectacular! The edges were perfectly crisp, and the insides were soft and gooey, bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness.
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are now a permanent fixture in our breakfast rotation. They’re like little edible hugs, perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a “just because” treat. My daughter, Lily, who is my pickiest eater, devours them. My son, Tom, loves to dip them in extra syrup (of course!). Even my husband, who usually prefers savory breakfasts, can’t resist a plate of these sweet treats.
I know mornings can be hectic, and sometimes the thought of making anything beyond a bowl of cereal feels overwhelming. That’s why I love this recipe so much – it’s surprisingly easy, uses ingredients you probably already have, and the results are totally worth the minimal effort. Trust me, you don’t have to be a master chef to pull these off.
Are you ready to transform ordinary cinnamon rolls into a breakfast masterpiece? Let’s whip up a batch of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites together. I promise, you and your family will love them! Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. Don’t worry, I’ll share my little secrets and substitution tips along the way!
- 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: I usually go for the classic Pillsbury kind. They’re readily available and always turn out great. But hey, feel free to experiment with different brands or even the jumbo rolls for bigger bites! For the best texture, make sure they’re fresh.
- 2 large eggs: These are the base of our French toast batter, providing richness and helping the bites hold their shape. If you’re out of eggs, you can substitute with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes). The texture may be slightly different, but it will still work.
- 1/4 cup milk: Any kind of milk will do here – dairy, almond, soy, oat… whatever you have on hand. I’ve even used leftover coffee creamer in a pinch (don’t tell anyone!). This adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a touch of warmth and enhances the cinnamon flavor. You can skip it if you don’t have any, but I highly recommend it. I like to use pure vanilla extract, but imitation works too.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Because you can never have too much cinnamon, right? This boosts the cinnamon flavor of the rolls. A dash of nutmeg is a great addition here too. Cinnamon is a powerful spice that comes from the inner bark of trees from the genus *Cinnamomum*. Its distinctive smell and flavor are due to the presence of cinnamaldehyde and other volatile oils. Beyond its culinary uses, cinnamon has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Studies have suggested that it may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.
- Cooking spray: For greasing the skillet or griddle. You can also use butter, but cooking spray is quicker and easier. I prefer the non-stick kind.
- Icing (from the cinnamon roll can): This is our crowning glory! We’ll drizzle it over the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites after they’re cooked. You can also use maple syrup, powdered sugar, or any other favorite toppings.
- Optional Toppings: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, whipped cream… the possibilities are endless! My kids love adding sprinkles, because, well, sprinkles!
Budget-Friendly Tip: Keep an eye out for sales on cinnamon rolls. They often go on sale around holidays. You can also make your own cinnamon rolls from scratch if you’re feeling ambitious!
Storage Hack: If you have leftover cinnamon rolls (unlikely, but possible!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for a few days and can be used for another batch of these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites.
These ingredients are my go-to, but feel free to adapt them to your liking. Cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you and your family. Now, let’s move on to the fun part – the cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, step by step. Don’t worry, I’ll be right here with you, sharing my tips and tricks along the way.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate each roll. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut each cinnamon roll into 6-8 pieces. You want them to be bite-sized, so adjust the size accordingly. My daughter loves helping with this step, but be sure to supervise younger children.
- Make the French Toast Batter: In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Make sure everything is well combined. This is where the magic happens, transforming our cinnamon rolls into French toast!
- Soak the Cinnamon Roll Bites: Gently add the cinnamon roll bites to the egg mixture, making sure each piece is well coated. Let them soak for a minute or two, allowing the egg mixture to absorb into the rolls. Be careful not to overcrowd the dish, you may need to do this in batches. If you soak them for too long, they can become soggy, so keep an eye on them.
- Cook the French Toast Bites: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the soaked cinnamon roll bites onto the hot surface, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.
- Drizzle with Icing: Once the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a serving plate. While they’re still warm, drizzle them with the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls. You can also use maple syrup, powdered sugar, or any other favorite toppings. My son loves to add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites immediately. They’re best enjoyed warm! Garnish with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate chips, if desired. Watch as your family devours them in minutes!
Cooking Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cooking times. Some stoves run hotter than others. The key is to keep an eye on the bites and adjust the heat accordingly.
Family Reaction: The first time I made these, my husband declared them “the best breakfast ever!” My kids were equally enthusiastic, and they disappeared in record time.
Meal Prep Insight: You can prepare the egg mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight. This will save you time in the morning. Just be sure to whisk it again before using.
Leftover Advice: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the microwave or oven. They’re also delicious cold!
And there you have it! Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites – a simple, delicious, and family-friendly breakfast that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Now go ahead and give it a try! You’ve got this!
Serving Ideas
Now that you’ve whipped up a batch of these amazing Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, let’s talk about how to serve them and make them extra special. I’ve got a few ideas that my family loves.
- Classic Breakfast: Serve them as a main course for breakfast or brunch, alongside a side of crispy bacon or sausage. The salty and sweet combination is irresistible. A glass of orange juice or a cup of coffee completes the meal.
- Dessert Treat: These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites also make a fantastic dessert. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They’re perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth after dinner.
- Party Appetizer: Cut the cinnamon rolls into even smaller pieces to make mini cinnamon roll french toast bites. Skewer them with fresh fruit for a fun and festive party appetizer. They’re always a hit at birthday parties and holiday gatherings.
- Brunch Board Addition: Add these to your brunch board for a sweet addition. They complement other items like fruit, cheeses, meats, and pastries. My family thinks it is the best part of the brunch board!
- Leftover Transformation: If you have leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, crumble them and use them as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. This adds a touch of sweetness and cinnamon flavor to your morning routine.
Occasions: I make these for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, and lazy weekend mornings. They’re also great for potlucks and bake sales.
Portion Sizes: I usually serve 3-4 Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites per person, but that really depends on how hungry everyone is! My kids could probably eat a whole plateful each.
Family Feedback: My family loves the versatility of these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. They can be served in so many different ways, and they always taste amazing. My daughter loves adding sprinkles and whipped cream, while my son prefers them plain with maple syrup.
Get creative with your toppings and serving ideas. There are so many ways to enjoy these delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites!
FAQs
I’ve gotten a lot of questions about this recipe over the years, so I thought I’d share some of the most frequently asked questions and my answers. Hopefully, this will help you troubleshoot any issues and make the best Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites ever!
Q: Can I use a different type of cinnamon roll?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different brands and flavors of cinnamon rolls. I’ve used the jumbo rolls for bigger bites, and they turned out great. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the rolls.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the egg mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight. This will save you time in the morning. You can also cook the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites ahead of time and reheat them in the microwave or oven. However, they’re best served fresh and warm.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: I haven’t tried freezing them myself, but I think they would freeze well. Just let them cool completely before freezing them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat them in the microwave or oven.
Q: Can I make these low-sodium?
A: Yes, you can reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium cinnamon rolls or making your own from scratch. You can also use unsalted butter or cooking spray.
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian! Just make sure to use vegetarian-friendly cinnamon rolls.
Q: What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
A: No problem! You can skip the vanilla extract if you don’t have any on hand. The Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites will still taste delicious.
Q: What if I don’t have a griddle?
A: You can use a large skillet instead. Just make sure it’s non-stick and that you grease it well with cooking spray or butter.
Q: My bites are soggy, what did I do wrong?
A: It’s possible they soaked for too long in the egg mixture. You only need to soak them for a minute or two per side. Also, make sure your griddle is hot enough before adding the bites. A hot surface will help them crisp up quickly and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Q: Can I bake these as a casserole?
A: You sure can! In fact, a cinnamon roll french toast casserole is a great way to feed a crowd. Simply arrange the soaked bites in a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
I hope these FAQs have been helpful! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask in the comments section. I’m always happy to help.
Conclusion
There you have it – my family’s favorite recipe for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents those happy moments we share together in the kitchen, creating memories that will last a lifetime. I remember the first time I made these; the kids were so excited, they practically danced around the kitchen while I cooked. And that, my friend, is what cooking is all about – bringing joy and togetherness to your home.
Before you go, here are a few final tips to ensure your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a smashing success:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the bites in batches to ensure they cook evenly and don’t steam.
- Use a Non-Stick Skillet: This will prevent the bites from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Berries, chocolate chips, whipped cream, nuts – the possibilities are endless!
Our family sometimes likes to add a sprinkle of orange zest to the egg mixture for a bright, citrusy twist. Other times, we’ll drizzle them with Nutella for an extra decadent treat. The best part about this recipe is that it’s so adaptable. Feel free to make it your own!
I truly hope you and your family enjoy these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites as much as we do. They’re the perfect way to start a weekend morning or celebrate a special occasion.
Now, I want to hear from you! What are your favorite breakfast recipes? What are some of your family’s favorite toppings for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. Happy cooking! Enjoy your batch of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites!
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
These cinnamon roll French toast bites are the perfect weekend brunch treat! Fluffy and delicious, they’re easy to make and even easier to devour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
- Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides.
- Melt butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Place the coated cinnamon roll pieces in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from skillet and place on a plate.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with maple syrup.
Notes
For an extra touch, try adding a dollop of cream cheese frosting on top of each bite!