Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and creamy flavors. They offer all the deliciousness of cinnamon rolls with the texture of crispy French toast, making them an ideal breakfast, snack, or party treat. These bite-sized morsels are coated in a cinnamon sugar blend and drizzled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese glaze, making every bite a comforting experience. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just craving a cozy treat, these cinnamon roll French toast bites are sure to please!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Here’s why you’ll love these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites:
Sweet and Spiced
The combination of cinnamon sugar and creamy glaze is pure comfort in every bite. The warm, spiced cinnamon flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet, tangy cream cheese glaze for an indulgent treat.
Bite-Sized Fun
These treats are perfectly portioned, making them easy to snack on and ideal for parties or gatherings. You can eat them with your hands, dip them in extra syrup, or just enjoy them on their own.
Quick and Easy
In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites ready to enjoy. This makes them perfect for busy mornings or as a last-minute snack or brunch option.
Customizable
Add your favorite toppings like fresh berries, nuts, or extra cinnamon sugar. You can easily tailor the recipe to your taste preferences.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Prepare the components ahead of time and assemble when you’re ready to serve. The bites can be stored and reheated, making them great for meal prep or last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe requires a handful of simple ingredients that create the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and comforting flavors. Here’s what you need:
For the French Toast Bites:
- 8 slices of white bread (or brioche for extra richness)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Fresh berries
- Extra cinnamon sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites is a simple process that yields fantastic results. Just follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by cutting the bread into small circles using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass. You should be able to get 2–3 circles per slice of bread, depending on the size of your cutter. Set aside any leftover bread scraps for snacking or future use.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be the coating for your French toast bites, adding the signature cinnamon roll flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth. This egg mixture will give the bread its custardy texture when cooked.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast Bites
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter to coat the surface of the pan.
Dip each bread circle into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated but not too soggy. Place the dipped bread circles in the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Once they’re cooked, immediately roll the bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm, ensuring an even coating. Repeat the process with the remaining bread circles, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired glaze consistency.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Arrange the cinnamon sugar-coated bites on a serving plate. Generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the bites for that rich, tangy finish.
Top with optional ingredients like chopped nuts, fresh berries, or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to add texture and flavor.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites offer the best of both worlds: the warm, soft texture of French toast with the sweet, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls. The cinnamon sugar coating gives the bites a satisfying crunch and sweetness, while the cream cheese glaze adds a smooth, creamy richness that ties everything together. The result is an indulgent treat that’s perfect for breakfast or any time you need a comforting snack.
Variations to Try
While the classic version of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites is fantastic on its own, here are some creative variations to try:
Add Fruit
Top the bites with fresh sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of natural sweetness and added texture.
Switch the Bread
For a different flavor profile, use challah, sourdough, or whole wheat bread instead of white bread. Each type of bread will add a unique twist to the flavor and texture.
Gluten-Free Option
Substitute gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary restrictions. You’ll still get the same great flavors with a gluten-free twist.
Vegan Version
For a vegan-friendly option, use plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, and a flax egg substitute in place of the regular eggs and dairy.
Mini Donut Style
Use a donut cutter instead of a round one to create mini donut-shaped bites. This adds a fun, playful element, especially for kids or parties.
Tips for Success
To ensure that your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
Use Stale Bread
Slightly stale bread holds up better in the egg mixture without falling apart. If your bread is fresh, leave it out for a few hours to dry out slightly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Cook the bites in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures that they cook evenly and brown properly on all sides.
Save Leftovers
Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freeze for Later
To freeze, arrange the unglazed bites in a single layer and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat them and glaze before serving.
Experiment with Shapes
For special occasions or holidays, use themed cookie cutters to create fun shapes. These can add a festive touch and make them more appealing to kids.
Serving Suggestions
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are some ideas for serving them:
Brunch Spread
Serve these bites alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit to create a full brunch spread. The sweet bites will complement savory items perfectly.
Holiday Treats
Include these cinnamon roll French toast bites on your holiday table during Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving for a festive and indulgent treat.
Dessert Option
Serve these warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated bites with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a dessert that’s perfect for any sweet tooth.
Kids’ Favorite
Cut the bites into fun shapes, drizzle with extra glaze, and let the kids dip them in syrup for a fun and interactive breakfast or snack.
Party Snack
Arrange the bites on a platter with various dipping sauces like maple syrup, caramel, or chocolate sauce. They’ll be a hit at parties or gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the ultimate comfort food. They combine the best of French toast and cinnamon rolls in one bite-sized package. The crispy, cinnamon-coated exterior and soft, custardy interior make for a satisfying and indulgent treat, while the cream cheese glaze takes the flavor to the next level.
Whether you’re serving them for brunch, a holiday, or as a sweet snack, these bites are sure to impress. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and absolutely delicious. So the next time you’re craving something indulgent and sweet, try making these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites – you won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
Q: Can I make these bites ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the bites in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Simply reheat and glaze when ready to serve.
Q: Can I use a different kind of bread?
A: Absolutely! You can use challah, sourdough, or whole wheat bread for a different flavor profile.
Q: How can I make these bites vegan?
A: Use plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, and a flax egg substitute for a vegan-friendly version of this recipe.
Q: How long do these bites last?
A: Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Q: Can I make these bites without the cream cheese glaze?
A: While the cream cheese glaze adds richness and flavor, you can skip it and serve the bites with syrup or other toppings if you prefer.