Chef Mitchell - Professional Chef
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Institute Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"Growing up, my family often had cinnamon rolls on special occasions, but I wanted to create something unique. That inspired me to combine my love for French toast with cinnamon rolls, resulting in these delightful bites. They're perfect for holiday gatherings or any day you want to add a little sweetness to your morning routine."

I am a professional chef with over a decade of culinary experience and a passion for creating delicious breakfast recipes. My goal is to make cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone, especially when it comes to sweet treats like these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Freshly baked Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, golden brown and drizzled with icing, garnished with fresh berries.

Why You'll Love These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

These bites are incredibly versatile and can be customized in many ways. You can add your favorite toppings or fresh fruits to make them even more delightful. The combination of cinnamon and vanilla creates a warm and inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, making breakfast feel special any day of the week.

For the best results, use high-quality ingredients, especially the cinnamon and vanilla extract. Sourcing fresh berries and other toppings can elevate the dish, making it visually appealing and delicious. This is a great recipe for those who love cinnamon rolls and want to try something different.

💡 Professional Tip

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture. This subtle spice complements the cinnamon beautifully and enhances the overall taste of the bites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the cinnamon roll bites the night before. Simply coat them in the egg mixture and store them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, bake them straight from the refrigerator to enjoy a quick and delicious breakfast.

Absolutely! You can use other types of refrigerated dough, like biscuit dough or pastry. Just keep in mind that baking times might vary slightly based on the dough type you choose.

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative and perfectly suitable for these bites. Baking gives them a lovely texture and fluffy interior, making them a fantastic choice for breakfast without the extra oil.

A standard half-sheet baking pan (13x18 inches) works best for these cinnamon roll bites. It provides enough space to arrange the bites in a single layer, allowing them to bake evenly and become golden brown.

The bites are done when they are golden brown on the outside and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Additionally, they should feel firm to the touch but still soft and fluffy inside.

These bites are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream for added indulgence. A side of crispy bacon or sausage also pairs wonderfully for a complete breakfast.

Definitely! You can add chocolate chips to the egg mixture, nuts for a crunch, or even some fruit like bananas or apples for a fresh twist. Be creative and customize them to your liking!

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave for about 30 seconds until warmed through.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Bites Not Cooking Through

Problem: The bites may not be fully cooked in the middle.

Solution: Ensure you bake them long enough, and check with a toothpick inserted into the center. If they are browning too quickly, cover them with foil and continue baking until cooked through.

✅

Bites Too Sweet

Problem: Some bites may come out overly sweet.

Solution: To balance sweetness, serve with a side of fresh fruit or plain yogurt, which can help offset the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.

✅

Texture Issues

Problem: The bites may be too dry or too soggy.

Prevention: Ensure you coat the dough pieces evenly in the egg mixture but avoid soaking them too long. Baking time is also crucial; adjust accordingly based on your oven's performance.

✅

Icing Not Drizzling Well

Problem: The icing may be too thick to drizzle.

Recovery: Add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a thinner consistency that will drizzle nicely over the bites without clumping.

✅

Bites Sticking to the Baking Sheet

Problem: The bites may stick to the baking sheet.

Prevention: Ensure that you grease the baking sheet adequately with butter or use parchment paper to prevent sticking, allowing for easier removal after baking.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add a pinch of salt to the mixture to cut the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

Too Salty: Balance with a drizzle of honey or a bit of maple syrup to counteract the saltiness.

Bland: Incorporate a bit more cinnamon or vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, including cinnamon rolls, eggs, milk, and spices.

Ingredient Insights

Using high-quality ingredients can significantly enhance the flavor of your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites. For instance, fresh eggs and pure vanilla extract can make a noticeable difference in taste. Always choose quality over quantity to achieve the best results.

When selecting your cinnamon roll dough, opt for a brand that offers a rich buttery flavor. This will contribute to the overall taste of the bites. Also, consider organic or fresh berries if you plan to use them as toppings or garnishes, as they offer a burst of freshness.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Cinnamon Roll Dough: Choose a high-quality refrigerated cinnamon roll dough for the best flavor. Brands that use real butter tend to have better taste and texture.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Use fresh ground cinnamon for a more robust flavor. Old spices can lose their potency and affect the overall taste of your dish.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract instead of imitation for a deeper and more authentic flavor in your bites.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites baking in the oven, golden brown and rising beautifully.

Perfecting Your Technique

The technique for making these bites involves an even coating in the egg mixture and proper baking. This ensures that each piece bakes evenly and achieves that delightful golden crust. Take your time to dip each piece well, but avoid letting them soak too long.

To achieve the best texture, monitor the baking closely. Ovens can vary, so check your bites a few minutes before the recommended time. If they are browning too fast, you can cover them with foil to avoid burning while ensuring they cook through.

Baking to Perfection

Baking rather than frying allows for a healthier version of cinnamon rolls while still achieving a deliciously fluffy inside. Make sure to space them properly on the baking sheet to allow air circulation for even cooking.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

Prep 20 min
Cook 15 min
Serves 4 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
    For a sweet icing drizzle
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
    Adjust to achieve desired icing consistency
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For extra flavor in the icing
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    Mix into icing for enhanced flavor
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
    For a rich icing flavor

For the Egg Mixture and Toppings

  • 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
    With icing included
  • 4 large eggs
    Room temperature for better mixing
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
    Can substitute with 2% milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    Pure for best flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    For extra flavor depth
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    To balance sweetness
  • Fresh berries (optional)
    For garnish and freshness
  • Maple syrup (optional)
    For serving, adds sweetness
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
    For a crunchy topping
  • Whipped cream (optional)
    For serving, adds creaminess

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cinnamon Roll Dough

    Open the can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and separate each roll. Cut each roll into quarters and set aside.

  2. Mix Egg Mixture

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

  3. Coat Dough Pieces

    Dip each quartered cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated.

  4. Prepare Baking Sheet

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet with melted butter.

  5. Arrange Dough Bites

    Place the coated cinnamon roll pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.

  6. Bake the Bites

    Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

  7. Prepare Icing Drizzle

    While the bites are baking, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar with a tablespoon of milk until smooth.

  8. Drizzle and Serve

    Remove the bites from the oven and drizzle with the icing. Serve warm with optional toppings like fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Variations

Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients.