Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites: A Sweet & Irresistible Treat!
Get ready for a breakfast or brunch sensation with these incredibly delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites! This ingenious recipe transforms a humble can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls into a decadent, bite-sized delight. Each piece is dipped in a sweet, spiced French toast batter, cooked to golden perfection, and then drizzled with its own luscious icing. It’s the ultimate combination of gooey cinnamon rolls and classic French toast, perfect for a special morning or a delightful dessert!
These bites are wonderfully soft on the inside with a slightly crispy, caramelized exterior. The sweet cinnamon flavor from the rolls melds beautifully with the French toast notes, making them utterly addictive and a guaranteed hit with everyone, young and old!
Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (e.g., Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls, usually 5-8 large rolls with included icing)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk (dairy or your preferred plant-based milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)
Optional Toppings:
- Reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls (from the can)
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries)
Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or kitchen shears
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula or tongs
- Serving plate
Instructions:
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Prepare Cinnamon Rolls & Icing: Open the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Remove the included icing container and set it aside for drizzling later. Place each cinnamon roll on a cutting board and cut it into 4 bite-sized pieces.
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Make French Toast Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, ¼ cup milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and ½ tsp ground cinnamon until everything is fully combined and smooth.
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Dip Cinnamon Roll Pieces: Working in batches, dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture. Make sure all sides are evenly coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off slightly.
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Cook the Bites: In a large non-stick skillet or on a griddle, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, add the coated cinnamon roll bites in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, using a spatula or tongs to flip them, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides. Add the remaining butter as needed for subsequent batches.
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Serve & Garnish: Transfer the cooked Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites to a serving plate. Warm the reserved icing (you can microwave it for a few seconds if it’s too stiff) and drizzle it generously over the hot bites. Optionally, serve with a side of maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar. Garnish with fresh berries if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy these delightful treats!
Tips & Variations:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cooking in batches is key to ensuring even browning and crispiness. Overcrowding will steam the bites instead of frying them.
- Prevent Burning: Keep an eye on the heat; if the pan gets too hot, the sugar in the cinnamon rolls can burn quickly. Adjust heat as needed.
- Extra Spices: For more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the French toast batter.
- Storage: These are best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, but they will lose some crispiness. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or skillet to re-crisp.
- Savory Twist (No Icing): For a less sweet version, skip the icing and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.
Enjoy your sweet and irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites!