Name: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze)

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Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are everything I love about breakfast—sweet, soft, golden, and absolutely irresistible. This recipe takes classic French toast and gives it a gooey cinnamon roll twist. Each bite is loaded with warm cinnamon-sugar flavor, crisp edges, and a soft, custard-soaked center. Whether it’s brunch with friends or a cozy weekend breakfast, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fun and easy these bites are to make. They cook quickly, come together with simple ingredients, and taste just like a fresh cinnamon roll without all the waiting and rolling. The best part? They’re easy to portion and perfect for sharing. I drizzle mine with icing or maple syrup for a sweet finish that makes them totally addictive.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bread (preferably day-old brioche or challah)
Eggs
Milk
Heavy cream
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Brown sugar
Butter
Powdered sugar (for glaze)
Milk or cream (for glaze)

Directions

I begin by cutting the bread into bite-sized cubes—about 1-inch pieces work best.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar until fully combined.
I add the bread cubes to the mixture and gently toss to coat. I let them soak for about 5 minutes so they absorb all the flavor.
While the bread is soaking, I heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt some butter.
I add the soaked bread cubes in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and slightly crispy. This usually takes about 6–8 minutes.
While they’re cooking, I whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a simple glaze.
Once the bites are cooked, I drizzle the glaze over the top or serve it on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, so I can have everything ready in just 20 minutes. It’s quick, fun, and perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous brunches.

Variations

When I want to add extra sweetness, I mix in mini chocolate chips or raisins with the bread before cooking. I’ve also made these with cinnamon swirl bread for even more flavor. For a fall version, I mix in a little pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice with the egg mixture. If I want to make it more indulgent, I top the finished bites with cream cheese icing instead of the glaze.

Storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in a skillet over low heat or use the microwave in short bursts. They’re also great reheated in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 8–10 minutes. I always wait to add the glaze until just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the bread and egg mixture the night before. In the morning, I just toss everything into the skillet and cook.

What type of bread works best?

I like to use brioche or challah because they’re soft, slightly sweet, and soak up the custard really well without falling apart.

Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?

Yes, I spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I keep them warm for serving?

I keep them in a warm oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while I finish cooking the rest of the batch.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Definitely. I’ve used almond milk and dairy-free butter with great results. The texture stays soft and the flavor is still delicious.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the perfect blend of cozy and indulgent. They bring the flavor of fresh cinnamon rolls to the table in a quick, easy, and bite-sized way. Whether I’m making them for a crowd or just for myself, these little bites always hit the spot—and they disappear fast. It’s a go-to breakfast that never fails to impress.