Save to Pinterest These bite-sized treats combine the comfort of cinnamon rolls with the classic French toast preparation method. The process begins by baking quartered cinnamon roll pieces until lightly golden, then dipping them in a seasoned egg custard before pan-frying to perfection.
The result is an irresistible combination of soft, doughy interiors with crisp, golden exteriors, infused with vanilla and cinnamon throughout. Each bite delivers the familiar flavors of cinnamon rolls in a unique, dippable format that's perfect for sharing.
Top with the reserved icing warmed until drizzle-consistency, and serve alongside maple syrup and fresh berries for a complete breakfast experience. The entire dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or treating the family to something special on weekend mornings.
My sister texted me at 9am on a Sunday, asking what to do with leftover cinnamon rolls from a baby shower the night before. I was already half-caffeinated and feeling adventurous, so I told her to bring them over. We ended up dunking them in French toast batter and frying them in butter, standing around the stove eating them straight from the pan.
Last weekend I made these for my niece who claims she hates breakfast. She ate six bites before asking what they were, then demanded I teach her how to make them. Watching someone discover that breakfast can be exciting is exactly why I love playing with food like this.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough: The refrigerated tubes are perfect here because they bake up sturdy enough to handle the custard soak without falling apart
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brushing the pieces with butter before their first bake helps them develop a slightly crisp edge that holds up beautifully in the skillet
- Large eggs: Room temperature eggs whisk into a smoother, more cohesive batter that coats evenly
- Whole milk: The fat content matters here it creates that rich, creamy French toast texture we are after
- Pure vanilla extract: Dont skimp on quality here since the vanilla shines through against all that cinnamon
- Ground cinnamon: The cinnamon in the batter reinforces the spices in the dough for double the flavor
- Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors and keeps them from tasting flat
- Reserved icing: Warming it makes it pourable and helps it cling to every nook and cranny
Instructions
- Preheat and prep:
- Heat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Quarter the rolls:
- Cut each cinnamon roll into four equal pieces and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, then brush with melted butter
- Pre-bake the pieces:
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until they are lightly golden and just cooked through, then let them cool slightly
- Make the batter:
- Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until completely smooth
- Heat the skillet:
- Warm a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or nonstick spray
- Dip and coat:
- Dip each baked cinnamon roll piece in the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides generously
- Fry to perfection:
- Cook the coated bites in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown and set
- Finish and serve:
- Transfer to a serving plate, warm the reserved icing for 10 to 15 seconds, and drizzle over the bites
Save to Pinterest My dad called me after trying these, genuinely confused about how I got the inside so creamy while the outside was crisp. He is a former restaurant cook who has seen every breakfast trick in the book, so hearing that surprise in his voice made my whole week.
Making It Your Own
Homemade dough works beautifully here if you have the time and inclination. The texture will be slightly different, softer and more tender, but in the best possible way.
Serving Suggestions
I love setting up a little topping bar and letting everyone customize their plate. Fresh berries, whipped cream, and extra maple syrup turn this into an interactive breakfast experience.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers store surprisingly well in the fridge for a day or two. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore that crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes works beautifully for reheating single servings
- Avoid the microwave unless you prefer softer, chewier bites
- Fresh baked goods always taste better, so try to time these for serving immediately
Save to Pinterest There is something magical about transforming something familiar into something completely new and wonderful.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
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While best served immediately, you can prepare the cinnamon roll pieces up to step 3 and store them in an airtight container overnight. Complete the French toast coating and cooking steps just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.
- → What if I don't have refrigerated dough?
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Homemade cinnamon roll dough works beautifully. Prepare your favorite recipe, roll and cut as usual, then proceed with quartering and baking steps. You may need to adjust baking time slightly depending on your dough thickness.
- → Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
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Yes! After dipping in the custard mixture, arrange the coated pieces on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through. The texture will be slightly softer but equally delicious.
- → How do I prevent the pieces from getting soggy?
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Ensure the cinnamon roll pieces are cooled slightly before dipping in the custard. Don't oversoak—just a quick dip to coat all sides is sufficient. Cook immediately after coating and serve while warm for the best texture.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
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Leftover cooked bites can be frozen in a single layer, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as they may become soggy.
