Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites (Print Version)
Soft cinnamon roll bites dipped in vanilla custard, pan-fried or baked to golden perfection. Sweet, warm, and comforting.
# Ingredients:
→ Quick Version
01 -
2 cans (8-count each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls, including icing
02 -
3 large eggs
03 -
1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
04 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Homemade Cinnamon Roll Dough (optional)
07 -
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
08 -
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
09 -
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
10 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
11 -
3/4 cup warm milk
12 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
13 -
1 large egg
→ Cinnamon-Sugar Filling (for homemade dough)
14 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
15 -
1/2 cup brown sugar
16 -
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
→ Icing
17 -
1/2 cup powdered sugar
18 -
1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
19 -
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Steps:
01 -
If using canned cinnamon rolls, open cans and cut each roll into 4 to 6 bite-sized pieces. Reserve icing packet for finishing.
02 -
Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and allow to rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
03 -
Roll risen dough into a rectangle. Spread with softened butter and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll into a log, slice into rolls, then cut each into bite-sized pieces.
04 -
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
05 -
Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Dip each cinnamon roll bite quickly into the custard, coating lightly. Arrange in skillet, cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and keep bites warm.
06 -
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange dipped roll bites in dish and pour any remaining custard over top. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until golden and set. Allow to cool slightly.
07 -
Drizzle warm bites with reserved or homemade icing. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
If using homemade dough, allow for the additional rise time. Remove bites from heat promptly to prevent overcooking and maintain soft texture.