Cinnamon Swirl French Toast

These cinnamon swirl French toast bites transform ordinary refrigerated cinnamon rolls into a breakfast experience that will make weekend mornings feel special. The combination of fluffy French toast texture with warm cinnamon sugar coating creates bite-sized morsels that disappear quickly from the plate.

I first created these when my niece and nephew came for a sleepover and needed something special yet simple for breakfast. The empty plate and sticky faces told me everything I needed to know about this recipe's success.

Ingredients

• Can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: provides the perfect shortcut base with built in flavor
• Large eggs: create that classic custardy French toast texture
• Milk: adds richness to the egg mixture
• Vanilla extract: enhances the sweet flavors without adding more sugar
• Ground cinnamon: reinforces the warm spice flavor already in the rolls
• Butter: creates the perfect golden exterior when frying
• White sugar: creates the irresistible sweet coating
• Cream cheese icing: from the cinnamon roll can serves as the perfect dipping sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep The Rolls:

Cut each cinnamon roll into four equal pieces to create bite sized morsels. This size is perfect for creating a crisp exterior while maintaining a soft center.

Make The Egg Mixture:

Whisk together eggs milk vanilla extract and cinnamon until completely combined. The mixture should be smooth with no streaks of egg white visible for the best coating.

Prepare Cinnamon Sugar:

Mix white sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish wide enough to toss the bites after cooking. Having this ready before cooking ensures you can coat the bites while still warm for maximum stickage.

Cook The Bites:

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat until bubbling but not brown. Dip each piece into the egg mixture ensuring complete coverage then place in the hot skillet leaving space between pieces. Cook until golden brown on all sides about 2 to 3 minutes per side turning gently with tongs.

Bake To Perfection:

Transfer the skillet browned bites to a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes. This step ensures the centers are fully cooked and slightly puffed.

Create The Sugar Coating:

While still warm toss the baked bites in cinnamon sugar mixture until thoroughly coated. The residual heat helps the sugar stick to the surface.

Prepare The Dipping Sauce:

Warm the cream cheese icing from the cinnamon roll package in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until it reaches a smooth dippable consistency.

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My family goes absolutely wild for these little bites. My husband who typically skips breakfast will mysteriously appear in the kitchen whenever the cinnamon sugar aroma fills our home. The cream cheese dipping sauce is essential in our household not for the bites but because someone always swipes a finger through it before serving.

Make Ahead Tips

These French toast bites can be prepared through the frying stage then refrigerated overnight. In the morning simply place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 12 minutes instead of the usual 10. The cinnamon sugar coating and icing should be added just before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.

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Perfect Pairings

Serve these sweet treats alongside savory breakfast items like scrambled eggs or bacon for a balanced meal. For an extra special brunch setup create a dipping station with not just the cream cheese icing but also maple syrup warmed nutella and fresh berry compote. Each person can customize their bites with different toppings.

Storage Solutions

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat place them in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch but may make them slightly soggy. After reheating you may want to roll them in a fresh batch of cinnamon sugar to restore their coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will add a personal touch and richer flavor to this dish.

→ What alternatives can I use if I don’t have cream cheese icing?

You can substitute with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or use maple syrup as an alternative dip.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

Replace the eggs with a flax egg mixture, use plant-based milk, and opt for vegan cinnamon rolls.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven before serving to maintain the crispness.

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet to bring back crisp edges.