Cinnamon French Toast Bites
Introduction
There’s something truly magical about waking up to the smell of cinnamon, butter, and golden-brown sweetness wafting from the kitchen. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast, a cozy brunch with family, or a quick dessert fix, Cinnamon French Toast Bites bring warmth and joy to the table.
Made with King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls, these irresistible bites combine everything you love about French toast — fluffy interiors, crisp edges, and aromatic cinnamon — into perfectly poppable, bite-sized pieces. The rolls soak up the rich custard mixture just enough to stay tender inside, while a quick toss in cinnamon sugar adds the finishing touch that makes them utterly addictive.
The best part? Cinnamon French Toast Bites come together in minutes, require simple ingredients, and can be customized endlessly — from stuffed versions with Nutella or cream cheese to drizzles of caramel or maple syrup. It’s a family favorite that turns an ordinary morning into something special.
Why This Recipe Works
There are many ways to make French toast, but Cinnamon French Toast Bites stand out for their perfect balance of texture, flavor, and fun. Here’s why this recipe works every single time:
1. King’s Hawaiian Rolls: The Secret Ingredient
These rolls are slightly sweet, fluffy, and buttery — the perfect base for French toast. Their texture allows them to absorb just the right amount of custard without falling apart, ensuring every bite is soft on the inside and golden on the outside.
2. The French Toast Batter
A blend of eggs, milk (or cream), vanilla, and cinnamon gives the bites a rich, classic flavor. The batter clings beautifully to the rolls, coating them evenly and creating that custard-like finish when cooked.
3. Toasting Before Dipping
Toasting the rolls before dipping them prevents sogginess. This quick step is often skipped, but it’s the secret to achieving that crisp-yet-pillowy perfection that makes Cinnamon French Toast Bites irresistible.
4. The Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Rolling the freshly fried bites in cinnamon sugar while still warm ensures the coating sticks perfectly, giving each piece a caramelized, slightly crunchy shell that makes every bite delightful.
5. Versatility
This recipe can swing sweet or savory, classic or creative. Add fruit, drizzle caramel, or even stuff the rolls before frying — the options are endless, and each version feels like a new treat.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
Making Cinnamon French Toast Bites requires only a few pantry staples and one special bread. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
For the Bites:
King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls – 1 package (12 rolls)
1–2 tablespoons butter – for frying; use real butter for the best flavor
1 cup sugar – for the cinnamon sugar coating
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon – warm, aromatic, and key to that classic flavor
Maple syrup (optional) – for dipping or drizzling
For the French Toast Batter:
2 large eggs – the base of your custard
½ cup milk or heavy cream – for richness and tenderness
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a warm, bakery-style aroma
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – enhances the batter with gentle spice
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowls – one for the batter, one for the cinnamon sugar coating
Whisk – for blending the custard mixture
Sharp knife – to slice the rolls
Baking sheet – for toasting the rolls
Nonstick skillet or griddle – for frying
Tongs or spatula – to flip and remove the bites
Paper towels – for draining excess butter
How To Make Cinnamon French Toast Bites
Step 1: Slice and Toast the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Carefully slice each King’s Hawaiian Sweet Roll into thirds — you’ll get three pieces per roll. Place them on a baking sheet and toast for 3–5 minutes, just until they feel slightly firm. This helps the rolls hold up beautifully when dipped into the custard.
Step 2: Prepare the French Toast Batter
In a shallow bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, ½ cup milk or heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. The batter should be smooth and evenly mixed, with the cinnamon well distributed.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup sugar with 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly blended. This will give the Cinnamon French Toast Bites their signature sparkle and crunch.
Step 4: Dip and Fry
Melt 1–2 tablespoons butter in a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Dip each toasted roll piece briefly into the batter — don’t soak it! Quickly coat both sides and transfer immediately to the hot pan.
Fry until golden brown on one side (about 1–2 minutes), then flip and cook the other side. The bites should look beautifully caramelized with crisp edges.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, roll each bite in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. The heat helps the sugar adhere perfectly, creating that irresistible sweet crust.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Cinnamon French Toast Bites immediately while warm. Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or serve alongside fresh fruit for a colorful finish.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
Don’t oversoak: Quickly dip the rolls in the batter — a second too long can make them soggy.
Pre-toast the bread: This extra step ensures they hold their shape and crisp up beautifully.
Use real butter: Margarine won’t give the same flavor or golden crust.
Work in batches: Cook a few at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Keep warm in the oven: If making a big batch, place finished bites on a baking sheet in a 200°F (93°C) oven until serving.
Roll while warm: The cinnamon sugar sticks better when the bites are still hot.
Flavor boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for extra depth.
Try heavy cream: For a richer, custard-like texture, swap milk for cream.
Variations of Cinnamon French Toast Bites
1. Stuffed Bites – Before dipping, slice a pocket into each roll and fill with cream cheese, Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit jam. Once cooked and coated, you’ll have gooey, molten centers in every bite.
2. Fruity Upgrade – Add diced strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices before coating in cinnamon sugar for bursts of fresh flavor.
3. Savory Twist – Skip the sugar coating. Instead, top the finished bites with shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or a drizzle of hot honey for a brunch-friendly twist.
4. Holiday Flavor – Add pumpkin spice or apple pie spice to the batter for a festive fall version.
5. Caramel Drizzle – Replace maple syrup with warm caramel or dulce de leche for dessert-style Cinnamon French Toast Bites that rival any bakery treat.
How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Bites
These little bites are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving:
Breakfast or Brunch: Pair with scrambled eggs and bacon for a balanced meal.
Dessert: Stack them in a bowl, drizzle with caramel, and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Party Platter: Serve on toothpicks as sweet finger food for gatherings or holiday brunches.
Kid-Friendly Snack: Skip the syrup and serve plain — kids love their soft, sweet texture.
Elegant Brunch Board: Combine Cinnamon French Toast Bites with fruit, whipped cream, and syrup for a stunning centerpiece.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra special touch, try one of these creative serving ideas:
Cinnamon Roll Style: Arrange bites in a spiral on a plate, drizzle with icing or glaze, and dust with cinnamon sugar.
Dipping Station: Offer small bowls of maple syrup, melted chocolate, and fruit compote for dipping.
French Toast Sundae: Layer bites with whipped cream, berries, and caramel sauce for a decadent brunch dessert.
Mini Skewers: Thread a few bites onto skewers with strawberries or bananas for an easy-to-grab treat.
Holiday Brunch Platter: Serve alongside spiced cider or coffee for a cozy seasonal spread.
Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
To reheat, simply:
Oven: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes until warm.
Air Fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes for a crisp finish.
Microwave: 20–30 seconds for a quick fix (best for softer texture).
Avoid freezing, as the sugar coating can become gritty when thawed.
Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
In under half an hour, you can have a batch of perfectly golden, sugar-dusted Cinnamon French Toast Bites ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon French Toast Bites are proof that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. With minimal effort and everyday ingredients, you can transform simple sweet rolls into something truly special — warm, crispy on the outside, soft inside, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar comfort.
Perfect for busy mornings, festive brunches, or even dessert, these bite-sized delights will quickly become a household favorite. Serve them however you like — with maple syrup, caramel drizzle, or just as they are — and watch them disappear in minutes.
So the next time you crave a cozy, satisfying breakfast that feels like a treat, skip the fancy brunch line and make your own Cinnamon French Toast Bites at home. They’re fun, flavorful, and guaranteed to put smiles on every face around your table.
