Preparation
Slice and Toast the Rolls
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Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls into thirds.
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Lightly toast the sliced rolls at 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Prepare the French Toast Batter
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In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or heavy cream), vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
Dip and Fry
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Dip each roll piece into the French toast batter, coating evenly but briefly.
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Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter.
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Fry the dipped rolls until golden brown on all sides.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
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In another shallow bowl, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon.
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Roll the warm French toast bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Variations
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Stuffed Bites: Before dipping, fill the rolls with cream cheese, Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit jam.
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Savory Twist: Skip the cinnamon sugar and top with shredded cheese, herbs, or a drizzle of hot honey.
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Fruity Upgrade: Add diced strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices inside before coating.
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Caramel Drizzle: Serve with warm caramel sauce or dulce de leche instead of maple syrup.
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Holiday Flavor: Add pumpkin spice or apple pie spice to the batter for a festive touch.
Tips
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Don’t oversoak: Dip quickly to avoid soggy bites.
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Pre-toast rolls: Helps them maintain structure during frying.
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Keep warm: Place cooked bites on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until ready to serve.
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Butter matters: Real butter gives the best flavor and crispness.
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Coat while warm: Cinnamon sugar sticks best when the bites are still hot.
Conclusion
Cinnamon French Toast Bites are a bite-sized delight with a crispy cinnamon coating and a soft, fluffy center. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.