Cinnamon Bites are an easy, pull-apart treat made from refrigerated biscuits coated in cinnamon sugar, baked in a single pan, and finished with a simple vanilla glaze. Ready in about 30 minutes, they deliver the warm, gooey flavor of cinnamon rolls without the hands-on time, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, after-school snacks, or a quick dessert.
Because this recipe uses canned biscuit dough as a shortcut, it’s perfect for busy mornings or last-minute entertaining. Cut the biscuits into quarters so they bake evenly, bake until golden brown, and pour the glaze over them while still warm so it melts into the tops for a soft, sweet finish.
Why you’ll love them + why they work
- Fast and simple. Uses a single can of refrigerated biscuits and common pantry ingredients.
- Pull-apart convenience. Pieces are baked close together so they are easy to pull apart and share.
- Cinnamon roll flavor without the fuss. Cinnamon sugar and warm glaze mimic the taste and texture of a classic cinnamon roll.
- Versatile. Serve warm for breakfast or as a dessert, or prepare ahead and bake when needed.
Cinnamon Bites Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits, 8-count: The shortcut base that keeps these bites soft and tender.
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted: Used to coat the biscuit pieces before baking so the cinnamon sugar adheres and browns.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon coating.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The essential warm spice for that cinnamon-roll flavor.
- Glaze: 1 cup sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk, whisked until smooth.
How to Make Cinnamon Bites
Prep. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment for easy removal. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
Dough. Separate each biscuit and cut into four even pieces. Toss the quarters in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are well coated.
Bake. Arrange the coated pieces close together in the prepared pan. Pour the 3 tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the top. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the bites are cooked through and lightly golden.
Glaze. While the bites are warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bites so it melts into the tops.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Cut each biscuit into four even pieces so they bake uniformly.
- Place pieces close together for a pull-apart texture and to help them rise into one another.
- Pour the glaze over the bites while warm so it soaks into the tops instead of sitting on the surface.
- For a richer topping, swap the vanilla glaze for cream cheese icing.
- Add-ins: fold in chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- If you prefer from-scratch dough, use 16 ounces of homemade biscuit dough rolled into an 8×4-inch rectangle and cut into 32 pieces.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Cinnamon Bites Recipe
Servings: 9 Prep: 10 mins Cook: 20 mins Total: 30 mins
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits, 8-count package
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted (for coating)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch pan or line it with parchment.
- Mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl.
- Cut each biscuit into four pieces and toss the pieces in the cinnamon-sugar until coated.
- Arrange the coated pieces in the pan close together. Pour the melted butter evenly over them.
- Bake 20–22 minutes, until cooked through and golden.
- Whisk the glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the warm bites. Serve warm.
Notes
Prep ahead: Assemble the coated biscuit pieces the night before and refrigerate covered. Bake in the morning for fresh, warm bites.
Freeze: Bake and cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for 4–6 weeks. Thaw overnight, remove plastic, re-cover with foil, and reheat in a 350°F oven about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving: Calories: 280 kcal; Carbohydrates: 39 g; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 12 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Sodium: 414 mg; Sugar: 22 g. Use as a rough estimate only.
Recipe FAQ
Yes. Assemble the cinnamon-coated biscuit pieces, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning for fresh bites.
Bake and cool the bites fully, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for 4–6 weeks. Thaw overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven until warm.
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
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This recipe was originally published April 2014 and adapted from an earlier version.