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I don’t know about you, but sometimes the afternoon slump just sneaks up on me. One minute I’m firing off emails, the next I’m basically hypnotized by my snack drawer—like it might hold some hidden treat if I just look long enough. There’s something about that 3 p.m. haze that makes me crave a little warmth, a hint of sweetness, and basically all the comfort food I can get my hands on. That’s exactly where these cinnamon sugar biscuit bites come into play. Oh my word, they’re like edible little hugs. Soft, pillowy bites with a gentle crunch of cinnamon sugar, finished with the world’s simplest icing drizzle. Yes, it’s bliss in a bite!
And you know what? These go so fast in my house, it’s almost funny. Whether it’s pairing them with Monday morning coffee (best desk breakfast ever) or sneaking a few between brunch and those endless weekend errands, these babies disappear like magic. My husband loves them. My teens go back for seconds before I’ve even poured my coffee. I have to literally set some aside if I want leftovers. Cozy, a little messy, and so, so delicious.
Why You’ll Love It
- No yeast! You start with good old canned biscuits—zero proofing, zero fuss.
- Ready in under 30 minutes (yes, really!).
- Pillowy-soft on the inside, with that craveable, sweet cinnamon sugar crunch outside.
- Drizzly icing that’s just the right amount of sweet. Not overpowering.
- Totally customizable—with nuts, chocolate, fruit, you name it.
- Perfect for families, kids, brunches, or just a solo kitchen dance break.
Honestly, they’re the kind of pick-me-up we all need on those days when comfort food pretty much solves everything. Oh, and cleanup? Basically one bowl and one bag, so it’s totally doable even on a weeknight or your busiest morning (just hide a couple for yourself).
Ingredient Notes
- 1 small can refrigerated biscuits (about 8 biscuits): I use the classic Pillsbury Grands—store brand is fine. Flaky or homestyle both work well! If you feel ambitious, homemade biscuit dough is lovely, but honestly, canned is the hero for everyday life.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Salted butter is great in a pinch; just skip adding any extra salt. Butter provides that irresistible richness and crisp bottom.
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar + 1 tbsp packed brown sugar: The mix gives a lovely caramelized flavor. No brown sugar? Just add another tablespoon of white sugar and maybe a tiny splash of maple syrup or molasses if you have it.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Feel free to adjust up or down depending on your cinnamon obsession (I tend to go a little heavy-handed, not sorry!).
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: For the icing. If you like a thicker glaze, cut back the milk a bit—or go drippy and decadent for a messier, more fun vibe.
- 1–2 tsp milk (dairy or plant-based): Either works. Don’t be afraid to start with less and add more as needed for your ideal drizzle texture.
- ⅛ tsp vanilla extract: This bumps up the cozy, sweet flavor. Not totally necessary, but I never skip it.
If you’re wanting to lighten things up, coconut sugar works instead of brown sugar. Vegan butter and plant milk? Absolutely—they turn out just as tasty.
Step-By-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take a small oven-safe dish (I use a pie pan or little casserole) and put the butter in. Let it melt as the oven heats. (This gives you a gorgeously buttery base—don’t skip this part!)
- Crack open your biscuit can—that pop always startles me no matter how many times I do it! Cut each biscuit into four even pieces, so you’ll get about 32 little nuggets.
- Grab a big plastic zip bag. Add your granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Toss your biscuit pieces right in there, seal it, and give it a good shake until every piece is fully coated. (I like to think of it as a mini arm workout that leads to snacks.)
- Carefully remove the pan with the melted butter from the oven. Swirl to coat the bottom, then pour in your cinnamon-sugar biscuit bites. Arrange them in a roughly even, single layer—they can touch and cuddle up, that’s fine! Overlapping a bit is no big deal.
- Bake for about 15 minutes. I always peek at the 13-minute mark just in case my oven’s feeling spicy that day. You want golden, slightly crisp edges and a soft, billowy inside. They’ll puff up and smell incredible.
- While they bake, whip up your icing: In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, milk (just a bit at a time), and vanilla extract. Adjust until you have a drizzling consistency you like—thick, drippy, or somewhere in between.
- Let the bites cool for a couple minutes. Then drizzle the icing all over. Serve them warm if you can—everything’s extra gooey and the cinnamon fragrance just fills the kitchen. If you need to pack them up for later, they’re still delicious at room temp. (We never seem to have leftovers unless I hide a few!)
Variations
- Nutty Crunch: Add a couple tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar bag before shaking. Hello, texture!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt a handful of chocolate chips and zigzag over the top after the icing. (Sometimes I do both. No judgment.)
- Apple Cinnamon: Stir in about 2 tablespoons finely diced apples right before baking to channel autumn in every bite.
- Pumpkin Spice: Replace half the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for major fall vibes—cozy slippers optional.
- Salted Sweet: Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt on top of the glaze while it’s still wet. Sweet-and-salty lovers, you’ll lose your mind.
- Something unexpected: Try dusting with a little chai spice blend or cardamom for a totally new twist. (I did this once on a whim and my daughter raved about it. Victory!)
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container up to two days. They might soften a little, but the flavor’s still all there. (Full disclosure: I often eat them cold straight from the container.)
- Fridge: Store for up to five days, sealed tightly. To revive, just pop a handful in the microwave for 10 seconds or into a 300°F oven for a few minutes.
- Freezer: You can flash-freeze the coated, unbaked bites on a tray, then bag them for later. When ready, bake from frozen at 300°F for about 10 minutes, then glaze as usual. Perfect for those last-minute treat emergencies.
- Make-Ahead: You can coat and assemble the bites in your baking pan the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When your morning needs a little magic, just bake and ice. (I’ve pulled these off on sleepy Sunday mornings—highly recommend!)
FAQs
Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Oh yes! Just make your regular biscuit dough, cut into little pieces, and proceed with the recipe. You’ll get the same fluffy magic, plus major bragging rights.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
No panic—just up the white sugar and, if you want, add a tiny splash of molasses or maple syrup for a deeper flavor. Plain sugar totally works in a pinch.
Can I make these dairy-free?
You sure can. Use vegan butter and whatever plant-based milk you like for the drizzle. I’ve done it when a vegan friend came over—no complaints, just empty plates!
How do I keep them super soft and fluffy?
Don’t pack down the biscuit pieces too tight in the pan, and try not to squeeze or press them as you coat in sugar. The less you smoosh, the more they puff!
Conclusion
So there you have it—my secret weapon for those days when you need a little cozy comfort and you need it now. Whether you’re sharing them with your family, feeding a brunch crowd, or treating yourself at your desk (guilty!), these cinnamon sugar biscuit bites just make life happier. They’re quick, they’re easy, and every bite is loaded with that warm, nostalgic, cinnamon-sweet flavor I can’t get enough of. If you give them a whirl, leave a comment below or tell me your favorite twist—I love hearing your stories! Meanwhile, I’ll be in my kitchen, plotting how to hide the last few bites from the teenagers. Happy snacking, friend!
Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites
Ingredients
- 1 small roll canned biscuits
- 1/4 cup sugar mix of white and brown
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1-2 tbsp butter melted
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tsp milk
- 1/8 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place 1-2 tablespoons of butter in a baking pan and let it melt in the preheating oven. Remove once melted and set aside.
- Open the can of biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters.
- In a large plastic bag, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the biscuit pieces to the bag and shake until each piece is well coated.
- Evenly arrange the coated biscuit pieces in a single layer over the melted butter in the pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the biscuit pieces are golden brown and cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Let the biscuit bites cool for 2 minutes after baking. Drizzle the icing over the warm bread.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat!