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King Cake Cinnamon Bites Recipe: The Ultimate Homemade Mardi Gras Treat


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bites 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A king cake cinnamon bites recipe is a modern, approachable shortcut twist on the traditional celebration cake served during the Carnival season in New Orleans. Instead of making a large, braided brioche ring from scratch, this fun recipe utilizes convenient refrigerated dough, high-quality butter, aromatic spices, and a smooth confectioners glaze.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Bites:

  • 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • Purple, green, and yellow/gold colored sugar or sprinkles

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Prepare the filling: Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  • Prepare the dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Brush each piece with melted butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  • Roll and cut: Roll each triangle into a crescent shape, then cut into small bite-sized pieces.
  • Bake: Arrange the bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Decorate: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon bites and immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold colored sugar.
  • Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes, then enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For an authentic king cake touch, you can hide a small plastic baby underneath the serving platter rather than baking it inside the bites. Traditionally, finding the baby is said to bring good luck!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 bites
  • Calories: ~180 kcal

Keywords: king cake cinnamon rolls, bite-sized king cake, mini king cake bites