If you’re craving a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug from your childhood with a decadent twist, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes ordinary cinnamon rolls and transforms them into golden, custardy morsels bursting with cinnamon flavor and topped with luscious icing. Sweet, soft, and perfectly spiced, this dish turns an everyday morning into something truly special with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to indulgence for brunch or a weekend coffee catch-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create such an extraordinary breakfast experience. Each component plays a crucial role—from the ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls that provide the base, to the eggs and milk that create a creamy, rich coating, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (8-count): This is the star of the show, bringing sweetness and that iconic cinnamon swirl you love.
- Large eggs (4): They add richness and help soak the cinnamon roll pieces to make them tender.
- Whole milk (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess that gives the custard that perfect texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A little vanilla deepens the flavor and complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Enhances the cinnamon flavor for that warm spice kick.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): For skillet cooking, it creates a golden crust and adds buttery flavor.
- Maple syrup (1/4 cup, optional): Drizzle on top for extra sweetness and that classic pairing.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A light dusting adds a pretty finishing touch and a hint of sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Start by popping open your can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cutting each roll into quarters. This smaller size helps the pieces soak up the egg mixture evenly and cook through quickly while still keeping that tender inside.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until everything is fully combined. This mixture is your flavorful bath that will make each bite rich, fragrant, and irresistibly soft.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast Pieces
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt your butter. Dip each cinnamon roll quarter into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well coated but not soaked to the point of falling apart. Place the pieces in the skillet, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and are cooked through.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Once cooked, transfer your cinnamon roll French toast bites to a plate and generously drizzle with the included icing from the cinnamon roll can. For an extra indulgent moment, add a splash of maple syrup and sprinkle some powdered sugar on top to make your breakfast look as dreamy as it tastes.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your dish from breakfast to a brunch centerpiece. Besides the built-in icing, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds visual appeal and just a touch of extra sweetness. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves also brighten up the plate and balance the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe with crispy bacon or savory sausage for a great sweet-and-savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a tangy yogurt parfait also work wonderfully to lighten the meal and add freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cinnamon roll French toast bites on a serving platter, drizzle with syrup in a zigzag pattern, and sprinkle with chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added texture. You can even thread them onto skewers for a fun finger-food twist at brunch gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though they probably won’t last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the icing separate and drizzle it fresh when you’re ready to serve again to maintain that perfect texture.
Freezing
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe freezes well! After cooking, let the pieces cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to a month.
Reheating
Reheat frozen cinnamon roll French toast bites in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F until warmed through and crisp on the outside, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add fresh icing or maple syrup after reheating for the best flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls bring a wonderful, fresh flavor and you can customize the size or sweetness. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces before dipping in the egg mixture.
What if I don’t have whole milk? Can I use a substitute?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with 2% or skim milk, but the texture may be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond or oat milk works well, too.
How do I prevent the cinnamon roll pieces from falling apart?
Don’t soak the pieces too long in the egg mixture. A quick dip to coat thoroughly without leaving them soggy helps them hold their shape in the skillet.
Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stovetop?
Yes! You can bake this recipe in a casserole dish at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and set. This makes for an easy one-dish meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely. This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat or fish products, just eggs and dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe is a delightful way to switch up your breakfast routine with something both familiar and exciting. Its ease and speed make it perfect for weekday mornings or indulgent weekend brunches. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience all the warm, cinnamon-sweet goodness that melts in your mouth. Once you do, it might just become a household favorite like it is in mine!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe transforms classic refrigerated cinnamon rolls into a delightful and indulgent breakfast treat. Coated in a cinnamon-spiced egg mixture and pan-fried until golden brown, these bite-sized pieces are topped with creamy icing and optionally drizzled with maple syrup and powdered sugar, making for a quick and irresistible sweet brunch option.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (8-count)
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cooking and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional)
- Powdered sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters to create bite-sized pieces ready for dipping.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined, providing a flavorful coating for the cinnamon roll pieces.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle on medium heat and melt the unsalted butter, ensuring the cooking surface is evenly coated for toasting.
- Dip and Cook: Dip each cinnamon roll piece into the egg mixture, making sure it is thoroughly coated. Place the pieces in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked cinnamon roll French toast pieces to a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the included icing from the cinnamon roll can. Optionally, add a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar before serving to enhance sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of maple syrup or a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture before dipping.
- This recipe can also be baked in a casserole dish at 350°F for 20–25 minutes as an alternative cooking method.
- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
