Introduction
The moment you step into the kitchen, the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon fills the air, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket. It’s that irresistible aroma—the one that instantly reminds you of home, slow mornings, and pure indulgence. Now, imagine combining that with the rich, custardy goodness of French toast. That’s exactly what Cinnamon Roll French Toast delivers—a sweet, buttery, and slightly crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside breakfast masterpiece.
This dish takes everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls and transforms it into a quick, easy-to-make French toast that’s perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or even a special weekday treat. Whether you’re a brunch enthusiast or just looking for a way to elevate your morning routine, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast is guaranteed to impress.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the best Cinnamon Roll French Toast from scratch, including pro tips for the perfect texture, the best toppings to enhance its flavor, and creative variations to make it your own. Whether you prefer it drenched in maple syrup, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, or paired with fresh fruit, this recipe is pure breakfast bliss. Let’s turn your mornings into something extraordinary—one bite at a time!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Need for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast
To create the ultimate Cinnamon Roll French Toast, you don’t need fancy ingredients—just a few staples and a little creativity. Here’s everything you need to make this mouthwatering breakfast masterpiece.
Essential Ingredients
For the base of your Cinnamon Roll French Toast, these ingredients will give you the perfect balance of gooey cinnamon sweetness and crispy, golden edges.
- Cinnamon Rolls:
- 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls or 4-6 homemade cinnamon rolls (depending on size)
- Note: You can use pre-baked cinnamon rolls or your favorite homemade recipe for an even fresher, richer result. The pre-made dough is quick and easy for busy mornings.
- Eggs:
- 3 large eggs
- These create the custardy base that soaks into your cinnamon rolls and makes every bite silky smooth.
- Milk:
- 1 cup whole milk (or for a richer, creamier texture, try using half-and-half or whole coconut milk)
- Full-fat milk works best to create a rich and creamy texture for the custard. You can also use almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- Vanilla Extract:
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- This enhances the overall sweetness and gives your Cinnamon Roll French Toast that beautiful, fragrant aroma.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg:
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- These two spices add depth and warmth to the custard, complementing the cinnamon in the rolls themselves.
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
If you want to make your Cinnamon Roll French Toast even more decadent, try adding a few of these ingredients for that extra touch of indulgence:
- Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (to thin it out)
- A drizzle of cream cheese glaze will make your Cinnamon Roll French Toast feel like a luxurious breakfast treat.
- Maple Syrup:
- As much as you like! A generous drizzle of pure maple syrup brings the perfect balance of sweetness.
- Whipped Cream:
- Optional, but highly recommended for added fluffiness and sweetness.
- Brioche or Challah Bread:
- 4 slices of brioche or challah (if you prefer a bread-based version)
- These soft, rich breads can be substituted for cinnamon rolls if you’re aiming for a slightly lighter, yet still indulgent, twist.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools will ensure your Cinnamon Roll French Toast turns out perfect every time. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Non-stick skillet or griddle:
- A non-stick surface is essential for cooking the French toast to a golden, crispy perfection without it sticking or burning.
- Mixing bowls & whisk:
- Use a medium mixing bowl to whisk together the eggs, milk, and spices until fully combined, creating a smooth, rich custard mixture.
- Baking dish (optional):
- If you decide to make a casserole-style Cinnamon Roll French Toast, a baking dish (9×13 size) works perfectly for an oven-baked version.
Step-by-Step Recipe – How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Making Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a simple and satisfying process that brings together all the rich flavors of cinnamon rolls with the perfect crispiness of French toast. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have an indulgent breakfast that’s sure to wow your taste buds.
Step 1 – Prepare Your Cinnamon Rolls
The first step to creating Cinnamon Roll French Toast is deciding how you want to start: you can either use pre-made dough or make your own homemade cinnamon rolls for that extra touch of indulgence.
- Pre-made dough: If you’re short on time, Pillsbury cinnamon rolls are an easy and delicious option. Simply open the can, remove the rolls, and set them aside.
- Homemade cinnamon rolls: If you’re feeling adventurous and want to take this dish to the next level, homemade cinnamon rolls are a fantastic choice. Whether you opt for a traditional recipe or a quicker version, homemade cinnamon rolls will infuse your Cinnamon Roll French Toast with a deep, rich cinnamon flavor that’s hard to beat.
Once your cinnamon rolls are ready, slice them into 1-inch thick pieces. This allows the custard mixture to soak in more effectively, creating that perfect balance of gooey center and crispy edges. Cutting them into smaller pieces ensures the French toast cooks more evenly and has the ideal texture in every bite.
Step 2 – Make the Custard Mixture
Now, it’s time to create the custard base that will transform your cinnamon rolls into Cinnamon Roll French Toast. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or you can use half-and-half or coconut milk for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Whisk until everything is fully combined, and you have a smooth, aromatic custard. The eggs provide structure, while the milk gives it that rich, velvety texture. The cinnamon and nutmeg will add a wonderful warmth to your Cinnamon Roll French Toast, making it taste like a cozy hug in every bite. The vanilla will elevate the sweetness and give a lovely fragrance to the custard.
Step 3 – Dip & Cook the Cinnamon Rolls
It’s time to bring the magic to life!
- Soak the slices of cinnamon rolls in the custard mixture briefly—don’t oversoak them, as you want to keep the rolls fluffy inside while getting that crispy, caramelized outer layer. Just dip the slices on both sides for about 5-10 seconds. Too much soaking can cause the rolls to become soggy.
- Next, heat your non-stick skillet or griddle to a medium-high temperature. You want it to be hot enough to give a nice golden brown color but not so hot that the outside burns before the inside cooks.
- Place the soaked cinnamon roll slices onto the skillet and cook them until they’re golden and crispy on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side. As they cook, the gooey cinnamon sugar inside will begin to caramelize, creating an irresistible texture and flavor.
Step 4 – Add Toppings & Serve
The best part about Cinnamon Roll French Toast is the endless topping possibilities that turn it into a personalized, indulgent treat.
- Drizzle with cream cheese glaze: For a rich and decadent finish, top your Cinnamon Roll French Toast with a creamy glaze made from softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a dash of vanilla. This adds a tangy-sweet element that takes the whole dish over the top.
- Maple syrup: A classic addition that adds a deep, sweet flavor. Use high-quality pure maple syrup for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Whipped cream: Light and airy, whipped cream is the perfect contrast to the rich, dense Cinnamon Roll French Toast.
- Fresh fruit or nuts: For added texture and freshness, add a handful of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also make the dish look beautifully vibrant.
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Making Cinnamon Roll French Toast is easy, but following a few expert tips will help you elevate the dish to new levels of deliciousness. Whether you’re aiming for a perfectly crispy exterior or experimenting with creative toppings, these pro tips will ensure your Cinnamon Roll French Toast comes out just right every time.
Use Stale Cinnamon Rolls for Better Texture
You may have noticed that fresh cinnamon rolls can sometimes become a bit too soft and soggy when soaked in the custard. To avoid this, use slightly stale cinnamon rolls! Slightly dry rolls will absorb the custard more evenly, creating that perfect balance of gooey center and crispy edges without turning into a mushy mess. If you’re using fresh rolls, you can also leave them out for an hour or two to allow them to dry out a little. This small tweak will give your Cinnamon Roll French Toast a sturdier, more satisfying texture that’s still full of flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
One common mistake when cooking Cinnamon Roll French Toast is trying to cook too many slices at once. Overcrowding the pan makes it harder to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior because the rolls will steam instead of crisping up. For best results, cook in batches—allowing space between each slice. This gives the rolls room to cook evenly on all sides, resulting in a crisp, caramelized surface while keeping the inside tender and soft. Whether you’re cooking on a non-stick skillet or a griddle, keep the temperature on medium-high and don’t rush the process.
Experiment with Toppings & Variations
While the classic cream cheese glaze and maple syrup are always a hit, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and variations.
- Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll French Toast: For a cozy, fall-inspired twist, try adding pumpkin spice to your custard mixture. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin flavor will elevate your Cinnamon Roll French Toast into a seasonal favorite.
- Caramel Drizzle: For an indulgent treat, swap out your maple syrup for warm, gooey caramel drizzle. The sweetness and richness of caramel add another layer of decadence to this already luxurious breakfast.
- Berries & Nuts: Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries can add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls, while toasted nuts like pecans or almonds bring a nice crunch and extra depth of flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it—a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast! This indulgent breakfast is the ultimate combination of gooey cinnamon rolls and crispy, golden French toast, making it the perfect way to start your morning. With its rich, warm flavors, this dish is simple to make yet feels like a special treat, whether for a weekend brunch or a holiday celebration.
The beauty of Cinnamon Roll French Toast lies in its versatility. Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings like cream cheese glaze, caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of fresh berries and nuts to make it your own.
I’d love to hear how your Cinnamon Roll French Toast turns out! Share your experience in the comments below—whether it’s your topping variations or any other tips you’ve discovered.
If you’re looking for a from-scratch cinnamon roll recipe, check out this cinnamon roll recipe from AllRecipes
For the perfect breakfast experience, pair your Cinnamon Roll French Toast with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing fruit smoothie. It’s a match made in breakfast heaven! Enjoy the cozy flavors and treat yourself to this delightful dish—you deserve it.
Want to take your breakfast game to the next level? Explore even more delicious breakfast recipes over at Refined Recipe’s Breakfast Collection and discover new favorites to try!