Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls get a quick soak in an egg batter and a sizzle in butter to become a decadent, sticky French toast. This Cinnamon Roll French Toast keeps the soft, spiced center of the roll and adds a golden, slightly crisp exterior. It smells warm and cinnamon-y while the inside stays tender and fluffy. It’s a fast, comforting breakfast that feels a little special.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 470 kcal (approximate)
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
Why Make This Cinnamon Roll French Toast
This recipe turns store-bought or leftover cinnamon rolls into a quick, upgraded brunch dish. You get the sweet swirl and soft texture of a cinnamon roll with the crisp, buttery edges of French toast. It’s fast, comforting, and perfect for busy weekends or easy entertaining. The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla while cooking makes the kitchen feel cozy.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast
You will cut the rolls, whisk a simple batter, soak the pieces briefly, then cook them in butter until golden. The method keeps the center soft and the outsides lightly crisp. Work in small batches so each piece gets even color and a caramelized edge.
Ingredients:
- 4 cinnamon rolls
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Butter for cooking
- Maple syrup for serving
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small pat of butter so it melts and coats the surface. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters on a cutting board so pieces are easy to soak and flip.
Step 2: Mixing
In a bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until smooth and slightly frothy. The batter should be well combined so each piece soaks evenly.
Step 3: Cooking
Dip each piece of cinnamon roll into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few moments so the center absorbs some batter without falling apart. Place the soaked pieces in the heated skillet and cook 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. Work in batches and add more butter as needed.
Step 4: Finishing
Serve the cinnamon roll French toast warm with maple syrup drizzled on top. Optionally add a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a few fresh berries for color and brightness.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast
- Serve warm on a platter so everyone can add syrup. The rolls hold syrup well and stay moist.
- Pair with fresh fruit (strawberries, sliced bananas, or blueberries) to cut the sweetness with a bright contrast.
- Add a side of crisp bacon or sausage for a salty balance.
- For a brunch spread, offer whipped cream, chopped nuts, and extra maple syrup so guests customize their plates.
How to Store Cinnamon Roll French Toast
- Short term: Place cooled pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Long term: Freeze cooled pieces in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or in a toaster oven until heated through. Reheating in a skillet over low heat helps restore crisp edges. Microwave reheating works but will soften the exterior.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast
- Don’t over-soak: Let pieces absorb batter briefly. Over-soaking will make them fall apart.
- Medium heat is key: Too hot will burn the outside before the center warms. Too low makes them dry.
- Use room-temperature eggs and milk: They mix better and give a smoother batter.
- Work in batches: Crowding the pan drops the temperature and prevents good browning.
- Choose buns wisely: Standard canned rolls or slightly stale homemade rolls work best. Super-fresh, very soft rolls may need a slightly shorter soak.
- Add a little oil with the butter if you want a higher-heat sear without burning the butter.
Delicious Variations
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Warm a spoonful of store-bought cream cheese icing and drizzle over each piece for a true cinnamon-roll finish.
- Berry Compote: Top with quick-cooked berries (blueberries or raspberries simmered with a little sugar) for a tangy contrast.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for texture.
- Banana & Caramel: Add sliced bananas and a light caramel drizzle for a dessert-like brunch.
- Savory Twist: Skip syrup, add a small pinch of salt to the batter, and serve with a smear of mascarpone and crispy prosciutto for a sweet-savory plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
Yes. Homemade rolls work very well. If they are very fresh and soft, reduce soak time slightly so they don’t become mushy. -
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute milk with almond, oat, or soy milk and use a dairy-free butter or oil for cooking. The texture will be similar and still tasty. -
How many pieces will this recipe make?
Cutting 4 cinnamon rolls into quarters gives 16 pieces. With 4 servings, plan on 4 pieces per person. Adjust if you want larger portions. -
Can I prepare this ahead for a brunch?
You can cut the rolls and mix the batter ahead. Store cut rolls covered in the fridge and whisk the batter fresh before cooking. Cook just before serving for best texture. -
Will leftover syrup make the toast soggy if stored together?
Yes. Keep syrup separate when storing. Add syrup only when reheating or serving to keep edges from getting soggy. -
Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
You can arrange soaked pieces on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–12 minutes, flipping once, until golden. Pan-frying gives a better caramelized edge.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a quick, comforting way to turn sweet rolls into a special breakfast. The combination of warm cinnamon, soft centers, and buttery, golden edges makes every bite inviting. For another clear version and step-by-step reference, see Cinnamon Roll French Toast – RecipeTeacher. Give it a try — it’s an easy treat that will fill your kitchen with a delicious aroma and put a smile on everyone’s face.
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Transform store-bought or leftover cinnamon rolls into decadent French toast with a warm, gooey center and a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
Ingredients
- 4 cinnamon rolls
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Butter for cooking
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small pat of butter.
- Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Dip each piece of cinnamon roll into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak briefly.
- Place the soaked pieces in the heated skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top, optionally adding powdered sugar or fresh berries.
Notes
Don’t over-soak the cinnamon roll pieces to prevent them from falling apart. Use medium heat for optimal cooking without burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 225mg
