Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a dreamy breakfast mashup that brings together the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the soft, custardy richness of French toast. I take cinnamon roll dough or homemade slices, dip them in a creamy egg mixture, and cook until golden. Then I finish with a drizzle of icing or cream cheese glaze for that irresistible cinnamon roll flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me the best of both worlds—rich, warm cinnamon sugar flavor wrapped up in the soft texture of classic French toast. It’s indulgent, easy to make, and always a hit for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Whether I use leftover cinnamon rolls or bake a fresh batch just for this, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Day-old cinnamon rolls (sliced or whole, depending on preference) or cinnamon swirl bread

• Eggs

• Whole milk or half-and-half

• Vanilla extract

• Ground cinnamon

• Butter (for frying)

• Powdered sugar (for topping or glaze)

• Optional: cream cheese, maple syrup, icing from cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit

Directions

1. I whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

2. I dip slices of cinnamon rolls or cinnamon bread into the mixture, letting them soak briefly on each side.

3. I melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the slices until golden brown on both sides.

4. If using whole rolls, I press them slightly to flatten before dipping and cooking.

5. I remove them from the skillet and keep warm while I prepare the glaze.

6. For the glaze, I whisk powdered sugar with a splash of milk or use softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk for a thicker topping.

7. I drizzle the warm French toast with glaze, add a dusting of powdered sugar, and serve with syrup or fruit if I like.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I use cinnamon swirl brioche or challah for extra richness. I add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch or stir a little maple syrup into the glaze for extra flavor. When I’m making it for a crowd, I turn it into a baked casserole by layering the soaked slices in a dish and baking until set.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat slices in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain crisp edges. For freezer storage, I layer slices between parchment and freeze in a zip-top bag, then reheat straight from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use canned cinnamon rolls?

Yes, I bake them first, let them cool slightly, then slice and use them just like bread for dipping and frying.

What bread works best?

Cinnamon swirl bread, brioche, or even leftover cinnamon rolls work perfectly for this recipe.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I use almond milk or oat milk and a dairy-free butter alternative. Skip the cream cheese in the glaze or use a vegan substitute.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, I soak and refrigerate the slices overnight or prep it as a casserole to bake fresh in the morning.

What toppings go well?

I love adding maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a simple powdered sugar glaze on top.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast is my go-to when I want something warm, sweet, and unforgettable. It’s rich, cozy, and perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions. Whether I’m using up leftover rolls or turning a basic breakfast into something spectacular, this recipe always delivers that cinnamon-sugar magic I crave.

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