There are mornings when you want something extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen, and that's exactly how I stumbled upon the brilliant idea of turning store bought cinnamon rolls into the most decadent French toast we've ever tasted. Max walked into the kitchen, saw these swirled beauties on the griddle, and his eyes got wider than I've seen since Christmas morning last year. This cinnamon roll French toast combines the gooey, sweet perfection of cinnamon rolls with the custardy richness of French toast, creating a breakfast that feels like pure indulgence while being surprisingly simple to make.
What is Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Cinnamon roll French toast is an ingenious breakfast creation that transforms refrigerated cinnamon rolls into French toast by dipping them in a sweetened egg custard and cooking them until golden brown, then finishing with the included icing for an extra layer of sweetness. Unlike traditional French toast that starts with plain bread, this version uses pre made cinnamon rolls that bring their own swirls of cinnamon sugar, eliminating the need for additional spices while delivering maximum flavor impact. The result is a breakfast that tastes like you spent hours baking from scratch but actually comes together in about 15 minutes.
How To Make The Best Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Our easy cinnamon roll French toast recipe uses a light egg wash that doesn't overpower the cinnamon roll's existing flavors while creating that signature golden crust on the outside. The secret is cooking them gently so the centers stay soft and gooey while the exterior becomes beautifully caramelized, then drizzling with the warming icing to create layers of sweetness that make every bite absolutely irresistible.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 can (8 count) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking
For Serving:
- Reserved icing from cinnamon roll can
- Pure maple syrup, warmed
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Step by Step Method
Prepare Cinnamon Rolls for Dipping
- Remove cinnamon rolls from can and separate each roll carefully
- Let rolls sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly
- Set aside icing packet for later drizzling over finished french toast
- Gently press each roll to flatten slightly to about ¾ inch thickness
Create Simple Egg Custard
- Whisk eggs in shallow bowl until smooth and well beaten
- Add milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pinch of salt to eggs
- Mix until completely combined and custard is uniform in color
- Custard should be thin enough to coat rolls without being too thick
Coat and Cook to Perfection
- Heat large nonstick skillet over medium low heat with butter
- Dip each flattened cinnamon roll in egg custard for 15 seconds per side
- Let excess custard drip off before placing in hot skillet
- Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through
Finish with Icing Drizzle
- Transfer cooked french toast to serving plates while still hot
- Microwave reserved icing for 10 seconds to make it pourable
- Drizzle warm icing over each cinnamon roll french toast piece
- Serve immediately while icing is melty and rolls are warm
What Pairs Well With Cinnamon Roll French Toast?
This decadent cinnamon roll French toast pairs beautifully with crispy bacon, breakfast sausage links, or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness with savory elements. Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas adds a refreshing contrast to the rich cinnamon flavors. For special brunch gatherings, serve alongside mimosas, fresh squeezed orange juice, or strong coffee that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Variations
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Cut rolls into quarters and arrange in greased baking dish. Pour custard mixture over top and refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden and puffy. Perfect for feeding a crowd without morning stress.
Stuffed Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Spread cream cheese between two flattened cinnamon rolls before dipping in custard. Cook as directed for double the indulgence and extra creamy centers. Drizzle with icing and fresh berries for restaurant presentation.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Spray custard coated rolls with cooking spray and air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Results in extra crispy exterior with gooey centers using less butter.
Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Layer flattened rolls in baking dish, pour custard over top, and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered 10 minutes until golden. Wake up to ready to bake breakfast perfection.
Equipment
- Large nonstick skillet for even cooking
- Shallow bowl for custard mixture
- Whisk for mixing eggs and milk
- Wide spatula for careful flipping
- Rolling pin for gentle flattening (optional)
Storage Tips
Best Fresh
Serve immediately after cooking and icing for the best gooey texture and optimal sweetness. Fresh cinnamon roll French toast has the most appealing contrast between crispy exterior and soft interior.
Leftover Solutions
Store cooked french toast in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 5 minutes or toaster oven to restore some crispiness without drying out.
Make Ahead Strategy
Flatten rolls and prepare custard the night before, storing separately. Dip and cook fresh in the morning for best results. Alternatively, make casserole version overnight for true make ahead convenience.
Top Tips for Best Results
- Use Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls for thicker, more substantial french toast
- Don't oversoak the rolls or they'll fall apart during cooking
- Cook over medium low heat to ensure centers cook through without burning outside
- Warm the icing slightly before drizzling for easier distribution and better coverage
- Press rolls gently to flatten without squishing out all the cinnamon filling
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to custard for extra warm spice flavor
- Serve immediately; this doesn't hold well as icing sets when cooled
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent soggy French toast?
Don't oversoak the cinnamon rolls in the egg mixture; 15 seconds per side is enough. Cook over medium low heat so the custard has time to set properly, and make sure your pan is preheated before adding the rolls.
Can I make this a casserole?
Absolutely! Cut cinnamon rolls into quarters, arrange in greased baking dish, pour custard mixture over top, and refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and set.
How long does it last?
Cooked cinnamon roll French toast lasts up to 2 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to restore texture. The icing may need to be reapplied after reheating.
Are there any ingredient substitutions?
You can use any brand of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, dairy free milk instead of regular milk, and plant based butter for cooking. The custard also works with egg substitutes for those avoiding eggs.
Your New Brunch Champion
This cinnamon roll French toast recipe proves that the most impressive breakfasts often come from the simplest ideas executed with care and attention. The combination of convenient refrigerated cinnamon rolls transformed through the magic of French toast creates something that tastes completely homemade while saving you precious morning time that's better spent enjoying breakfast with the people you love.
Ready for more indulgent breakfast treats? Try our Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls for bakery style results with minimal effort, or explore our Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls for seasonal spice perfection. For kid friendly breakfast options, our French Toast Sticks deliver handheld fun that makes mornings easier and more delicious.
Share your beautiful creations! Tag us @HannahAndSproutKitchen with #CinnamonRollFrenchToast; we're dying to see your swirled, icing drizzled results and hear about your family's favorite variations!
Star Rate this cinnamon roll French toast recipe and join our community of home cooks who turn simple ingredients into extraordinary breakfasts!
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Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm the reserved icing slightly, drizzle over cooked rolls, and serve with syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream if desired.
- Beat Eggs – Whisk eggs in a shallow bowl until smooth and combined.
- Mix Custard – Add milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to the eggs and whisk until well combined.
- Heat Skillet – Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and melt butter.
- Dip Rolls – Dip each flattened cinnamon roll in the custard mixture for about 15 seconds per side, letting excess drip off.
- Cook Toast – Place rolls in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Icing – Warm the reserved icing slightly, drizzle over cooked rolls, and serve with syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream if desired.
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