7 Irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipes You’ll Love

7 Must-Try Cinnamon Roll French Toast Creations to Sweeten Your Mornings

Let’s talk about Cinnamon Roll French Toast – that magical breakfast hybrid that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery and your taste buds throw a party. The first time I attempted this decadent morning treat, I was convinced I’d master it in one go. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. Three batches later, I finally cracked the code to creating this breakfast masterpiece that combines everything we love about cinnamon rolls and French toast into one glorious dish.

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Why Cinnamon Roll French Toast Deserves a Spot on Your Breakfast Table

There’s something undeniably special about Cinnamon Roll French Toast that sets it apart from ordinary breakfast fare. It’s that perfect balance of crispy exterior and custardy interior, with swirls of cinnamon-sugar goodness that caramelize as they cook. Plus, it gives you major brunch host brownie points without requiring professional pastry chef skills.

What makes this dish truly magical is its versatility – you can go full homemade with everything from scratch, or take clever shortcuts that still yield impressive results. And unlike standard French toast that can sometimes feel a bit plain, this cinnamon-infused version brings warmth and complexity that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the basic Cinnamon Roll French Toast (serves 4):

• 8 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread (day-old works best!)
• 3 large eggs
• 2/3 cup milk (whole milk creates the richest results)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (yes, we’re going all in here)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (the secret flavor enhancer)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking

For the cinnamon filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For serving:

• Maple syrup (the real stuff, please)
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Fresh berries (optional but gorgeous)

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast

1. Prepare the filling: Mix softened cream cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The texture should be spreadable but not runny – think frosting consistency.

   
   

2. Prep the bread: If using thicker bread, gently flatten each slice with a rolling pin until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. This makes rolling much easier without tearing.

   
   

3. Create the roll-ups: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon filling evenly over each slice of bread, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll each slice tightly and seal the edge with a light brush of beaten egg.

   
   

4. Prepare the custard: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, and salt until well combined.

   
   

5. Soak the rolls: Carefully dip each Cinnamon Roll French Toast roll-up in the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are coated but not soggy.

   
   

6. Cook to perfection: Heat butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the rolls seam-side down first and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

   
   

7. Serve immediately: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and add fresh berries if desired.

   
   

The key to successful Cinnamon Roll French Toast is patience – cook them low and slow to ensure the outside gets golden and crisp while the inside cooks through without burning.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

• Using fresh, soft bread: It tears and falls apart. Day-old or slightly stale bread holds up much better to rolling and soaking.

  
  

• Overfilling: I learned this the hard way! Too much filling will squish out and burn in the pan. A thin layer works best – about 1 tablespoon per slice.

  
  

• Cooking at high heat: You’ll end up with a burnt exterior and raw interior. Medium-low is your friend here.

  
  

• Skipping the seam-sealing step: If you don’t properly seal the edges, your beautiful rolls will unfurl in the pan, creating a delicious but decidedly un-photogenic breakfast mess.

  
  

• Soaking too long: Unlike regular French toast that benefits from a longer soak, these roll-ups need just a quick dip to prevent them from getting too soggy and falling apart.

  
  

Exciting Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of Cinnamon Roll French Toast is how adaptable it is to your preferences and pantry situation:

• Bread options: While brioche and challah are top-tier choices, Texas toast or even regular sandwich bread will work in a pinch (just handle with extra care).

  
  

• Filling variations: Try mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a milder, silkier filling. Or add finely chopped nuts, raisins, or orange zest to the cinnamon mixture for different flavor dimensions.

  
  

• Dairy alternatives: Plant-based milk and cream work surprisingly well here. Coconut cream in particular adds a subtle tropical note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

  
  

• Baked version: If roll-ups seem too fiddly, create a Cinnamon Roll French Toast casserole instead. Layer sliced bread and filling in a baking dish, pour over the egg mixture, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning.

  
  

• Make-ahead option: Assemble the rolls the night before but don’t dip in egg mixture. Refrigerate, then dip and cook in the morning for a quicker breakfast.

  
  

FAQs About Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Can I make Cinnamon Roll French Toast ahead of time?

Yes, but with a caveat – assemble the uncooked rolls, wrap individually, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Don’t soak in the egg mixture until you’re ready to cook. Already cooked Cinnamon Roll French Toast tends to lose its magical texture when reheated.

Why does my filling leak out during cooking?

You’re probably using too much! Aim for a thin layer (about 1 teaspoon per roll), and be sure to leave a small border around the edges. Also, cooking seam-side down first helps seal everything in place.

Is this a budget-friendly breakfast?

It’s not the cheapest breakfast option, with quality ingredients costing $8-11 for a batch serving 4. But compared to $12-15 for bakery cinnamon rolls, it’s actually reasonable for a special breakfast treat.

Can I freeze these?

Surprisingly, yes! Freeze the assembled but uncooked rolls individually, then cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I know when they’re done cooking?

The outside should be golden brown and slightly crisp, while the inside should feel set but still tender when gently pressed. If you’re unsure, cut into one to check – the bread should be cooked through with no raw egg mixture visible.

Final Thoughts on Cinnamon Roll French Toast Delight

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about mastering Cinnamon Roll French Toast – that moment when you cut into a perfectly cooked roll and see the swirls of cinnamon filling, knowing you’ve created something that tastes as good as it looks. While it might take a practice batch or two to get right, the results are absolutely worth it.

Whether you’re making this for a lazy Sunday brunch, a holiday morning, or just because you deserve something special, this recipe strikes that perfect balance between impressive and achievable. And if things don’t go perfectly the first time? Remember that even imperfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast is still delicious French toast!

For more breakfast inspiration, check out our collection of make-ahead breakfast recipes that make mornings a breeze. And if you’re looking to up your French toast game even further, the experts at King Arthur Baking offer fantastic tips for selecting the perfect bread for any French toast variation.

What’s your favorite breakfast indulgence? Is it worth the extra effort for something special, or are you team pour-cereal-in-bowl? Either way, I hope this Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe inspires you to play in the kitchen soon!