Cinnamon Roll French Toast

This delightful fusion of cinnamon rolls and French toast combines the gooey sweetness of cinnamon filling with the comforting texture of French toast. Perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions, these rolls transform ordinary bread into a show-stopping breakfast treat that everyone will love.

I first created these cinnamon roll French toast rolls when hosting a last-minute brunch for unexpected weekend guests. The combination was such a hit that it has become our Sunday morning tradition, with my children eagerly rolling up their sleeves to help with the rolling and dipping.

Ingredients

• White bread slices with crusts removed: The foundation of our rolls provides the perfect canvas for the sweet filling. Choose a slightly thicker sliced bread for sturdier rolls.
• Unsalted butter: Creates richness and helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere to the bread. Quality butter makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Provides the classic sweetness for the filling. Use regular granulated for the best texture.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives these rolls their signature flavor. Fresh cinnamon has more aromatic oils for better flavor.
• Large eggs: Creates the custard coating that transforms bread into French toast. Room temperature eggs blend more easily.
• Milk: Works with the eggs to create the perfect French toast exterior. Whole milk offers the richest results.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the egg mixture. Pure vanilla extract rather than imitation makes a noticeable difference.
• Maple syrup or powdered sugar: For the perfect finishing touch. Real maple syrup is worth the splurge here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bread:

Take each slice of white bread and remove the crusts completely. Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each slice until it becomes thin and pliable but not torn. This creates the perfect canvas for rolling and helps the bread absorb the egg mixture better.

Make the Filling:

In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until it forms a spreadable paste. The consistency should be similar to wet sand that holds together when pressed. This mixture creates that irresistible gooey cinnamon roll center we all crave.

Fill and Roll the Bread:

Spread a thin but thorough layer of the cinnamon sugar mixture over each flattened bread slice, leaving a small border at one end to help seal the roll. Starting from the opposite end, roll each slice tightly like a jelly roll, pressing gently at the seam to seal it closed. A tight roll prevents the filling from leaking during cooking.

Prepare the Egg Mixture:

In a shallow dish wide enough to fit your rolls, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until completely combined. This mixture creates the classic French toast exterior that will become golden and slightly crisp when cooked.

Coat the Rolls:

Gently dip each cinnamon roll into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly coated. Allow any excess to drip off before transferring to the skillet. The egg mixture should coat the roll but not saturate it completely.

Cook the Rolls:

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and just beginning to bubble. Place the rolls seam side down first to seal them closed, then cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side, rotating to ensure even browning on all surfaces. Look for a golden caramelized exterior with slightly crisp edges.

Serve:

Transfer the hot rolls to serving plates and finish with a generous drizzle of maple syrup or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the perfect combination of crisp exterior and gooey cinnamon filling.

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The ground cinnamon is truly the heart and soul of this recipe. I discovered that freshly ground cinnamon sticks create an entirely different experience than pre-ground cinnamon that has been sitting in your pantry. My grandmother taught me this secret when I was just eight years old, standing on a step stool in her kitchen while she prepared these rolls for Sunday breakfast after church.

Make Ahead Options

These cinnamon roll French toast rolls are perfect for busy mornings when you need a special breakfast without the fuss. You can prepare everything the night before by rolling the bread with the cinnamon filling and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The egg mixture can also be whisked together and refrigerated separately. In the morning simply dip and cook for a fresh hot breakfast in minutes. This make ahead approach actually allows the cinnamon flavor to intensify overnight.

Creative Variations

While the classic cinnamon sugar filling is delicious there are countless ways to customize these breakfast rolls. Try adding finely chopped apples or pears to the cinnamon mixture for a fruity twist. Chocolate lovers can sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the filling before rolling. For a grown up version consider adding orange zest to the filling and a splash of Grand Marnier to the egg mixture. My personal favorite variation includes a thin layer of cream cheese spread on the bread before adding the cinnamon mixture creating a cheesecake like filling.

Serving Suggestions

Transform these cinnamon roll French toast rolls into a complete brunch spread with thoughtful accompaniments. Serve alongside fresh berries or sliced bananas for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of Greek yogurt provides a tangy contrast to the sweet rolls. For special occasions create a toppings bar with various syrups warm Nutella whipped cream and chopped nuts. These rolls also pair beautifully with savory breakfast items like crispy bacon or a simple egg frittata for a balanced meal that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare these cinnamon roll French toast rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can roll the bread with cinnamon filling and refrigerate overnight. Just dip in the egg mixture and cook fresh in the morning for best results.

→ What's the best bread to use for these rolls?

White sandwich bread works best because it's pliable when flattened. Brioche or challah can add richness, though they may be slightly harder to roll tightly.

→ How do I prevent the rolls from unraveling while cooking?

Place the rolls seam-side down first when cooking, which helps seal the edge. Also, ensure you've flattened the bread well and rolled it tightly before dipping in the egg mixture.

→ Can I add other flavors to the filling?

Absolutely! Try adding finely chopped nuts, orange zest, cardamom, or a spread of cream cheese before rolling for delicious variations.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in a skillet with a little butter until warmed through.

→ Are there any dairy-free alternatives for this breakfast?

Yes, substitute plant-based butter and milk in equal amounts. The results will be slightly different in texture but still delicious.