Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls are a playful spin on two breakfast classics, turning soft cinnamon swirls into bite-sized delights that soak up a vanilla-spiced egg wash, sizzle in butter until caramelized, and get cloaked in sweet icing. Whether you’re craving a cozy morning treat or a fun brunch showstopper, these little rolls deliver big flavor and easy prep—perfect for sharing (or not!).
Key Ingredients
Before you dive in, let’s gather our simple pantry staples and see how each plays its part:
- 1 tube refrigerated cinnamon roll dough with icing: Soft cinnamon-spun dough that forms the base and provides its classic sweet swirls, plus ready-made icing for drizzling.
- 2 large eggs: This binds and enriches the egg wash, creating a custardy coating for each roll.
- 1/2 cup milk: Thins out the egg mixture so you get an even, luscious soak every time.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with warm, aromatic sweetness that complements the cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Boosts the signature spice in both the dough and the egg wash.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a touch of caramelization and sweetness to the French toast coating.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a golden, crisp exterior as the rolls cook in the skillet.
How To Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls
Ready to roll? This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat. You’ll transform humble cinnamon rolls into golden, bite-sized French toast pockets in just a few simple steps. Get your skillet heated, whisk your custard, and let’s bring on the sizzle!
1. Unroll the cinnamon roll dough and separate each roll carefully, saving the icing packet for later.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
3. Dip each cinnamon roll into the egg mixture, fully coating all sides; let any excess drip back into the bowl to avoid sogginess.
4. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat until it’s foamy and fragrant.
5. Place the soaked rolls seam-side down in the skillet. Cook, turning occasionally with tongs, until every side is golden brown—about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
6. Transfer the cooked rolls to a serving plate, drizzle generously with the included icing, and serve warm for maximum gooey goodness.
Serving Suggestions
These French toast rolls are mini marvels on their own, but with a few finishing touches, you can turn them into a brunch-worthy feast:
- Arrange on a platter dusted with powdered sugar for a bakery-style presentation.
- Serve alongside a bowl of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) to add a bright, tart contrast.
- Offer small bowls of maple syrup and extra icing so guests can customize the sweetness.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and flair.
Tips For Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls
These tricks will keep your rolls crisp on the outside and tender inside every time:
- Use any flavor of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough for variety.
- For extra crispness finish the rolls in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips inside before rolling for extra flavor.
How To Store It
Wondering how to keep these rolls just as delightful for later? Proper storage helps maintain their soft, custardy interior and crisped exterior:
- Refrigerate: Once completely cooled, place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: Lay rolls on a baking sheet, flash-freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave on medium power for 20–30 seconds to revive that fresh-off-the-griddle crisp.
- Separate Icing: Store the icing packet at room temperature; add just before serving to keep rolls from getting too sweet or soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to your burning questions:
- How long does it take to prepare Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls?
It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Unrolling and separating the dough takes around 2 minutes, whisking the egg mixture about 2 minutes, and cooking each roll for roughly 2 to 3 minutes per side (4 to 6 minutes per roll). Drizzling with icing and plating adds another minute or two.
- What types of cinnamon roll dough can I use for this recipe?
You can use any refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, such as classic cinnamon, apple spice, caramel swirl, or honey bun varieties. Just separate the rolls as instructed, and use the included icing or your favorite glaze for topping.
- Can I make the rolls ahead of time and cook them later?
Yes. After dipping the chilled cinnamon rolls in the egg mixture, place them on a parchment-lined tray, cover lightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 1 hour. When you’re ready, melt the butter in the skillet and cook as directed for best results.
- How can I achieve extra crispness on the rolls?
After you’ve browned all sides of the rolls in the skillet, transfer them to a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes. This extra step crisps up the exterior while keeping the inside soft and custardy.
- What is the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. You can also microwave on medium power for 20 to 30 seconds, then drizzle with fresh icing before serving.
- How can I customize the filling for extra flavor?
Before you roll each cinnamon log closed, sprinkle in chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), mini chocolate chips, or even chopped fruit like apples or berries. Seal the seam well to keep the filling from escaping during cooking.
What Makes This Special
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls hit the sweet spot between cozy nostalgia and playful innovation. The soft spiral dough soaks up a vanilla-speckled custard, then crisps up in butter for the ultimate contrast of textures, all crowned with sticky glaze. It’s fun, fast, and downright addictive—perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or an unexpected breakfast upgrade. Go ahead, print this out, stash it in your recipe binder, and let me know how it turns out! Questions, tweaks, or cinnamon emergencies: I’m here for it.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls
Description
Soft cinnamon rolls transform into crispy golden pockets as they soak up a vanilla-spiced egg wash, sizzle in butter until caramelized and get cloaked in sweet glaze for a cozy breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Unroll the cinnamon roll dough and separate each roll.
-
In a shallow bowl whisk together eggs milk vanilla extract ground cinnamon and sugar until smooth.
-
Dip each cinnamon roll into the egg mixture coating all sides and let excess drip off.
-
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
-
Place the soaked rolls seam-side down in the skillet and cook turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
-
Transfer the rolls to a serving plate drizzle with the included icing and serve warm.
Note
- Use any flavor of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough for variety
- For extra crispness finish the rolls in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips inside before rolling for extra flavor
