A Short Story About the Recipe
I’ve always had a deep affection for breakfast. There’s something about those quiet, early hours in the kitchen—the smell of coffee brewing, the warmth of the oven, the soft clink of forks on plates—that feels like home. One chilly Sunday morning, I was torn between making my classic French toast and baking a batch of cinnamon rolls. I stood there, apron tied, whisk in hand, wondering which craving to satisfy.
Then it hit me: Why not combine them? That little moment of inspiration led to something far better than I expected. The soft richness of cinnamon rolls met the golden crispness of French toast, and the result was nothing short of dreamy. This dish is now a weekend ritual in my house. My family gathers around the table in pajamas, forks ready, and eyes wide with anticipation.
It’s cozy. It’s sweet. And it tastes like the kind of comfort you want to wrap yourself in on slow mornings. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just myself, it’s a guaranteed success every time. I promise—once you try it, you’ll never look at regular French toast the same way again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Versatile
You can use homemade cinnamon rolls, store-bought rolls, or even leftover ones. It works with different types of bread too—challah, brioche, or even cinnamon swirl bread.
Budget-Friendly
This recipe doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. With a few basics like eggs, milk, and cinnamon rolls, you can create something that tastes indulgent without costing much.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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6 pre-baked cinnamon rolls (homemade or store-bought)
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4 large eggs
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½ cup whole milk
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¼ cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 tablespoon butter (for the pan)
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Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream
How to Make This Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the cinnamon rolls
If you’re using freshly baked cinnamon rolls, allow them to cool completely before slicing. For store-bought or leftover rolls, simply bring them to room temperature. Slice each cinnamon roll horizontally into halves. This gives more surface area for the egg mixture to soak in and creates a nice golden crust when cooked.
2. Make the custard
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Add the whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whisk again until everything is smooth. This rich mixture will soak into the rolls and give that classic French toast texture.
3. Dip the cinnamon roll slices
One at a time, dip the sliced cinnamon rolls into the custard mixture. Let them soak for about 10–15 seconds per side. They should absorb some of the liquid but not become soggy or fall apart. Gently shake off any excess.
4. Preheat the skillet or griddle
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add a small amount of butter to coat the surface. Let it melt completely and spread evenly.
5. Cook the cinnamon roll slices
Place the soaked slices on the hot skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
6. Keep warm (optional)
If you’re making a large batch, you can keep the cooked slices warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while you finish the rest.
7. Plate and top
Serve the cinnamon roll French toast warm. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or add a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries also make a great topping for contrast and color.
Quick and Easy
This dish looks impressive but is surprisingly simple. You can prepare everything in less than 30 minutes. It’s ideal for busy mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable
You can adjust the richness by swapping the cream for more milk or adding a splash of orange zest to brighten the flavor. For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and skip the whipped cream topping. Cinnamon swirl bread or brioche can also replace the cinnamon rolls if you prefer a lighter texture.
Perfect for Guests
This recipe is a showstopper. Whether it’s brunch with friends or a cozy holiday breakfast, people will think you spent hours on it. You can even set up a DIY toppings bar so guests can personalize their French toast—kids and adults both love it.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this recipe the night before?
Yes. You can prepare the custard mixture and slice the cinnamon rolls in advance. Store the custard in the refrigerator overnight and soak the rolls right before cooking. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire dish in a baking dish and bake it the next morning like a casserole.
What kind of cinnamon rolls should I use?
Both homemade and store-bought rolls work well. If using frosted rolls, scrape off excess frosting before dipping. You can always drizzle the frosting on top after cooking if you prefer a sweeter finish.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Let the cooked French toast slices cool completely. Wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze in a zip-top bag. To reheat, warm them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
The best method is to use a toaster oven or an oven to preserve crispness. Microwaving is faster but can make the texture soft. If reheating from frozen, add 2–3 extra minutes to the oven time.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead of regular milk and cream. Replace butter with a dairy-free spread or oil. The flavor will still be rich and comforting without any dairy.