Intro

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen on a slow morning, craving something sweet and cozy and a little bit over the top, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe is exactly what you need. 

It is warm, buttery, drippy, gooey, swirly, and honestly just the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself before the day even begins. I love recipes like this because they’re playful. 

They take something familiar—French toast—and turn it into something that feels a little extra without asking you to do anything complicated.

And this dish? It smells like the kind of weekend you wish you had every day—sweet cinnamon, warm vanilla, butter sizzling in the pan, and that lovely caramelized edge that forms when cinnamon roll dough hits heat. The first time I tasted this combination, I actually paused mid-bite and said, “Why do we not eat this every day?” It’s that good.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast is not subtle. It’s a celebration on a plate. It’s dessert-for-breakfast energy (with absolutely no shame). And if you’ve got kids, guests, or a partner who needs convincing that mornings can be magical—this will do it.

So let’s talk about what exactly this breakfast superstar is.

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What Is Cinnamon Roll French Toast?

Cinnamon Roll French Toast is exactly what it sounds like—soft cinnamon rolls cooked French-toast style in a buttery pan until they’re browned, puffy, caramelized, and drenched in a warm icing drizzle or maple syrup. Instead of making French toast from slices of bread, we use entire cinnamon rolls (store-bought or homemade), dip them in a light custard mixture, and cook them like traditional French toast.

The result is a cross between:

• the gooey center of a cinnamon roll
  
• the custardy richness of classic French toast
  
• and the golden, buttery edges of a diner-style breakfast
  

It’s sweet. It’s pillowy. It’s warm. It’s everything comforting at once.

Sometimes I add berries; sometimes I add pecans; sometimes I go full glazed-doughnut-style with thick vanilla icing. No matter what, it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time.

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The Story of My Discovery of This

I discovered Cinnamon Roll French Toast on a morning when I had exactly one can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and no bread for regular French toast. It was one of those “make something from what you have” mornings. I remember standing there, holding the can, thinking, “Well… cinnamon rolls are basically dough. French toast is cooked dough. This could work.”

It didn’t just work—it was incredible. My kitchen smelled like a bakery, and the first bite was enough to convince me this was a recipe worth keeping forever.

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Equipment List

You don’t need anything fancy:

• Mixing bowl
  
• Whisk
  
• Non-stick skillet or griddle
  
• Spatula
  
• Small saucepan (if warming icing)
  
• Shallow dish for dipping
  
• Optional: baking dish if you want to keep them warm in the oven
  

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Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Roll French Toast

• 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8-count) or homemade cinnamon roll dough
  
• 3 large eggs
  
• 1/3 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for the custard mixture)
  
• 2 tbsp butter for frying
  

For Serving

• Cinnamon roll icing (from the can or homemade)
  
• Maple syrup
  
• Powdered sugar
  
• Fresh berries (optional)
  
• Toasted pecans (optional)
  

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Rolls

Remove your cinnamon rolls from the can and separate them. If you want thicker, fluffier French toast pieces, leave them whole. If you want slightly faster cooking and more caramelized edges, press them down lightly so they flatten a little.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs
  
• Milk
  
• Vanilla
  
• Cinnamon
  
• Melted butter
  

The butter helps the edges crisp up beautifully. Whisk until smooth and custardy.

Step 3: Heat Your Pan

Place your skillet over medium heat and add a generous tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and coat the surface.

Step 4: Dip the Cinnamon Rolls

Dip each cinnamon roll into the custard mixture, coating both sides. Let excess drip off so they don’t get soggy.

Step 5: Cook Until Golden

Place the dipped rolls onto the hot skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until:

• The surface is deep golden
  
• The edges caramelize
  
• The centers feel set
  

Your entire kitchen will smell unreal.

Step 6: Warm the Icing

Most store-bought cinnamon rolls come with a small icing cup. Warm it in a tiny saucepan or microwave for 10–15 seconds until pourable.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Stack the cinnamon roll French toast on a plate and drizzle with:

• Warm icing
  
• Maple syrup
  
• Powdered sugar
  

Add berries or nuts if you like texture and brightness.

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Why This Recipe Works So Well

There are three little secrets behind why Cinnamon Roll French Toast is so irresistible:

1. The dough gets a double upgrade.
   The cinnamon roll dough has butter and cinnamon already. Dipping it in custard adds richness and a soft, custardy interior.
   
2. The caramelization.
   Butter + cinnamon sugar + heat = that golden, sticky, almost crackly edge that feels bakery-style.
   
3. It’s basically self-icing.
   No extra frosting to prepare—just warm the icing it already comes with.
   

This is breakfast efficiency.

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Flavor and Texture Breakdown

I love explaining food because I swear texture is half the experience.

• Exterior:
  Golden-brown crust with caramelized sugar crispness.
  
• Interior:
  Soft, warm, gooey, cinnamon-swirled goodness.
  
• Taste:
  Sweet but not overpowering, buttery, vanilla-rich, with that nostalgic cinnamon roll flavor.
  
• Overall vibe:
  Imagine a cinnamon roll hugged by French toast. That’s it.
  

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Variations

1. Stuffed Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Cut each roll in half and fill with cream cheese before dipping.

2. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Sticks

Slice into strips before dipping—great for kids.

3. Berry Swirl Version

Add a spoonful of berry jam on top before serving.

4. Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Prepare the custard-dipped rolls and refrigerate overnight. Cook fresh in the morning.

5. Extra Caramel Version

Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. Totally dessert-worthy.

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Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t soak the rolls too long—just dip quickly.
  
• Cook over medium heat, not high, so they don’t burn.
  
• Butter your pan between batches for even browning.
  
• If the centers need more time, place the cooked rolls in a warm oven for 5 minutes.
  

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How to Store and Reheat

Store

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 2–3 days.

Reheat

• Air fryer: 2–3 minutes
  
• Microwave: 20–25 seconds
  
• Oven: 300F for 7 minutes
  

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Serving Ideas

• Fresh whipped cream
  
• Apple compote
  
• Caramel drizzle
  
• Vanilla Greek yogurt
  
• Toasted walnuts or pecans
  
• Fresh blueberries
  

You honestly can’t ruin this.