Cinnamon Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe

Cinnamon roll french toast: just the name alone conjures up images of cozy weekend mornings, doesn’t it? Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of warm, gooey, cinnamon-swirled goodness, all while enjoying the familiar comfort of classic French toast. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience!

While the exact origins of French toast are debated, variations have existed since Roman times. The concept of soaking stale bread in milk and eggs to revive it is a testament to resourceful cooking. Our modern twist, however, elevates this humble dish to a decadent treat by incorporating the beloved cinnamon roll. Cinnamon rolls themselves have a more recent history, gaining popularity in the 20th century, particularly in Scandinavian countries and North America. Their sweet, spiced flavor profile makes them a perfect complement to the custardy richness of French toast.

People adore cinnamon roll french toast for its delightful combination of textures and flavors. The slightly crisp exterior gives way to a soft, pillowy interior, infused with the warm spice of cinnamon and the sweet glaze of a cinnamon roll. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making it ideal for a quick weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast. The sheer indulgence of this dish, combined with its comforting familiarity, makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to transform your breakfast routine with this irresistible recipe!

Ingredients:

• For the Cinnamon Rolls:
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• For the Filling:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the French Toast Batter:
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• For Cooking:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for greasing the griddle or pan

Making the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy. This step is crucial to ensure your yeast is active!
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. I usually put mine in a slightly warmed oven (turned off, of course!).

Preparing the Cinnamon Roll Filling:

1. Mix the Filling Ingredients: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined. This mixture is what gives the cinnamon rolls their signature flavor, so don’t skimp on the cinnamon!

Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
2. Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
4. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss (my preferred method!), cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. You should get about 12 rolls.
5. Second Rise: Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
6. Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Glaze:

1. Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese: While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Making the French Toast Batter:

1. Whisk the Ingredients: In a large, shallow dish (like a pie plate or baking dish), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This is your French toast bath, so make sure everything is nicely mixed!

Preparing the Cinnamon Roll French Toast:

1. Slice the Cinnamon Rolls: Cut each cinnamon roll in half horizontally, like you’re making a sandwich. This will give you two pieces of cinnamon roll French toast per roll.
2. Soak the Cinnamon Rolls: Dip each half of the cinnamon roll into the French toast batter, making sure to coat both sides. Let the cinnamon roll soak for about 15-20 seconds per side, allowing it to absorb the batter. Don’t soak them too long, or they’ll become soggy!

Cooking the Cinnamon Roll French Toast:

1. Grease the Griddle or Pan: Heat a lightly greased griddle or large skillet over medium heat. I prefer using butter for that extra flavor, but you can also use cooking spray.
2. Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked cinnamon roll halves onto the hot griddle or skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The inside should be warm and the outside should be nicely browned.
3. Keep Warm (Optional): If you’re making a large batch, you can keep the cooked French toast warm in a preheated oven (200°F or 95°C) until ready to serve.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Glaze the French Toast: Place the cooked cinnamon roll French toast on a serving plate and drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze. You can also serve the glaze on the side for dipping.
2. Add Toppings (Optional): For extra indulgence, you can add toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve the cinnamon roll French toast immediately and enjoy! This is best enjoyed warm, so don’t let it sit for too long.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a celebration on a plate! Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to elevate your weekend brunch game or just treat yourself to something truly special, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast is an absolute must-try. The combination of the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the rich, custardy goodness of French toast is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces and makes even the gloomiest mornings feel a little brighter. But why is this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The slightly crisp exterior gives way to a soft, gooey interior, bursting with cinnamon-sugar swirls. The eggy batter soaks into every nook and cranny, creating a symphony of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up this decadent treat. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a breakfast masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While the recipe as written is already divine, there are so many ways to customize it to your liking. For a truly indulgent experience, try topping it with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch. Fresh berries, like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, also make a beautiful and delicious addition. Looking for serving suggestions? This Cinnamon Roll French Toast is perfect on its own as a satisfying breakfast or brunch. But it also pairs well with other breakfast staples, such as crispy bacon, savory sausage, or a side of scrambled eggs. For a truly memorable brunch spread, consider serving it alongside a fruit salad and a pitcher of mimosas. And don’t forget the coffee! A steaming cup of coffee or a creamy latte is the perfect complement to this sweet and decadent treat. Here are a few variations to get your creative juices flowing: * Cream Cheese Glaze: Instead of a simple dusting of powdered sugar, whip up a cream cheese glaze for an extra layer of richness and tanginess. * Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist. * Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an even more decadent treat. * Apple Pie Spice: Add a pinch of apple pie spice to the batter for a warm and cozy flavor. * Overnight Soak: For an even richer and more flavorful French toast, soak the cinnamon rolls in the egg mixture overnight. I truly believe that this recipe is a game-changer. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your breakfast rotation. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to experience the magic of Cinnamon Roll French Toast. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think and any variations you tried. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy! Print