Looking for a breakfast that’s indulgent, sweet, and super easy to make? This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls recipe takes a classic morning favorite—French toast—and adds a cinnamon-sugar twist, turning it into a delightful, bite-sized treat perfect for kids, guests, or just yourself! With a crispy outer layer and a gooey, cinnamon-filled center, these rolls are like mini French toast cinnamon buns, and they’ll become your go-to comfort food in no time.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry or fridge:
- 8 slices of white sandwich bread (slightly stale works best)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional for egg mixture)
- 2 tbsp butter (for frying)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted, for filling)
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fruit (for serving)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings
This recipe makes 8 Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls. You can double the recipe easily if serving a larger crowd!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls
This easy step-by-step recipe will guide you to create the most delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls in under 30 minutes. Let’s get started!
1. Prepare the Bread
Start by prepping your bread slices. Use plain white sandwich bread for the best results because it’s soft and easy to roll. Lay out 8 slices of bread and trim off the crusts. This step ensures that the rolls hold together without any crunchy edges breaking off. If your bread is fresh, consider letting it sit out for a few hours or overnight—stale bread works better for French toast as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
Once the crusts are removed, use a rolling pin to gently flatten each slice of bread. The flatter you roll, the easier it will be to roll up the bread later, so try to make each slice as thin as possible without tearing it.
2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
Next, create the cinnamon sugar filling that gives these rolls their signature sweet and spicy flavor. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Now, take 2 tablespoons of melted butter and brush one side of each slice of flattened bread. This buttery layer helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the bread. After brushing with butter, generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered side of each slice.
3. Roll the Bread
Once the filling is spread evenly, it’s time to roll! Starting from one end, carefully roll each slice of bread into a tight cylinder. These will resemble mini cinnamon rolls, and the filling inside will add a lovely swirl when you bite into them.
Set the rolls aside on a plate as you prepare the egg mixture.
4. Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together 3 large eggs, ½ cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you like your French toast with a little extra spice, add ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the egg mixture. The egg mixture is essential for giving these rolls their French toast-like texture.
5. Dip the Rolls
Now, it’s time to coat the rolls in the egg mixture. Working with one roll at a time, dip each roll into the egg mixture, making sure all sides are fully coated but not soaked. Gently shake off any excess mixture to avoid making the rolls too soggy.
6. Fry the Rolls
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is bubbling slightly, add the egg-dipped rolls to the pan. Fry them in batches if necessary, ensuring there is enough room to rotate them easily. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy all around. Be sure to rotate the rolls to cook all sides evenly.
As you remove each batch from the pan, place the rolls on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess butter.
7. Serve Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls
Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls are now ready to be served! For an extra touch of indulgence, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with warm maple syrup. They also pair beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a side of bacon for a more savory balance. These bite-sized rolls are perfect for dunking, making them an interactive and fun breakfast option!
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls
Achieving the perfect balance of crispy and gooey is essential for this recipe. Here are some pro tips:
- Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, preventing your rolls from becoming too soggy during frying.
- Don’t Oversoak: Dip the bread rolls in the egg mixture quickly to avoid over-soaking. You want the bread to be moist but not fall apart.
- Crisp Up in the Pan: Make sure to fry the rolls over medium heat to get that nice golden crust. Frying over high heat might burn the outside before the inside is fully cooked.
- Vary Your Toppings: For a more decadent experience, try adding cream cheese frosting on top, just like a real cinnamon roll!
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls
This recipe combines the rich, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of French toast. You get the best of both worlds—cinnamon-sugar sweetness wrapped up in a golden, crispy exterior. Plus, these rolls are endlessly versatile. Whether you’re making breakfast for a special occasion, brunch with friends, or a fun weekend treat for the family, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. And, it’s quick enough to whip up on a lazy morning!
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls also have the advantage of being easily customizable. You can stuff them with chocolate spread, Nutella, or even a sweet cream cheese filling if you’re feeling adventurous. Try experimenting with different types of bread—brioche, for example, adds a rich, buttery flavor, while whole wheat makes for a slightly healthier version.