Cinnamon Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe

Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Prepare to experience breakfast bliss! Imagine the gooey, cinnamon-spiced goodness of a warm cinnamon roll transformed into a decadent French toast. It’s not just breakfast; it’s an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

While the exact origins of combining cinnamon rolls and French toast are shrouded in delicious mystery, both components boast rich histories. French toast, in its various forms, dates back to the Roman Empire, a testament to our enduring desire to repurpose and elevate simple bread. Cinnamon rolls, with their Scandinavian roots, bring a comforting warmth and spice that has captivated hearts (and stomachs) for generations. Marrying these two beloved treats creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible.

People adore this dish for its sheer indulgence. The soft, custardy interior of the French toast, infused with the sweet cinnamon swirl, is a textural masterpiece. The rich, buttery flavor, combined with the warm spice of cinnamon, creates a comforting and satisfying experience. Plus, cinnamon roll French toast is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a special weekend brunch or a delightful treat any day of the week. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the French Toast Custard:
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 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-Sugar Filling:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined and creamy. This filling is what makes these rolls so irresistible!

Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, 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 long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up 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 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 rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Glaze:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Milk: Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until the glaze is smooth and the desired consistency is reached.
3. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Frost the Rolls: Generously frost the warm cinnamon rolls with the cream cheese glaze.

Preparing the French Toast Custard:

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

Soaking and Cooking the Cinnamon Roll French Toast:

1. Soak the Cinnamon Rolls: Dip each cinnamon roll into the French toast custard, making sure to coat both sides. Let the rolls soak for about 30-60 seconds per side, allowing them to absorb the custard. Don’t soak them too long, or they’ll become soggy!
2. Cook the French Toast: Heat a lightly greased griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Melt a tablespoon of butter on the griddle.
3. Cook Each Side: Place the soaked cinnamon rolls on the hot griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the griddle; cook in batches if necessary.
4. Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining cinnamon rolls, adding more butter to the griddle as needed.

Serving the Cinnamon Roll French Toast:

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the Cinnamon Roll French Toast immediately while it’s warm and delicious.
2. Optional Toppings: You can top it with extra cream cheese glaze, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Get creative!

Conclusion:

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast isn’t just breakfast; it’s a weekend celebration on a plate! Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to elevate your brunch game and impress your family and friends (or just treat yourself!), this recipe is an absolute must-try. The combination of the gooey, cinnamon-spiced interior of the cinnamon rolls with the crispy, golden-brown exterior of the French toast is simply divine. It’s sweet, comforting, and utterly irresistible – a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds.

But what truly sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up this masterpiece. It’s quick, easy, and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cinnamon rolls (if you ever have any!). The minimal effort required for the maximum flavor payoff makes this a winning recipe in my book.

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve outlined my favorite way to prepare it, feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings and variations.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Toppings: A generous drizzle of maple syrup is always a winner. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. And a dollop of whipped cream? Pure indulgence!
* Fruity Fun: Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of freshness and color. Sliced bananas or peaches are also delicious options. You could even make a quick berry compote for an extra special touch.
* Nutty Delight: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
* Chocolate Lover’s Dream: A drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of chocolate chips takes this French toast to a whole new level of decadence.
* Savory Twist: For a sweet and savory combination, try adding a sprinkle of crumbled bacon or a side of sausage.
* Different Breads: While cinnamon rolls are the star of the show, you could experiment with other types of bread for the French toast base. Challah bread or brioche would be fantastic alternatives.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
* Cream Cheese Glaze: Instead of maple syrup, try making a simple cream cheese glaze by whisking together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract.

I truly believe that this Cinnamon Roll French Toast will become a new family favorite. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or even a simple weeknight treat. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always delicious.

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 confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

Once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and variations on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a comment below. Let me know what toppings you used, what variations you tried, and how much everyone enjoyed it. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback! Happy cooking!

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