“I put these out when my neighbor came by for coffee, and she asked how something so simple could taste so amazing. I promised to share the recipe.” Recipe in

 

Mini Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Mini Cinnamon Roll French Toast is the ultimate mashup breakfast — soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls transformed into golden, custardy bites of French toast. Imagine everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls — sweet swirls of cinnamon sugar, creamy icing, warm spice — combined with the rich, buttery texture of French toast. The result is indulgent, comforting, and perfect for special mornings, brunch gatherings, or whenever you want to turn an ordinary day into something memorable.

This detailed recipe walks you through every step, from preparing the cinnamon rolls to creating the perfect custard, cooking them to golden perfection, and finishing with luscious glaze. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish delivers bakery-style flavor with homemade charm.

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What Is Mini Cinnamon Roll French Toast?

Mini Cinnamon Roll French Toast uses small cinnamon rolls (store-bought or homemade), sliced and dipped into a rich egg custard before being pan-fried or baked. The cinnamon swirl caramelizes slightly during cooking, while the custard creates a tender, creamy interior.

Each bite is:

• Soft inside

• Lightly crisp outside

• Sweetly spiced

• Drizzled with creamy glaze

It’s playful, decadent, and surprisingly simple to make.

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Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Rolls

Option 1: Store-Bought

• 2 cans refrigerated mini cinnamon rolls (about 16–20 pieces total)

Option 2: Homemade Mini Cinnamon Rolls

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)

• 3 tablespoons melted butter

• 1 egg

Filling:

• ¼ cup softened butter

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

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For the French Toast Custard

• 3 large eggs

• ¾ cup whole milk

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

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For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons butter (for skillet)

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For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional toppings:

• Maple syrup

• Fresh berries

• Chopped pecans

• Whipped cream

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Step 1: Preparing Homemade Mini Cinnamon Rolls (Optional)

If using store-bought rolls, skip to Step 2.

1. Activate Yeast
   In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix Dough
   Add sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until dough forms.

3. Knead
   Knead on floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth.

4. First Rise
   Place dough in greased bowl. Cover and let rise 1 hour.

5. Roll and Fill
   Roll into rectangle. Spread butter, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon.

6. Shape Rolls
   Roll tightly into log. Slice into 1-inch pieces.

7. Second Rise
   Place in greased pan. Cover and rise 30 minutes.

8. Bake
   Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes. Cool slightly before using.

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Step 2: Preparing the Custard

1. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs until smooth.

2. Add milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Whisk thoroughly until fully combined.

The custard should be smooth and lightly frothy.

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Step 3: Slicing the Rolls

If using baked cinnamon rolls:

1. Allow rolls to cool slightly.

2. Slice each roll horizontally into halves or thirds.

Smaller pieces absorb custard more evenly and cook faster.

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Step 4: Soaking

1. Dip each cinnamon roll piece into custard mixture.

2. Let soak 10–15 seconds per side.

3. Avoid over-soaking to prevent sogginess.

The goal is a moist but structured piece.

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Step 5: Cooking on the Stovetop

1. Heat large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add butter and let melt.

3. Place soaked roll pieces into skillet without crowding.

4. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

5. Flip gently to avoid breaking.

The exterior should be lightly crisp with caramelized edges.

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Alternative: Oven-Baked Method

For larger batches:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Arrange soaked pieces in greased baking dish.

3. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and set.

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Step 6: Preparing the Glaze

1. In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar and vanilla.

2. Add milk gradually until smooth and pourable.

3. Drizzle generously over warm French toast pieces.

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Flavor Profile

Mini Cinnamon Roll French Toast offers:

• Warm cinnamon sweetness

• Creamy custard richness

• Slight caramelization

• Soft, tender interior

• Sweet vanilla glaze finish

It’s comforting and indulgent without being overwhelming.

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Tips for Perfect Texture

1. Use day-old cinnamon rolls for better absorption.

2. Don’t oversoak.

3. Cook on medium heat — too high burns sugar.

4. Let rest briefly before serving.

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Creative Variations

Cream Cheese Stuffed

Add a small dollop of sweetened cream cheese between slices before soaking.

Apple Pie Style

Top with warm cinnamon apples.

Chocolate Chip

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips before cooking.

Pecan Praline

Add toasted pecans and drizzle caramel sauce.

Pumpkin Spice

Add 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree to custard.

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Serving Ideas

Serve with:

• Maple syrup

• Fresh strawberries

• Blueberries

• Bananas

• Powdered sugar dusting

• Crispy bacon for contrast

Perfect for:

• Holiday brunch

• Birthday breakfast

• Weekend family gatherings

• Mother’s Day

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Make-Ahead Instructions

1. Bake cinnamon rolls ahead of time.

2. Store covered overnight.

3. Prepare custard fresh in morning.

Or fully assemble and refrigerate overnight before baking.

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Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.

• Reheat in oven at 325°F for 10 minutes.

• Avoid microwave if possible to preserve texture.

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Freezing Instructions

• Freeze cooked pieces on baking sheet.

• Transfer to freezer bag.

• Reheat in oven until warmed through.

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Nutritional Estimate (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420–550

• Carbohydrates: 55g

• Fat: 20g

• Protein: 8g

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Why This Recipe Works

The cinnamon roll provides built-in sweetness and spice, while the custard adds moisture and richness. Cooking gently allows the sugars to caramelize without burning. The glaze adds creamy sweetness that ties everything together.

The balance of textures — crisp exterior and soft interior — makes it irresistible.

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Presentation Tips

• Stack pieces on serving platter.

• Drizzle glaze artistically.

• Garnish with mint leaves.

• Dust lightly with powdered sugar.

Serve warm for best experience.

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Turning It Into a Brunch Casserole

To make a casserole version:

1. Cut cinnamon rolls into chunks.

2. Toss in custard mixture.

3. Pour into greased 9x13 pan.

4. Bake 30–35 minutes.

5. Drizzle glaze before serving.

Perfect for feeding a crowd.

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Final Thoughts

Mini Cinnamon Roll French Toast transforms a beloved pastry into an even more indulgent breakfast experience. It combines the best elements of two comfort classics into one irresistible dish. Warm spices, creamy custard, caramelized edges, and sweet glaze create a balance that feels festive and homey all at once.

Whether you make it for a special celebration or a cozy weekend morning, it’s a recipe that brings smiles and second helpings. Once you try it, it may become a staple in your breakfast rotation — playful, decadent, and absolutely delicious.

Enjoy every warm, cinnamon-swirled bite.