If you’re on the hunt for your new favorite breakfast treat, the Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is pure morning bliss. Fluffy, sweet rolls are dipped in a gently spiced custard, fried until golden, and showered with cinnamon-sugar—making every bite taste like a cozy hug. This recipe takes classic French toast to a whole new level with the irresistible aroma and pillowy texture of Hawaiian rolls, all wrapped up in a warmly spiced, delightfully sweet coating. It’s so easy, so spectacularly delicious, and absolutely perfect for brightening any weekend brunch spread!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple, everyday ingredients to create a breakfast masterpiece. Each element in the Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe brings its own special magic—think melt-in-your-mouth texture, golden color, and just the right hint of warm vanilla and spice.
- Hawaiian rolls: Their natural sweetness and soft, fluffy texture make these rolls the star of the French toast, soaking up just the right amount of custard for a custardy yet light bite.
- Large eggs: Essential for that rich, custardy batter—fresh eggs give this French toast its signature fluffiness.
- Whole milk: Provides moisture and richness, ensuring every bite turns out tender and never dry.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to both the custard bath and the crispy, cinnamon-laced topping.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings warm, inviting depth and aroma to the dish.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the French toast with comfort and warmth, both inside the batter and in the topping.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor, bringing out the best in the soft rolls and sweet spices.
- Butter: Frying in butter gives the French toast irresistible crispness and a beautiful golden color.
- Cinnamon sugar (for topping): The finishing touch for crunchy, sweet, spiced bliss in every bite.
- Maple syrup & fruit (for serving): Optional, but highly recommended for vibrant flavor and brunch-worthy presentation.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Up the Custard
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the eggs, milk, a bit of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This rich, aromatic custard is the secret to making every Hawaiian roll extra creamy and flavorful inside, while staying crispy and golden on the outside. A five-minute job with a big payoff in flavor!
Step 2: Mix Your Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, combine the remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon—this quick step creates the magical topping that turns each roll into a morning delight. Set it nearby so you can sprinkle it on the French toast while it’s still piping hot (trust me, this makes it stick and sparkle!).
Step 3: Prep the Rolls
Slicing the Hawaiian rolls in half is totally up to you! If you love a crispy outside with a soft, fluffy center, leave them whole. Slice in half for more crunch and extra surface area to soak up the custard. Either way, these little buns are about to get a glow-up.
Step 4: Dip and Coat
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat, and melt 1 tablespoon of butter until it’s sizzling gently. Dip each roll into the custard, turning gently to coat all sides—just enough to soak but not so much that they fall apart. It’s the key to achieving that dreamy, custard-soaked interior without any sogginess.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Place the soaked rolls straight onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, turning so every edge gets toasty and golden brown. You’re looking for crisp, caramelized outsides with a pillowy-soft center. Add more butter as you go, and work in batches if needed.
Step 6: Dust with Cinnamon Sugar
While the French toast rolls are still warm from the pan, immediately sprinkle them with that magical cinnamon sugar blend, coating every side generously. This creates a crisp, flavorful crust that makes each bite simply irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Savor
Arrange your golden, sparkling rolls on a plate, then top with maple syrup and your favorite fresh fruit. They’re ready to enjoy warm—ideally with a steaming mug of coffee and lots of oohs and aahs from everyone at your table!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of powdered sugar, a few dollops of whipped cream, or even a handful of fresh berries amplify the beauty and flavor of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe. The cinnamon sugar coating is already magical, but these little touches turn breakfast into something out of a café dream.
Side Dishes
This French toast absolutely shines with sides like crispy bacon, savory sausage, or a simple fruit salad. Tangy yogurts and herbal teas also offer a lovely counterbalance to the sweet, aromatic richness of the dish. It’s a breakfast feast fit for any special morning.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your rolls into a playful tower, serve them skewered on sticks for French toast kebabs, or arrange them in a cast iron skillet and let everyone grab their own. The Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe also makes a brilliant brunch board centerpiece, especially surrounded by colorful fruit, nuts, and little syrup pitchers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra French toast cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the rolls separate from syrup or fruit helps preserve their delightful texture for a quick, next-day treat.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe! Lay the cooled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month, perfect for speedy weekday breakfasts.
Reheating
Warm up your French toast in a toaster oven or in a skillet over low heat to help preserve that crispy, caramelized surface. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but the rolls are best when reheated until the edges are just crisp again. Add fresh fruit or a sprinkle more cinnamon sugar right before serving for a touch of magic.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! While traditional bread works for French toast, the Hawaiian rolls add unique sweetness and a pillowy texture you won’t get with regular loaf bread. Give it a try with the signature rolls at least once—you’ll see the difference.
Is it okay to bake instead of pan-frying?
Yes, if you want a firmer French toast or need to make a big batch, pop the cooked rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes after frying. This helps set the custard and yields slightly crispier edges, perfect for serving a crowd.
Can I make the custard ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whisk up the egg, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt mixture the night before. Cover and chill, then give it a quick stir before dipping in the morning for an even speedier breakfast.
What fruits go best as toppings?
Fresh berries, sliced bananas, mango, or even caramelized pineapples pair beautifully with the sweet, spiced flavors of the Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe. Feel free to get creative—whatever’s in season or on hand will work.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
Dip the rolls briefly in the custard—just enough to coat them rather than letting them soak through. Frying in a preheated skillet also helps ensure a crisp exterior and soft inside, every time.
Final Thoughts
If you love treating yourself or your loved ones to a special breakfast, you really can’t beat this Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe. It’s impossibly easy, delightfully nostalgic, and guaranteed to brighten your morning with something sweet and warm from the heart. Give it a go and make breakfast into the best part of your day!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful and unique twist on classic French toast with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar recipe. Soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls are transformed into a decadent breakfast treat that is sure to impress. The perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, this dish is a must-try for any brunch lover.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
For Frying and Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Fresh fruit
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: Mix cinnamon and sugar for topping in a small bowl; set aside.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Heat butter in a skillet.
- Dip and Cook: Dip rolls in egg mixture, then cook on skillet until golden brown.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle warm rolls with cinnamon sugar. Serve with maple syrup and fruit.
Notes
- For a fluffier texture, leave rolls whole; for crispiness, slice in half before cooking.
- For a firmer texture, bake cooked rolls at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 rolls
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
