Allow me to introduce you to a breakfast delight that feels more like a warm hug than anything else: Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar. This dish brings together the pillowy softness of Hawaiian rolls with a fragrant cinnamon sugar coating, making it a family favorite. It’s served with a drizzling of salted caramel or syrup that makes every bite absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Texture: The soft, buttery rolls soak up the batter beautifully for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy mornings—prep and cook in just 20 minutes without sacrificing flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: The bite-sized pieces and sweet cinnamon sugar make it a hit with little ones.
- Versatile Toppings: Whether you top it with syrup or a decadent salted caramel, each choice adds its own twist of deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar doesn’t require a lengthy shopping list. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering that warm, cinnamony flavor and comforting texture. Let’s break it down:
- 3 large Eggs: Acts as the rich, binding agent for your batter.
- ¾ cup Half n Half: Adds creaminess, making your French Toast wonderfully soft.
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon: The warming spice that elevates every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 3 tablespoon Salted Butter, divided: Butter for that irresistible golden crust.
- 1 12 pack King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: The star of the show, known for their pillowy softness.
- ¼ cup White Sugar: Sweeten and balance the spices in your topping.
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon: Completes your cinnamon sugar topping.
- ⅓ cup Salted Caramel or syrup for dipping: The perfect finishing touch for dipping or drizzling.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? It’s incredibly easy to tweak this Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar to fit your cravings or dietary needs. Here are a few suggestions:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the half n half with almond or coconut milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Nutty Delight: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or almonds into the cinnamon sugar mixture for a crunchy twist.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, half n half, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This batter is where all the magic starts, infusing your rolls with a delightful aromatic flavor.
Step 2: Soak the Rolls
Break your sweet rolls into individual pieces and give them a quick dunk in the egg mixture, about 15-20 seconds is plenty. Be cautious not to leave them too long, or they’ll get soggy and difficult to handle.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Preheat your fry pan over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of the salted butter. Add half of the soaked rolls and cook them until they achieve a golden-brown hue on all sides. Repeat with remaining rolls and butter. Each side should be cooked evenly for the ultimate texture.
Step 4: Finish with Cinnamon Sugar
For the finishing touch, toss each cooked roll in a mixture of white sugar and cinnamon. This final coating offers a slight crunch with every bite, transforming your breakfast into a sweet, aromatic masterpiece.
Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar
- Optimal Butter Melt: Use just enough heat to melt your butter without burning, ensuring a perfect golden crust on your French toast.
- Custom Dipping Sauce: Try blending a bit of maple syrup with the salted caramel for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cinnamon Spice Balance: Adjust the cinnamon to your liking for a subtler or more robust result.
- Roll Preparation: Slice rolls evenly to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar
Garnishes
Give your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar a finishing flourish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries. Not only does it add color, but also a lovely burst of freshness that complements each sweet bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these delightful bites with classic scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a balanced breakfast spread. The savory notes will harmonize beautifully with the sweet, spiced toast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-style presentation, stack the pieces in a tower, drizzle them artfully with salted caramel, and add a pinch of cinnamon on top. It makes your breakfast not just a meal but a visual feast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Should you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They make a quick and satisfying snack with a simple reheat.
Freezing
Ever thought of freezing French toast? You can! Lay the cooled roll pieces on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to three months and are great for make-ahead breakfasts.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or use a toaster oven for a quicker option. They come out just as delicious as the day you made them!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls are perfect for this recipe’s flavor profile, you can experiment with brioche or challah for a more traditional French toast feel.
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Is it possible to make this recipe without eggs?
Definitely! For an egg-free option, try using a banana or applesauce combined with a little milk as a binding agent.
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Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes, you can mix the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator, giving you a head start on a relaxed morning.
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How do I prevent the rolls from becoming too soggy?
Ensure that you quickly dip the rolls into the batter—just enough to coat them without oversaturating. Keeping the stove at medium heat will also help cook them through without too much moisture.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar. This simple yet delectable dish is bound to bring smiles to your table. Next time you’re looking for a special breakfast that feels like a cozy indulgence, remember this recipe. Happy brunching!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a delightful twist on classic French toast with these fluffy Hawaiian Roll French Toasts. Soft sweet rolls are dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg batter, pan-fried to golden perfection, then coated in cinnamon sugar for added sweetness. Served with salted caramel sauce, this recipe makes for a decadent breakfast or brunch treat that combines comfort with a touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Egg Batter
- 3 large Eggs
- 3/4 cup Half n Half
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For Frying
- 3 tablespoon Salted Butter (divided)
Sweet Rolls
- 1 12-pack Kings Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup White Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
Dipping Sauce
- 1/3 cup Salted Caramel or Syrup
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Batter: In a medium-sized bowl, combine eggs, half n half, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare Sweet Rolls: Tear the sweet rolls into bite-sized pieces. Dip each piece into the batter for about 15-20 seconds, ensuring they are soaked but not overly soggy.
- Cook the Rolls: Heat a large fry pan over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Add half of the dipped roll pieces to the pan and cook until golden brown on all six sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and keep warm. Repeat with remaining butter and rolls.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a shallow dish, stir together white sugar and cinnamon. Toss each cooked French toast piece in the cinnamon sugar until coated evenly.
- Serve: Plate the coated French toast pieces. Serve with salted caramel or syrup on the side for dipping, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Ensure not to soak the bread pieces too long to avoid excessive sogginess.
- Adjust the cinnamon and sugar according to your taste preferences for sweetness and spice.
- For an extra indulgence, sprinkle powdered sugar or whipped cream on top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (~4 pieces)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
