01 -
First things first, grab those cinnamon rolls. If they're in a tube, pop it open and separate them. If they're homemade, just slice them about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. I usually get about 6-8 slices from a standard roll. Lay them out in a single layer in a shallow dish – a pie plate works great for this. You want them ready to soak up all that yummy batter. This is where I often realize I should have used a bigger dish, lol. Just make sure they have enough room to breathe, so to speak!
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together your eggs, whole milk, pure vanilla extract, a good sprinkle of ground cinnamon, and that tiny pinch of nutmeg. Whisk it really well until everything is combined and a little frothy. You want to make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk. I remember one time, I was distracted by a phone call and didn't whisk enough; the first few slices had unmixed egg bits. Gross! So, take your time here. This is the heart of your Cinnamon Roll French Toast magic!
03 -
Carefully place your cinnamon roll slices into the prepared egg mixture, turning them gently to coat both sides. Don't let them sit for too long – we're talking about 15-20 seconds per side, max! These rolls are already soft, and you don't want them to get mushy. My biggest oops moment was over-soaking them; they just disintegrated in the pan. You're aiming for coated, not saturated. You'll feel them soften slightly as they soak, a good sign you're doing it right!
04 -
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt a pat of butter in the pan, swirling to coat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, carefully place your soaked cinnamon roll slices onto the hot surface. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if you need to. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they're golden brown and cooked through. The smell at this stage is heavenly – warm cinnamon, sweet bread, it's just cozy!
05 -
While your French toast is cooking, let's get that amazing glaze ready. In a small bowl, combine your softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Using a fork or a small whisk, mash them together until smooth. Gradually add the milk or cream, one teaspoon at a time, whisking constantly until you reach a smooth, drizzly consistency. You don't want it too thick or too thin. I once added too much milk and had to frantically add more powdered sugar – kitchen chaos at its finest!
06 -
Once your Cinnamon Roll French Toast slices are beautifully golden, transfer them to plates. Drizzle generously with that dreamy cream cheese glaze. If you're feeling extra, a pat of butter and a pour of pure maple syrup are always welcome. They should look plump, golden, and just begging to be eaten. The taste is pure comfort, sweet and satisfying. This is the moment you realize all the little messes were worth it!