There’s something magical about chilly mornings, the kind where the windows fog up and little feet scurry into the kitchen searching for something warm and sweet. As a wife and mom of two, those cozy weekend breakfasts are some of my most cherished moments. That’s exactly where this Hawaiian Roll French Toast was born—a blend of buttery sweetness, warm cinnamon sugar, and a little French flair all wrapped up in fluffy Hawaiian rolls.
This recipe has become one of our family favorites, especially when we need a comforting start to the day. And what I adore most is how quick and kid-friendly it is. No slicing big loaves or frying pans full of batter—just pull apart those soft Hawaiian rolls, dip, cook, sprinkle, and done! Plus, the cinnamon sugar finish? Let’s just say my kids practically do a happy dance every time they smell it in the air.
Now let me walk you through this deliciously simple recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for busy parents or anyone craving a little baked breakfast joy.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Roll French Toast
There are a few reasons why this Hawaiian Roll French Toast stands out from your classic recipe:
- Effortless Elegance: Hawaiian rolls are naturally sweet, fluffy, and already perfectly portioned—no slicing or soaking forever. Just dip and cook.
- Kid-Approved: Cinnamon sugar makes everything better, right? My two little taste testers give this a huge thumbs up.
- Perfect Texture: The outside turns golden and slightly crisp while the inside stays soft and pillowy.
- Versatile & Seasonal: While it’s extra comforting in fall and winter, you can serve it any time of year—with fresh berries in spring or a maple drizzle in December.
- French-Inspired Simplicity: Drawing inspiration from French cuisine, this version of pain perdu (aka French toast) is elevated with a rustic charm and minimal effort.
Whether you’re planning a lazy Sunday brunch, holiday breakfast, or just a surprise weekday treat, this recipe is bound to bring warm smiles to your table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar (serves 4):
For the French Toast:
- 1 package of Hawaiian sweet rolls (12-count, kept whole or pulled apart as desired)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, but it adds a lovely warmth)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp butter (for the skillet)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup (classic and cozy)
- Powdered sugar (for that snowy finish)
- Fresh berries or sliced bananas
- Whipped cream (for extra indulgence)
- Nutella or chocolate drizzle (because… why not?)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This is your golden soaking mixture. I always let the kids help with this part—cracking eggs is their jam!
2. Heat the Skillet
Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. You’ll want it nicely sizzling but not browning.
3. Dip the Rolls
Pull apart the Hawaiian rolls if you haven’t already. Quickly dip each roll into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well coated but not soggy. Hawaiian rolls soak up fast, so a light dip is perfect.
4. Cook Until Golden
Place the dipped rolls onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, turning gently until they’re beautifully golden brown and firm to the touch.
5. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Magic
While the rolls are still warm, brush each with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth helps the coating stick like a cozy little cinnamon blanket.
6. Serve and Smile!
Plate them up and drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or add any favorite toppings. I love to serve these with a side of fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.
Tips & Variations
Every kitchen and every family has its own rhythm, so here are a few handy tips and easy variations to make this Hawaiian Roll French Toast even more fun and flexible:
Helpful Tips:
- Use Day-Old Rolls: If your Hawaiian rolls are a little stale, even better! Slightly dry bread absorbs the egg mixture more evenly without falling apart.
- Don’t Over-Soak: These rolls are soft and absorbent—give them a quick dip to avoid sogginess.
- Skillet vs. Oven: Short on time? You can actually bake these in a buttered dish at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Great for feeding a crowd!
- Double the Cinnamon Sugar: It stores well, and trust me, you’ll want extra to sprinkle on toast, oatmeal, or even coffee foam.
- Make Ahead: Whisk your egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Morning magic made easier!
Fun Variations:
- Stuffed French Toast: Cut a slit in each roll and stuff with cream cheese, Nutella, or peanut butter before dipping—hello, indulgence!
- Spiced Twist: Add pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a fall-flavored delight.
- Savory Switch: Skip the sugar and top with scrambled eggs, cheese, and avocado for a brunch board twist!
- Mini Skewers: Thread cooked rolls onto small skewers with berries or bananas for a fun kids’ brunch platter.
Serving Suggestions
This cozy dish shines beautifully on its own, but here are a few ways I like to serve it that take things to another level—whether it’s Sunday morning or a special brunch with guests.
Brunch Spread:
- Pair it with a warm cappuccino, fresh fruit salad, and crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a full spread.
- Add a mimosa or spiced apple cider if you’re serving adults—your guests will rave!
Autumn & Winter Vibes:
- Serve with spiced whipped cream (just add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg to your whipped cream).
- A side of warm apples sautéed in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon makes a dreamy fall brunch.
Kid-Approved Fun:
- Set up a mini topping bar: syrups, sprinkles, fruit, whipped cream, even crushed cereal.
- Let the kids “paint” their rolls with butter using pastry brushes—trust me, they’ll love it!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This estimate is based on one serving (approximately 3 Hawaiian roll halves with cinnamon sugar topping):
- Calories: 310
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Sugar: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
Note: Values may vary based on brands and portion sizes used.
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is definitely a treat, but with a good balance of protein and carbs, it’s great for fueling busy mornings—especially if your little ones are bouncing around like mine!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use another type of bread?
Yes! While Hawaiian rolls add a soft sweetness that’s perfect for this recipe, you can also use brioche sliders or even regular dinner rolls—just adjust the soaking time accordingly.
Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely. Lay the dipped rolls in a buttered baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through if you want an even golden crust.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and use dairy-free butter alternatives. Coconut milk adds a lovely flavor twist too.
Can I freeze these?
They’re best fresh, but yes, you can freeze them! Let them cool completely, freeze on a baking tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes at 350°F.
What if I don’t have cinnamon?
You can substitute pumpkin spice, chai spice, or even just a little vanilla sugar. The sweetness of the rolls still carries the flavor beautifully.
Final Thoughts: A Sweet Start to Your Day
If you’re like me, mornings can be a beautiful whirlwind—feeding the family, packing lunches, juggling coffee with one hand and a spatula with the other. But a recipe like this Hawaiian Roll French Toast brings the calm and comfort we all crave.
It’s quick, simple, and feels like a little act of love on a plate. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy fall breakfast, a snowy winter brunch, or just because your family deserves something special, this dish will warm hearts (and bellies).
And hey, if you give it a try, I’d love to hear how you served it! Snap a photo, share your own topping twist, or tag your kitchen adventure online. Let’s make breakfast a little sweeter, together