French Toast Cinnamon Rolls

If you’ve ever had French toast made from cinnamon bread or sliced cinnamon rolls, you’ll understand how incredible these French Toast Cinnamon Rolls taste. They are coated with maple and egg before they rise, and then lightly brushed with melted butter after they bake. Topped with a maple cream cheese frosting, the combination of flavors is irresistible.

These may be made the night before and left to rise in the refrigerator, which makes them perfect for an easy breakfast. They also freeze well, giving you a secret supply of treats to indulge in with an afternoon cup of coffee.

Add raisin and toasted pecans, or leave them plain; they are a pleasure either way. The fragrance as they are baking will have you making them again and again!

Ingredients

(Makes 24)

1/2 cup very warm water
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 packages active dry yeast
1 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 eggs
6 cups all-purpose flour

Filling:

1/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cup sugar
2-3 tablespoons cinnamon
1 tablespoon flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Raisins, if desired
1 egg
2 teaspoons milk
1/4 teaspoon maple flavoring

Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring
3 tablespoons cream
4 cups powdered sugar

1. In a small bowl or ramekin, combine the warm water, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, and yeast. Set aside for 5 minutes, or until bubbly.

2. Using either microwave or small pan, heat the milk until hot but not boiling. Add the sugar and butter and stir to melt the butter. Add the buttermilk and salt. Stir to combine.

3. In a large bowl (a stand mixer with paddle attachment is best) combine the yeast mixture and the warm milk mixture. Add eggs and 2 cups of flour and beat well – at least 1 minute.

4. Add the remaining flour 1 cup at a time, mixing continuously. Switch to a dough hook and knead for 5 minutes. (By hand, knead on generously floured surface for 7-8 minutes.) Dough should be coming cleanly away from the side of the bowl. If not, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time. The dough should be very soft and slightly sticky.

5. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise until doubled, approximately 1 hour.

6. Divide dough in half and place half on a lightly floured board. Roll out the dough to 8-inches by 12-inches, with the long side towards you. Spread with half of the melted butter.

7. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt. Sprinkle half of the mixture evenly over the butter. Sprinkle with raisins, if desired.

8. In a small cup, whisk together the egg, milk, and maple flavoring.

9. Beginning with the long edge closest to you, start to roll the dough away from you. Brush the top of the rolled part lightly with the egg mixture. Continue rolling, keeping the roll as tight as possible by pulling towards you a little as you roll, and stopping to brush the top of the roll with egg mixture. When you get close to the other edge, stop using the egg wash so the roll will be easier to cut and place in the pan.

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10. Grease either a 12-inch by 18-inch cake pan, a large jelly roll pan, or two square cavity brownie pans (which will make taller rolls). You may also use a flour and oil spray.

11. Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces and place in the pan. Fill, roll, slice, and pan the other half of the dough. Brush the tops with the egg/maple wash.

12. Allow the rolls to rise until almost doubled (about an hour) or cover with a tent of foil and put in the refrigerator to rise overnight. If using the refrigerator method, let the cold rolls sit out for at least 1/2 hour before baking.

13. Heat oven to 400F. Bake rolls on center rack for 15-20 minutes, or until a deep golden brown on top.

14. Remove pan from oven and move it to a cooling rack. Brush lightly with melted butter. Wait 15 minutes before removing rolls, but don’t let the rolls cool completely in the pan or they may stick.

15. To make icing, beat the cream cheese, butter, maple flavoring, and cream together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar gradually. Beat until fluffy and frost the warm rolls generously.

Enjoy!

Check out my other recipes in the food section of Celeb Baby Laundry.