There’s something magical about waking up on a lazy weekend morning and treating yourself to a warm, indulgent breakfast. This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the sweetness of soft Hawaiian rolls with a rich, custardy coating. Each bite is slightly crisp on the outside and irresistibly soft on the inside, with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon that makes your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly.
This dish is perfect for brunch gatherings, special occasions, or just when you’re craving something extra cozy. The naturally sweet and buttery Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard beautifully, making each bite melt in your mouth. Serve it with fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar, and you’ve got a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Deliciously Soft & Sweet: Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweetness and fluffy texture that regular bread just can’t match.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for a family breakfast, brunch with friends, or even a holiday morning treat.
- Versatile: Dress it up with syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup (for serving)

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. The cinnamon might float a bit at first, but keep whisking until everything is well combined and smooth. This rich custard is what gives the French toast its signature texture and flavor.
Step 2: Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Take your Hawaiian rolls and separate them. You can leave them whole for a fun, pull-apart style French toast, or cut them in half for smaller, bite-sized pieces. Either way, they’ll soak up the custard beautifully.
Step 3: Soak the Rolls
Dip each roll (or roll half) into the egg mixture, letting it sit for a few seconds to absorb the custard. Be careful not to let them soak too long, or they might become too soft and fall apart. The goal is for them to be well-coated but still hold their shape.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter. Once melted and sizzling, place the soaked rolls in the pan, leaving a little space between them. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. Flip and repeat on the other side.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Hawaiian roll French toast is cooked to golden perfection, transfer it to a plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Drizzle with maple syrup, and if you like, add fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Enjoy immediately while warm!

Helpful Tips
- Don’t soak too long – Hawaiian rolls are softer than regular bread, so a quick dip in the custard is all they need.
- Use medium heat – Cooking on medium heat allows the inside to cook through while preventing the outside from burning.
- Try different toppings – Fresh fruit, a dollop of yogurt, or even a drizzle of honey can elevate this dish even more.
- Make it ahead – You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the fridge to save time in the morning.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian

Notes
- If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, you can substitute brioche or challah, but the sweet, buttery flavor of Hawaiian rolls really makes this recipe special.
- For an extra crispy exterior, try dusting the rolls with a little extra cinnamon sugar before cooking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! While Hawaiian rolls add a delicious sweetness and softness, you can also use brioche, challah, or even thick-cut white bread. Just make sure to adjust the soaking time accordingly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use vegan butter for cooking.
How can I make this healthier?
For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat Hawaiian rolls, reduce the sugar, and cook with a small amount of coconut oil instead of butter.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration:
Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Let the cooked French toast cool completely, then place it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat for 30-45 seconds until warm.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Toaster Oven: Toast on low until warmed through and slightly crisp.

Related Recipes
If you loved this Hawaiian Roll French Toast, here are a few more delicious breakfast ideas to try:
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the perfect way to make your mornings extra special. It’s easy, delicious, and feels like a gourmet breakfast without the hassle. Whether you’re treating yourself or making it for loved ones, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
So go ahead, whip up a batch, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and enjoy the simple joy of a warm, fluffy, and sweet breakfast!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Description
There’s something magical about waking up on a lazy weekend morning and treating yourself to a warm, indulgent breakfast. This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the sweetness of soft Hawaiian rolls with a rich, custardy coating. Each bite is slightly crisp on the outside and irresistibly soft on the inside, with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon that makes your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly.
This dish is perfect for brunch gatherings, special occasions, or just when you’re craving something extra cozy. The naturally sweet and buttery Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard beautifully, making each bite melt in your mouth. Serve it with fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar, and you’ve got a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. The cinnamon might float a bit at first, but keep whisking until everything is well combined and smooth. This rich custard is what gives the French toast its signature texture and flavor.
Step 2: Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Take your Hawaiian rolls and separate them. You can leave them whole for a fun, pull-apart style French toast, or cut them in half for smaller, bite-sized pieces. Either way, they’ll soak up the custard beautifully.
Step 3: Soak the Rolls
Dip each roll (or roll half) into the egg mixture, letting it sit for a few seconds to absorb the custard. Be careful not to let them soak too long, or they might become too soft and fall apart. The goal is for them to be well-coated but still hold their shape.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter. Once melted and sizzling, place the soaked rolls in the pan, leaving a little space between them. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. Flip and repeat on the other side.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Hawaiian roll French toast is cooked to golden perfection, transfer it to a plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Drizzle with maple syrup, and if you like, add fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Enjoy immediately while warm!
Notes
- If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, you can substitute brioche or challah, but the sweet, buttery flavor of Hawaiian rolls really makes this recipe special.
- For an extra crispy exterior, try dusting the rolls with a little extra cinnamon sugar before cooking.