Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are the perfect blend of two breakfast favorites rolled into one fun, indulgent treat. They capture all the warm, spiced sweetness of a classic cinnamon roll combined with the rich, custardy texture of French toast. I first made these when I wanted something special for a weekend breakfast that felt exciting but did not require yeast or long rising times. The result was an instant hit. These roll-ups cook quickly, develop a golden, crispy exterior, and deliver a soft, cinnamon-filled center in every bite. They are ideal for brunch, holidays, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights. What makes them especially appealing is their versatility; they can be dressed up with toppings or enjoyed simply with powdered sugar. If you enjoy cozy, comforting breakfasts with a playful twist, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are guaranteed to become a favorite.
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Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups That Are Sweet, Crispy, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 roll-ups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and indulgent French toast roll-ups filled with a cinnamon sugar swirl, cooked until golden and finished with a vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
- 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Cooking spray or extra butter for pan
Instructions
- Flatten each slice of bread with a rolling pin.
- Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Spread a thin layer of the cinnamon mixture onto each bread slice.
- Roll each slice tightly into a log.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, coating evenly.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease.
- Cook roll-ups seam-side down, turning until golden on all sides.
- Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon and roll warm toast in mixture.
- Serve warm, optionally with icing or maple syrup.
Notes
- Best served immediately while warm.
- Do not over-soak bread to prevent sogginess.
- Can be filled with cream cheese for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
White sandwich bread
Soft white bread works best because it rolls easily without tearing and absorbs the custard evenly.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese creates a rich, tangy filling that mimics classic cinnamon roll icing.
Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the filling and helps balance the cinnamon spice.
Ground cinnamon
Cinnamon provides warmth and that signature cinnamon roll flavor.
Eggs
Eggs form the base of the French toast custard and give the roll-ups structure.
Whole milk
Milk adds richness and creates a smooth custard mixture.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and aroma.
Butter
Butter is used for cooking the roll-ups and gives them a golden, flavorful exterior.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar is perfect for dusting and finishing the roll-ups.
Maple syrup
Maple syrup adds sweetness and moisture when serving.
Directions
Begin by removing the crusts from the bread slices and flattening each slice gently with a rolling pin until thin and pliable. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
Spread a thin, even layer of the cinnamon cream cheese mixture over each slice of bread. Starting from one edge, roll the bread tightly into a log and set aside.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Dip each roll-up briefly into the egg mixture, coating all sides.
Place the roll-ups seam-side down in the skillet and cook, turning gently, until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people, making approximately 12 roll-ups. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 10 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven until warmed through. Microwaving is possible but may soften the exterior.
Variations and Customizations
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are easy to customize for different tastes. You can add finely chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture. For a sweeter version, drizzle with cream cheese glaze instead of maple syrup. If you enjoy fruit, thin slices of banana or strawberries can be added before rolling. You can also substitute brioche or challah bread for an even richer result. These variations keep the recipe exciting while preserving its comforting, cinnamon-forward flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. It is an indulgent breakfast best enjoyed in moderation. Gluten-free bread may be used with careful handling.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Flatten the Bread Well
Thin bread rolls more easily and cooks evenly.
Do Not Overfill
Too much filling can leak during cooking.
Cook Over Medium Heat
Gentle heat prevents burning while ensuring the center warms through.
Serve Immediately
These roll-ups are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
They are best served fresh, but can be assembled a few hours ahead and cooked when ready.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at a moderate temperature until golden, turning once.
What bread works best?
Soft white bread, brioche, or challah are ideal.
Can I freeze French toast roll-ups?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
Can I make these without cream cheese?
Yes, a cinnamon sugar filling can be used instead.
Are these very sweet?
They are moderately sweet and can be adjusted to taste.
Can I add icing?
Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze works beautifully.
How do I prevent them from unrolling?
Place seam-side down first when cooking.
Are these good for kids?
Yes, they are very kid-friendly.
What toppings pair well?
Powdered sugar, syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a fun, comforting breakfast that combines familiar flavors with an eye-catching presentation. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, they are perfect for special mornings or anytime you want to turn breakfast into something memorable.
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