Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are the breakfast mash-up of your wildest morning dreams. Soft, flattened slices of bread cradle a luscious cream cheese filling swirled with powdered sugar and vanilla, transforming every bite into a mini indulgence. Then we dip those little bundles into an egg-milk custard, roll them in cinnamon-spiced sugar, and cook them until they’re golden brown and irresistible. What you end up with is a handheld breakfast treat that looks and tastes like a cinnamon roll crossed with classic French toast, giving you the best of both worlds in every bite.
I still remember the first time I rolled up these beauties for my weekend brunch gathering. The sizzling sound in the skillet, the sweet scent of cinnamon sugar dancing through the kitchen, and the delighted buzz around the table as everyone dug in—it felt like hosting a five-star brunch right in my own home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to a cozy Saturday morning, these roll-ups deliver big flavor without complicated techniques. Grab your rolling pin, butter up that skillet, and let’s dive into this easy yet show-stopping recipe!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CINNAMON ROLL FRENCH TOAST ROLL-UPS
Before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s chat about the essentials that make these roll-ups sing. Each ingredient has its moment in the spotlight, combining creamy, sweet, and spicy notes into one unforgettable bite.
- Bread
A neutral canvas that soaks up the egg mixture and holds all that creamy filling. White bread gives you extra softness, while whole wheat adds a hint of nuttiness.
- Cream cheese
The star of the filling, bringing rich, tangy creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the sweet sugar and warm cinnamon.
- Powdered sugar
Whisked into the cream cheese, it adds smooth sweetness without any graininess, giving the filling a velvety texture.
- Vanilla extract
Infuses both the filling and the egg custard with floral, aromatic sweetness, rounding out the flavor profile.
- Granulated sugar
Mixed with cinnamon to coat the roll-ups, it adds that classic crunch and sugar spark right on the outside.
- Ground cinnamon
Brings warm spice and depth, evoking all the cozy vibes of a bakery-fresh cinnamon roll.
- Eggs
Whisked into the milk, they form a custardy coating that crisps up beautifully when you cook the roll-ups.
- Milk
Lightens the egg mixture and helps achieve that luscious, golden French toast exterior.
- Butter
Sizzles in the pan and imparts rich, toasty flavor while ensuring the roll-ups get that perfect golden crust.
- Maple syrup
The ultimate finishing touch, adding a sweet, sticky drizzle that ties everything together.
HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON ROLL FRENCH TOAST ROLL-UPS
Every great recipe starts with clean hands and an organized workspace. These simple roll-ups come together quickly and rely on basic techniques that guarantee impressive results, even if you’re a beginner baker.
1. Begin by setting up your workspace. Remove the crusts from the slices of bread using a sharp knife, and gently flatten each slice with a rolling pin to make them easier to roll.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Spread about 1–2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly across each slice of flattened bread, making sure you leave a small border to prevent leaking.
4. Carefully roll each slice of bread up tightly, starting from the edge where the cream cheese is spread. Use your fingers to tuck in the filling as you go so it stays neatly rolled.
5. In another bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until the sugar is fully coated with cinnamon and set this mixture aside.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy.
7. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the pan surface.
8. Dip each rolled-up bread piece into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides, then immediately roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture so it’s fully covered.
9. Place each coated roll in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Add more butter as needed when cooking additional batches to maintain that rich, toasty flavor.
10. Once cooked, remove the roll-ups from the skillet and place them on a serving plate. Continue cooking the remaining rolls, adding butter to the skillet as necessary to keep the pan well-lubricated.
11. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup on top or on the side for dipping.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CINNAMON ROLL FRENCH TOAST ROLL-UPS
When it comes to serving these delightful roll-ups, you’ve got plenty of options to turn breakfast into a special occasion. Whether you’re aiming for simple weeknight comfort or an Instagram-worthy brunch spread, these ideas will help you elevate each plate.
- Fresh Berries & Mint
Garnish your platter with a handful of plump strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries and scatter fresh mint leaves on top. The bright fruit and cool mint add a burst of freshness that balances the sweet, gooey roll-ups.
- Whipped Cream & Citrus Zest
Pipe or dollop a cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream alongside each roll-up, then grate a touch of lemon or orange zest over the top. The citrus oils make every bite feel lively and decadent.
- Nutty Crunch Topping
Chop toasted pecans or almonds and sprinkle them over the roll-ups just before serving. The added texture and nutty flavor create a lovely contrast with the tender French toast.
- Savory Sidekick
Pair with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage links for a sweet-and-savory combo. The salty meat side gives your taste buds a delicious wake-up call and turns this treat into a hearty brunch feast.
HOW TO STORE CINNAMON ROLL FRENCH TOAST ROLL-UPS
If you ever find yourself with leftovers (though it’s rare!), proper storage will keep these roll-ups tasting fresh and scrumptious. Here are some reliable methods to hold onto that dreamy texture and flavor.
- Refrigerator in Airtight Container
Allow the roll-ups to cool to room temperature, then place them in a single layer in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
- Freezer with Flash-Freeze
Lay the cooked roll-ups on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid (about 1 hour). Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
- Reheating in Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the refrigerated or frozen roll-ups on a baking sheet, and bake until warmed through and slightly crisped again (about 5–8 minutes for refrigerated, 10–12 minutes for frozen).
- Microwave Quick Warm-Up
For a speedy reheating option, place a roll-up on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 20–30 seconds. Finish in a hot skillet for 1 minute to restore some of that golden crust.
CONCLUSION
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are proof that you don’t need elaborate pastry skills to impress your family and friends with a bakery-style breakfast at home. With just basic pantry ingredients and easy steps—removing crusts, rolling up creamy filling, dipping in custard, and crisping in butter—you get a handheld sweet treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The warm cinnamon sugar coating, melty cream cheese center, and butter-kissed exterior deliver decadence in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, treating the kids on a lazy weekend, or simply craving a twist on traditional French toast, these roll-ups check all the boxes: they’re beginner-friendly, visually appealing, and utterly delicious.
Feel free to print this article or save it for your next breakfast adventure, and don’t forget to scroll down to the FAQ section below for answers to common questions. Have you tried adding chocolate chips, fresh fruit, or other creative fillings? Drop a comment and let me know how your roll-ups turned out. If you run into any hiccups or just want to share your brunch success story, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback, questions, and recipes swaps are always welcome—let’s keep the breakfast conversation rolling!
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Description
A handheld breakfast treat packing creamy cinnamon cream cheese at its core, wrapped in crispy golden French toast and dusted with spiced sugar—perfectly paired with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by setting up your workspace. Remove the crusts from the slices of bread using a sharp knife, and gently flatten each slice with a rolling pin to make them easier to roll.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
-
Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly across each slice of flattened bread.
-
Carefully roll each slice of bread up tightly, starting from the edge where the cream cheese is spread. Ensure the filling stays inside as you roll.
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In another bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until well combined.
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Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the pan.
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Dip each rolled-up bread piece into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides, and then immediately roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it is well covered.
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Place each coated roll in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Add more butter as needed when cooking additional batches.
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Once cooked, remove the roll-ups from the skillet and place them on a serving plate. Continue to cook the remaining rolls, adding butter to the skillet as necessary.
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Serve warm with maple syrup drizzle on top or on the side for dipping.
Note
- These roll-ups can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, then reheated in the oven for a quick breakfast.
- Feel free to add chocolate chips or fruit to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor.
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are perfect for brunch parties or holiday gatherings.
