If you’re looking to bring the best of brunch into a single, unforgettable bite, you simply have to experience Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups. This recipe turns humble sandwich bread into pockets of swirled cinnamon sugar bliss, then coats them in custard and sizzles them golden in a pan—combining the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls and French toast in one irresistible treat. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a celebratory snack, these bite-sized roll-ups deliver the magic of a bakery-style pastry with the ease of a skillet recipe you can whip up in minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just a handful of kitchen basics that each play a starring role. These are the building blocks that give Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups their creamy inside, cinnamon sugar swirls, and toasty exterior.
- Bread: Soft, regular sandwich bread works perfect here—its flexibility allows for easy rolling and soaking up the custard.
- Cream Cheese: Room temperature is best, so it spreads easily and melts into gooey goodness inside each roll-up.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the cream cheese filling for that classic “frosted” flavor.
- Cinnamon: The star spice in our swirl, bringing depth and warmth with every bite.
- Granulated Sugar: Combines with cinnamon for the essential cinnamon-sugar mix that makes each roll-up taste like a cinnamon bun.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and turn the outer layer into true French toast—rich and golden.
- Milk: Whisks with eggs to make the custard light and fluffy; whole milk brings extra creaminess.
- Butter: For pan-frying—ensure a crispy, golden exterior while adding delicious buttery flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances the custard and ties together all the sweet, bakery-style notes.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by beating the cream cheese with powdered sugar until completely smooth and lump-free. This mixture forms your sweet, tangy “frosting” swirl for the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups. Set it aside so it’s ready for rolling—it should be easily spreadable, not stiff.
Step 2: Flatten the Bread
Take each slice of sandwich bread and gently roll it out with a rolling pin. Flat bread is much easier to roll around the filling and keeps your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups nice and compact. If you don’t have a rolling pin, a sturdy drinking glass will do the trick!
Step 3: Add the Filling and Cinnamon Sugar
Spread a thin but generous layer of the cream cheese filling onto each slice of bread. Sprinkle a heaping spoonful of cinnamon sugar evenly on top—be generous here, this is where you get all the flavor of a cinnamon roll packed into every bite.
Step 4: Roll Them Up
Tightly roll up each slice, pressing gently to seal. The tighter you roll, the more beautiful your spiral will be—and the less likely the filling will escape while cooking. Set the rolled-up pieces aside with the seam side down.
Step 5: Dip in Custard
In a shallow dish, whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together. Dip each roll-up into the mixture, turning until fully coated. Don’t let them sit too long or they’ll get soggy; a quick dunk does the job.
Step 6: Cook to Golden Perfection
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the soaked roll-ups seam side down and cook, turning often, until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if needed—and enjoy the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Garnishes
For a bakery-fresh finish, dust your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups with a little extra powdered sugar, drizzle them with maple syrup or cream cheese glaze, or top with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor. Even a tiny sprinkle of extra cinnamon makes them look irresistible.
Side Dishes
These roll-ups shine alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt, fruit salad, or a simple side of crispy bacon or sausage. The contrast of creamy, tart, or salty sides brings out the sweetness and richness of the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups, making your breakfast or brunch feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups stacked in a tower, lined up on a platter for a brunch buffet, or even as finger food with toothpicks and a bowl of dip. For parties, cut them into bite-sized pieces and let guests dunk them in chocolate or extra cream cheese glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra roll-ups, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheating brings back their freshly-made texture, so don’t worry if you can’t finish the whole batch right away!
Freezing
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups freeze beautifully! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to two months—perfect for unexpected cravings or quick breakfasts.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the roll-ups in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until hot and crisp. The microwave also works, but the texture will be a little softer. Either way, they’re just as dreamy as the day you made them!
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap regular cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and use your favorite non-dairy milk. They’ll still be delicious, and everyone at the table can enjoy them.
What type of bread should I use for this recipe?
Soft, white sandwich bread is easiest to roll up, but you can use whole wheat or even brioche for an extra indulgent treat. Avoid bread that’s super crusty—it’s harder to flatten and roll.
Can I assemble Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups the night before?
You can prep the roll-ups and store them tightly wrapped in the fridge (before dipping in custard) overnight. In the morning, just dip them and cook—perfect for busy weekends or feeding a brunch crowd.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are naturally party-friendly! Cut them in half, stack them on a platter, and serve with little cups of glaze or chocolate for dipping. Kids and adults alike love them as sweet finger food.
Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Arrange the dipped roll-ups on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, turning once for even browning. They won’t be quite as crispy as pan-fried but are just as tasty (and a little lighter).
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to surprise someone—or just indulge your inner brunch lover—Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a dream come true. Every bite is filled with gooey cinnamon sugar and wrapped in a toasty hug, making any morning feel special. Go ahead and give them a try; your kitchen just might become everyone’s new favorite breakfast spot!
PrintCinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 roll-ups
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups bring together the gooey, sweet goodness of classic cinnamon rolls with the warmth and comfort of French toast. Soft bread is filled with cinnamon-sugar cream cheese, rolled up, dipped in an egg mixture, and cooked to golden perfection, making them ideal for a delightful breakfast or indulgent brunch treat.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Roll-Ups
- 8 slices soft white bread (crusts removed)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing or frying)
For the Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Optional (for serving)
- Cream cheese glaze or maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Flatten the Bread: Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each slice of bread. Removing the crusts helps them roll up easily and gives a neat, tidy look.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread about 1 tablespoon of the prepared cinnamon-cream cheese mixture onto each piece of flattened bread, making sure to leave a small border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
- Roll Up the Bread: Carefully roll each slice of bread into a tight log, starting from one end and rolling to the other, enclosing the filling in the center.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
- Dip the Roll-Ups: Gently dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are coated but not oversaturated so they hold their shape.
- Cook the Roll-Ups: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brush with some of the melted butter. Place roll-ups seam-side down and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown, about 2-4 minutes per side. Work in batches if needed, adding more butter as necessary.
- Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and additional cinnamon. As soon as the roll-ups are done cooking, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm for a delectably sweet coating.
- Serve: Serve warm, optionally drizzling with cream cheese glaze or maple syrup for extra indulgence. Enjoy immediately for the best texture.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for sturdier roll-ups that hold their shape and don’t turn soggy.
- Try adding chopped pecans or raisins to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- You can prepare the filling the night before to save time in the morning.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven, but they’re best enjoyed fresh.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-sugar options.
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