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.