I am so excited to share this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe with you because it perfectly combines two of my favorite breakfast treats—cinnamon rolls and French toast—into one irresistible bite-sized delight. From the moment I first tried this recipe, I was hooked on its sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor and the wonderful contrast of its crispy exterior with the soft, gooey inside. Whether I’m treating myself on a lazy weekend morning or impressing friends at brunch, this dish feels like a cozy hug in edible form.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
What really makes this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe a winner in my book is the balance of flavors and textures. The cinnamon and brown sugar mixture gives it that classic sweet warmth you’d expect from a cinnamon roll, but the French toast coating adds a golden, slightly crispy outside that contrasts so nicely with the tender, melt-in-your-mouth inside. Every bite feels special yet comforting, like a little breakfast celebration.
Another reason I adore this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. I especially appreciate that it doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated steps, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced home cooks. Plus, it comes together quickly—perfect when I want something impressive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s an excellent choice for cozy weekend breakfasts, holiday mornings, or even a delicious treat to surprise family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, everyday ingredients each play an essential role in making this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups recipe shine. From the softness of the bread to the richness of the eggs and butter, every component contributes to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- White sandwich bread: I find it best to use soft, fresh bread without the crusts; it rolls smoothly and holds the filling well.
- Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture stick evenly on the bread.
- Brown sugar: Provides a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses every bite with warm, fragrant flavor.
- Eggs: Essential for the French toast coating, adding a lovely golden color and slight savory depth.
- Milk: Helps thin out the egg mixture for an even, smooth coating on the roll-ups.
- Vanilla extract: A little splash of vanilla elevates the flavor and adds a sweet aroma.
- Butter for frying: Gives a deliciously crisp and golden crust on the exterior while keeping the inside moist.
Directions
Step 1: Start by removing the crusts from each slice of white bread. Then, flatten each slice using a rolling pin to create an even surface for rolling and spreading the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and two tablespoons of ground cinnamon until well combined. This fragrant mixture will be the sweet filling inside the roll-ups.
Step 3: Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over each flattened bread slice, leaving a small border around the edges so the filling won’t spill out when you roll it.
Step 4: Carefully roll up each bread slice tightly, making sure to press gently along the edges to seal them shut so the filling stays inside.
Step 5: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, half a teaspoon of cinnamon, and vanilla extract—this will be your flavorful French toast coating.
Step 6: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add two to three tablespoons of butter, swirling it until melted and foaming.
Step 7: Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, place the roll-ups seam-side down in the skillet to prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
Step 8: Cook the roll-ups, turning every 30 seconds or so, until all sides are golden brown and crisp (about 2 to 3 minutes total). Remove from heat and let cool for a minute before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 3 servings, perfect for a small breakfast gathering or an indulgent family meal. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes, thanks to its quick assembly steps. Cooking takes about 10 to 15 minutes total, depending on your stove and skillet. In all, you’re looking at approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. No resting or cooling time is really needed, though I like to let them sit just a minute to firm up before serving.
How to Serve This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
When I serve this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe, I like to keep things simple and inviting. These roll-ups shine best when served warm so that golden crust is crispy, and the cinnamon sugar filling is ooey-gooey inside. A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of maple syrup adds a lovely finishing touch and an extra layer of sweetness.
I love pairing these roll-ups with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or even a tangy fruit compote to balance the richness. Adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this dish into an irresistible dessert-style breakfast that’s sure to wow guests. For presentation, I arrange the roll-ups on a pretty platter stacked neatly or in a circle for a festive feel.
As for beverages, a hot cup of coffee or chai latte complements the cinnamon flavors beautifully. On special occasions, I sometimes serve them with a glass of sparkling apple cider or even a sweet breakfast cocktail like a cinnamon-spiced mimosa. Whether for a weekend brunch, holiday treat, or cozy family breakfast, these roll-ups always bring a smile to the table.
Variations
One of the things I love about the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you prefer whole grain or gluten-free bread, those work perfectly as long as they’re sliced thin and soft enough to roll easily. You can swap out the brown sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup if you want a natural sweetener twist.
If you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can use plant-based butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk. For the eggs, I like a flaxseed or chickpea flour mixture to mimic the coating, though the texture will be a little different but still delicious. Experimenting with fillings like adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even a spread of almond butter inside the rolls adds exciting flavor variations.
Instead of pan-frying, I sometimes bake these roll-ups in the oven on a parchment-lined tray at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway, for a slightly lighter, less buttery version. This method also works great if you’re making a larger batch.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Placing a paper towel in the container can help absorb excess moisture and keep the roll-ups from getting soggy.
Freezing
These roll-ups freeze really well, which is a lifesaver for busy mornings. Just let them cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep best for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
My favorite way to reheat these roll-ups is by warming them in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter, flipping gently until they’re hot and crisp all over. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave works, but it can make the crust a bit soft. To restore some crunch after microwaving, a minute or two in a toaster oven or under the broiler helps bring them back to life beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white sandwich bread is traditional and easy to roll, you can try whole wheat, gluten-free, or brioche breads. Just make sure the slices are soft and thin enough to roll without cracking.
What if I don’t have a rolling pin to flatten the bread?
No worries! You can use a heavy drinking glass or even your hands to gently press and flatten the bread. The goal is to make it thin enough to roll easily but not so thin that it tears.
Can I prepare these roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the roll-ups the night before and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Dip and cook them fresh in the morning for the best texture and flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
Sure! You can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling or omit the vanilla from the egg mixture. Serving with fresh berries instead of syrup can also balance sweetness naturally.
What’s the best way to keep the roll-ups from unrolling while frying?
Placing them seam-side down on the skillet right after dipping in the egg mixture helps seal them shut. Also, rolling tightly and gently pressing the edges together when assembling makes a big difference.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe because it truly brings joy to any breakfast or brunch table. It’s easy to make, full of comforting cinnamon goodness, and versatile enough to suit many tastes and occasions. I can’t wait for you to experience just how delicious and fun these little roll-ups are—trust me, you’re going to love every bite!
