Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Craving something that feels like dessert but counts as breakfast? Enter Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups—a dreamy fusion of your favorite cinnamon roll flavors wrapped inside golden, crispy French toast. They’re warm, gooey, and completely irresistible.
What Are Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups?
Imagine taking soft bread, rolling it up with cinnamon sugar filling, dunking it in eggy goodness, and frying it till it’s crisp. Yep, that’s exactly what these are. Basically, breakfast royalty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
They’re easy to make, kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and look way fancier than the effort it takes to whip them up. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a special brunch, these roll-ups are always a hit.
Ingredients Overview
What You’ll Need
- 8 slices of white sandwich bread (crusts removed)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Butter or oil (for frying)
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, cream cheese glaze, maple syrup
Ingredient Substitutions
- Swap white bread with brioche or whole wheat.
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
- Almond milk works great if you’re dairy-free.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Flatten the Bread: Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice of bread.
- Mix the Filling: Combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a paste.
- Spread and Roll: Spread filling onto each slice and roll it tightly.
- Make the Egg Dip: Whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla in a shallow dish.
- Dip the Roll-Ups: Gently roll each log in the egg mixture.
- Cook: Fry in a buttered skillet over medium heat until all sides are golden brown.
- Top & Serve: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze. Serve warm.
Pro Tips for Perfect Roll-Ups
- Use day-old bread for better structure.
- Don’t oversaturate the bread in the egg mixture—it’ll get soggy.
- Cook on medium heat for even browning.
The Best Bread for French Toast Roll-Ups
White Bread vs. Brioche
White bread is the go-to—it’s soft and easy to roll. Brioche adds richness and flavor, though it can be trickier to work with.
How to Prep Your Bread
Trim off crusts and use a rolling pin to flatten it. This helps it hold the cinnamon filling better and roll without tearing.
Making the Cinnamon Filling
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
A mix of softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates that classic cinnamon roll vibe in seconds.
Can You Use Store-Bought Filling?
Yes! Cinnamon spread or even Nutella can work in a pinch. But homemade gives you better control over sweetness.
Rolling and Dipping the Roll-Ups
How to Roll Without Breaking the Bread
Flatten the bread well, don’t overfill, and roll gently but tightly. It’s like swaddling a baby—firm but loving.
Making the Perfect Egg Mixture
Whisk eggs with milk and a splash of vanilla. Want it sweeter? Add a pinch of sugar or cinnamon.
Cooking Methods
Pan-Frying
Classic and quick. Fry each roll-up in butter until golden all around.
Baking in the Oven
Place roll-ups on a parchment-lined tray, brush with melted butter, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Air Fryer Option
400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Crispy outside, gooey inside.
Toppings and Dips
Classic Powdered Sugar
A simple dusting makes them look bakery-worthy.
Cream Cheese Glaze
Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk. Drizzle for that cinnamon roll effect.
Maple Syrup and Fruit
Go traditional with syrup or jazz it up with strawberries, bananas, or blueberries.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Can You Freeze Them?
Totally. Assemble and freeze before cooking, or freeze leftovers. Wrap tightly and store for up to a month.
Reheating Without Losing Texture
Use an air fryer or toaster oven to re-crisp. Avoid microwaving—they go soggy fast.
Kid-Friendly and Party-Perfect
A Fun Breakfast for All Ages
Let kids help roll and dip. It’s messy fun and gets them excited about breakfast.
Mini Roll-Ups for Brunch Parties
Cut bread in half before rolling to make bite-sized versions. Serve with mini toothpicks and dip stations.
Nutritional Information
Per roll-up (without toppings):
- Calories: ~120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 14g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Lighten it up with low-fat milk and sugar alternatives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Soggy Roll-Ups
Don’t soak the bread too long. A quick dip is all you need.
Burnt Outside, Raw Inside
Medium heat is your friend. Let the inside cook while the outside browns.
Flavor Variations
Nutella-Stuffed French Toast Roll-Ups
Swap cinnamon filling for Nutella and thank us later.
Apple Cinnamon Roll-Ups
Add finely diced cooked apples to the filling for a fall twist.
Pumpkin Spice Twist
Use pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar for a seasonal favorite.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a sweet, crispy, cinnamon-swirled dream. They’re easy to whip up, fun to eat, and totally customizable. Whether you’re making breakfast special or impressing guests at brunch, these roll-ups deliver every time. So grab your skillet and start rolling—breakfast just got a major upgrade!
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes! Just make sure it’s soft and not too crumbly so it rolls well.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Air fryer or toaster oven for that crispy texture.
How do I make them dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.
Can I prepare the night before?
Yes. Assemble and store in the fridge. Dip and cook in the morning.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Freeze after rolling or cooking, then reheat straight from frozen.