Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-up Recipe

There's something irresistible about the scent of cinnamon and sugar filling your kitchen on a lazy weekend morning. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are everything you love about breakfast – warm, gooey, sweet, and comforting – wrapped up in a fun, handheld twist.

this Recipe

I first whipped these up on a chilly Saturday when I wanted something cozy but didn’t feel like baking an entire batch of cinnamon rolls. One bite, and my family was hooked. They’ve been a breakfast favorite ever since – quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and just the right amount of indulgent to make mornings feel special.

Let’s dive into the delicious details.

Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Up Recipe

Get ready to meet your new go-to breakfast treat. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups combine the soft, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the crisp edges and custardy center of classic French toast.

First off, they’re ridiculously easy. If you’ve got sandwich bread, a few pantry staples, and about 20 minutes to spare, you’re already halfway there. This recipe skips the yeast and long rise times of traditional cinnamon rolls – perfect when you want something special without the wait.

They’re also incredibly kid-friendly. My little ones love helping roll them up and dunking them in syrup. Plus, no forks or knives required – they’re made to be picked up and devoured.

Looking for a crowd-pleasing brunch option? These roll-ups are a hit with guests and perfect for buffet-style breakfasts. Just keep them warm in the oven and watch them disappear.

And let’s not forget how customizable they are. Whether you drizzle with cream cheese glaze, dunk in maple syrup, or dust with powdered sugar, you can easily make them your own.

Now that your mouth is watering, let’s take a closer look at what goes into them.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each one brings flavor and texture that captures the magic of a cinnamon roll in every bite.

Soft white sandwich bread is the base of each roll-up. Choose a brand that’s pillowy and fresh – the softer, the better, since you’ll be rolling it out thin. Avoid artisanal or crusty loaves here; you want bread that bends easily without tearing.

Cream cheese is the creamy surprise hidden inside. Let it come to room temperature so it spreads smoothly. You can sweeten it slightly with powdered sugar if you like, but I prefer to let the cinnamon sugar coating do the heavy lifting on the sweetness.

Cinnamon and granulated sugar create that signature swirl of warm, spiced sweetness. Mix them together before sprinkling over the cream cheese to give each roll that classic cinnamon roll flavor.

Eggs and milk make the French toast-style coating. This mixture gives each roll-up that golden exterior with a soft, custardy middle. Use whole milk if you can – the added richness really shines here.

You don’t need much in the way of equipment – just a rolling pin, a skillet, and a shallow bowl for the egg mixture. A nonstick pan makes cleanup a breeze, and a spatula is perfect for turning the roll-ups as they brown.

How To Make This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Up Recipe

Making these roll-ups is simple and fun, especially if you have little kitchen helpers. Let’s walk through the steps to make sure you get the perfect golden-brown result every time.

Start by preparing your bread. Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice of white sandwich bread until it’s thin and pliable. Trim the crusts for easier rolling, and set them aside. This step helps the roll-ups stay tightly rolled and gives them that smooth, bakery-style finish once cooked.

Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese over each slice. Don’t go too heavy – just enough to coat the bread evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the cream cheese, covering every edge. Then, starting from one end, roll each slice tightly into a neat log.

In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk to create your French toast coating. Dip each roll-up quickly into the mixture – you want them coated, but not soggy. Let any excess drip off before placing them in the skillet.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little butter to coat the pan. Once it’s melted and sizzling, place the roll-ups seam-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning to brown all sides evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden and slightly crisp on the outside.

Remove the roll-ups from the pan and immediately roll them in a bit more cinnamon sugar. This step adds that perfect, slightly crunchy exterior that mimics the top of a cinnamon roll. Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a simple glaze if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 20–25 minutes. It’s fast, fun, and full of flavor – everything you want from a weekend breakfast treat.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, these roll-ups store surprisingly well. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating is easy – just pop them in the toaster oven or skillet for a few minutes until warm and crisp again.

You can also freeze them. Arrange the cooled roll-ups on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

For best texture, avoid microwaving – it tends to make them soggy. Instead, use a hot pan or oven to bring back their crisp edges and soft interior.

These are a great make-ahead option for holidays or busy mornings. Just prep and freeze, then reheat and serve when needed.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can swap ingredients or add your own twist to suit your taste – or whatever’s in your pantry.

Try adding a bit of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar before rolling. It adds a satisfying crunch and a touch of nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.

Not a fan of cream cheese? Swap it out for Nutella, peanut butter, or even a layer of apple butter. Each variation brings a different kind of richness and depth of flavor.

If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of cinnamon sugar or use a sugar substitute. The flavors still shine through without being overly sweet.

Looking for a dairy-free version? Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk. Many non-dairy options work well in the egg mixture and still yield a golden, satisfying crust.

You can also take them in a more dessert-like direction. Drizzle with cream cheese glaze, top with fresh berries, or even turn them into a mini roll-up bread pudding if you have extras.

With so many ways to make them your own, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Go ahead and experiment – you might just discover your new favorite version.

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