Soft bread rolled with a sweet cream cheese filling, dipped in rich egg custard, and pan-fried to golden perfection; these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are everything you crave in a cozy breakfast. The warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla, paired with a creamy center, make each bite a delightful balance of texture and flavor.
Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or whenever you’re in the mood for a little indulgence, these roll-ups come together quickly and can be customized with your favorite syrups or glazes. Whether served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast from the table!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
8 slices soft white bread
-
4 oz cream cheese, softened
-
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/4 cup granulated sugar
-
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
-
2 eggs
-
1/4 cup milk
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for frying
-
Maple syrup or cream cheese glaze, for serving (optional)
Directions:
-
Trim the crusts off each slice of bread and flatten with a rolling pin.
-
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each flattened slice of bread.
-
Roll each slice tightly into a log.
-
In another small bowl, mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar together.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
-
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add butter.
-
Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
-
Place in the skillet and cook, turning often, until golden brown on all sides.
-
Immediately roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while warm.
-
Serve with maple syrup or drizzle with cream cheese glaze if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups: A Breakfast Classic with a Sweet Twist
If there’s one breakfast that captures hearts and taste buds across generations, it’s French toast. Soft bread, soaked in a rich egg mixture and pan-fried to golden perfection, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. But what happens when you blend that cozy nostalgia with the gooey, spiced comfort of cinnamon rolls? You get Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups; a breakfast treat that combines two classic favorites into one irresistible bite-sized indulgence.
These roll-ups are soft, creamy, and warmly spiced, with a delightful contrast between the crisp, golden-brown exterior and the luscious cream cheese filling inside. Dusted or rolled in cinnamon sugar and optionally drizzled with maple syrup or glaze, they deliver everything you love about cinnamon rolls and French toast, all in a fun and easy-to-make format.
Whether you’re preparing a special weekend brunch, looking for a kid-friendly breakfast idea, or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, these roll-ups check all the boxes. Let’s explore the magic behind this dish, from its ingredients to creative variations and expert tips for making them perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love These French Toast Roll-Ups
There’s something nostalgic about both French toast and cinnamon rolls. They remind us of lazy Sunday mornings, cozy family gatherings, and the irresistible smell of cinnamon wafting from the kitchen. These roll-ups are a shortcut to that feeling, offering the comfort of cinnamon rolls without the time it takes to make dough from scratch.
But it’s not just about nostalgia, it’s also about practicality. This recipe uses basic pantry and fridge staples: bread, eggs, cream cheese, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s a no-fuss option that delivers big on flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
What makes it even better is the versatility. These roll-ups are:
-
Kid-friendly: Soft, sweet, and easy to eat with your hands.
-
Quick to prepare: 20 minutes from start to finish.
-
Make-ahead friendly: You can assemble and refrigerate them overnight.
-
Crowd-pleasing: A hit at brunches, potlucks, or breakfast-for-dinner nights.
The Key Ingredients that Make It Magical
The brilliance of this recipe lies in its simplicity, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the final delicious result:
-
Soft White Bread: You’ll want to use regular sandwich bread, the kind that’s soft and easy to roll without cracking. Day-old bread works even better as it soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart.
-
Cream Cheese Filling: A simple blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract mimics the rich filling you’d find inside a cinnamon roll. It adds tang, sweetness, and creaminess to every bite.
-
Cinnamon Sugar: The classic combo of granulated sugar and cinnamon adds that iconic cinnamon roll flavor and gives the roll-ups their sweet crunch.
-
Egg & Milk Custard: The dipping mixture is similar to traditional French toast, binding the bread and adding richness.
-
Butter: For pan-frying the roll-ups to golden perfection.
Technique Tips for Perfect Roll-Ups
While the recipe is easy, a few pro tips can elevate your results:
-
Flatten the Bread Well: Use a rolling pin to really press down the slices. The thinner the bread, the easier it rolls and the crispier it gets when cooked.
-
Don’t Overfill: A small amount of cream cheese filling goes a long way. Overfilling can lead to leakage during frying.
-
Seal the Roll-Ups Tightly: Once you spread the filling and roll up the bread, press the seam down slightly to help seal it closed.
-
Hot Skillet is Key: Make sure your pan is hot and buttered before adding the roll-ups. This gives them a quick sear and prevents sogginess.
-
Roll in Cinnamon Sugar While Warm: Doing this ensures the sugar sticks well and melts slightly into the crust, enhancing flavor and texture.
Creative Variations to Try
Want to put your own spin on these roll-ups? Here are some fun twists:
-
Apple Pie Filling: Add a thin layer of spiced apple compote before rolling the bread for an apple-cinnamon twist.
-
Nutella Center: Swap the cream cheese for a smear of Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut delight.
-
Berry Cream Cheese: Mix some mashed strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries into the cream cheese filling.
-
Savory Version: Omit the sugar and cinnamon and instead fill with scrambled eggs and cheese for a savory breakfast roll-up.
-
Baked Version: Place roll-ups in a baking dish, pour extra egg mixture on top, and bake like a French toast casserole.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These roll-ups are best served fresh, but you can make them ahead in a couple of ways:
-
Refrigerate Uncooked Roll-Ups: Assemble and dip the roll-ups in the egg mixture, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
-
Freeze for Later: Cooked roll-ups can be frozen once cooled. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for a quick treat.
Ideal Serving Suggestions
These roll-ups are delightful on their own, but you can make your breakfast spread even more special by adding:
-
Fresh Fruit: Sliced bananas, berries, or orange segments.
-
Whipped Cream: Adds a light, fluffy contrast to the crispy roll-ups.
-
Drinks: Pair with hot coffee, chai, or a vanilla latte. For kids, serve with milk or warm cocoa.
For brunch parties, serve them alongside savory items like bacon, scrambled eggs, or quiche for a balanced meal.
A Breakfast Recipe That Feels Like a Hug
There’s a reason these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups have become a viral favorite online, they’re simple to make, beautiful to serve, and full of comforting, familiar flavors. Whether you’re a busy parent looking to delight your kids, a weekend brunch host aiming to impress guests, or just someone who loves cinnamon, these roll-ups hit the mark.
They’re a little bit fancy, a little bit nostalgic, and a whole lot delicious.
Conclusion
In a world full of complicated recipes and fancy brunch menus, sometimes it’s the simple, heartwarming dishes that make the most impact. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are exactly that kind of recipe. They deliver indulgence without stress, flavor without fuss, and joy with every bite.
So next time you want to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special, skip the store-bought cinnamon rolls or elaborate bakes. Instead, roll up your sleeves, literally, and make these sweet, creamy, cinnamon-kissed French toast roll-ups. You won’t regret it.