Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-up Recipe

There's something downright magical about the smell of cinnamon and vanilla filling the kitchen on a lazy weekend morning. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups deliver that same cozy comfort in a handheld, dunkable form that’s equal parts breakfast and dessert.

I first whipped these up during a holiday brunch when I wanted something fun and easy that still felt a little indulgent. They were such a hit that now they’re a go-to for birthdays, sleepovers, or just when we’re craving something sweet and special.

Golden on the outside, gooey on the inside, and dusted with cinnamon sugar, these roll-ups are everything you love about cinnamon rolls and French toast – but faster and way more fun to eat.

Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with this delicious breakfast treat.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups

Get ready for your new favorite morning indulgence. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups check every box when it comes to ease, taste, and family appeal.

First off, they’re super quick and easy to make. You’ll only need about 20 minutes from start to finish, and there’s no yeast, no rising time, and no complicated steps. Perfect for a spontaneous weekend treat.

They're also kid-approved and family-friendly. The roll-up style makes them easy for little hands to grab, dip, and devour – no fork necessary. Great for brunches, playdates, or just turning an ordinary morning into something memorable.

Another win? These are budget-friendly. With simple pantry staples like bread, cinnamon, eggs, and cream cheese, you can make a batch without a trip to the store.

And finally, they’re incredibly customizable. Want to go extra indulgent? Add a drizzle of icing or a scoop of Nutella inside. Looking for a slightly lighter version? Use low-fat cream cheese and skip the sugar dusting.

Whether you're serving a crowd or just spoiling yourself, these roll-ups are a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms humble ingredients into something unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters.

White sandwich bread is the soft, pliable foundation of these roll-ups. It’s easy to flatten and roll without cracking, making it ideal for creating that classic cinnamon roll shape. If you prefer whole wheat or gluten-free options, just be sure they’re soft and flexible.

Cream cheese brings that luscious, tangy center that mimics the flavor of traditional cinnamon rolls. Soften it before spreading – it blends more easily and won't tear the bread. For a lighter take, use whipped or low-fat cream cheese.

Brown sugar and ground cinnamon are the heart of the flavor. Mixed together, they create that sweet, spiced swirl we all associate with warm cinnamon rolls. Light brown sugar works beautifully, but dark brown sugar will give an even deeper molasses note.

Eggs and milk form the custard base for the French toast coating. I recommend whole milk for richness, but any milk will work. Make sure your eggs are well beaten for even coverage.

Butter, melted and brushed on after cooking, helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds a rich, bakery-style finish. You can skip it if needed, but that final touch makes these extra crave-worthy.

No fancy equipment needed here – just a rolling pin (or even a clean glass), a nonstick skillet, and a small mixing bowl or two.

How To Make These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups

Making these roll-ups is quick, fun, and totally foolproof. Here's how it all comes together step-by-step.

Start by preparing the bread. Trim the crusts from each slice and use a rolling pin to flatten them completely. This step is key – the thinner the bread, the easier it is to roll up and seal with the filling inside.

Next, make your filling by mixing softened cream cheese with a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Spread a thin layer onto each piece of bread, leaving a small border so it doesn’t ooze out during rolling. Then sprinkle on the cinnamon sugar mixture and gently roll each slice up, pressing to seal.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract. Dip each roll-up in the mixture, coating all sides. Don't let them soak – a quick dunk is all you need to avoid sogginess.

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. Cook the roll-ups seam side down first to seal, then rotate until all sides are golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side.

While still warm, brush each roll-up with melted butter and immediately roll in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. The butter helps it stick and adds that irresistible crunch and shine on the outside.

From start to finish, the whole process takes just about 20 minutes. You'll end up with warm, golden, gooey roll-ups that taste like mini cinnamon rolls dipped in French toast batter – basically breakfast heaven.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), these roll-ups store surprisingly well. Allow them to cool completely before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.

For short-term storage, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or skillet for the best texture.

You can also freeze the cooked roll-ups. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, just pop them into the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or reheat in an air fryer.

To reheat, avoid the microwave if possible – it tends to make them rubbery. A quick pan toast or low oven reheat will bring back that golden crisp exterior.

Variations and Substitutions

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups are endlessly adaptable to your cravings and pantry.

Try swapping the cream cheese filling with Nutella or peanut butter for a whole new flavor profile. You can even use apple butter or fruit preserves for a fruity twist – great for fall!

Instead of the classic cinnamon-sugar topping, drizzle the finished roll-ups with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. It gives them that bakery-style icing finish and an extra hint of sweetness.

For a slightly lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and skip the final butter-and-sugar coating. They’ll still be tasty and comforting with fewer calories.

Want to go extra decadent? Add a few mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans inside each roll-up before rolling. It adds texture and a fun surprise in the center.

Feel free to play around and make them your own. Once you try the basic version, you’ll start dreaming up all kinds of variations – and they’re all delicious.

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