If you love the flavor of warm cinnamon rolls and the comforting taste of golden French toast, this recipe is about to become your new favorite. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups combine the best of both worlds: soft bread filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, rolled up, dipped in egg custard, and cooked until perfectly golden. They’re crisp on the outside, gooey inside, and absolutely irresistible for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Quick – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Kid-Friendly – Perfect for little hands and picky eaters.
- Customizable – Endless filling and topping variations.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep ahead for busy mornings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(with purpose & substitutions)
- Soft sandwich bread (white, brioche, or challah) – flexible and easy to roll.
- Cream cheese (softened) – adds rich, bakery-style flavor. (Use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version.)
- Powdered sugar – for a smooth, sweet filling.
- Ground cinnamon + sugar – the star combo for that cinnamon roll flavor.
- Eggs – the base of the French toast custard. (Substitute flax eggs for vegan.)
- Milk (whole, almond, or oat) – keeps the coating creamy and rich.
- Vanilla extract – enhances sweetness naturally.
- Butter (for cooking) – ensures crisp, golden roll-ups. (Use coconut oil for dairy-free.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Set aside for spreading.
2. Flatten the Bread
- Trim the crusts from the bread slices.
- Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice (makes rolling easier).
3. Add the Filling
- Spread about 1–2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture onto each slice.
- Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar.
4. Roll Tightly
- Roll each slice into a log, seam side down.
5. Make the Custard
- In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon.
6. Dip and Cook
- Dip each roll-up into the custard mixture.
- Heat butter in a non-stick pan and cook roll-ups over medium heat, turning until golden brown on all sides (2–3 minutes per side).
7. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- While still warm, roll the cooked roll-ups in cinnamon sugar for that signature crunch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Roll-Ups
- Bread matters – Use soft but sturdy bread (brioche holds up best).
- Don’t soak too long – Quick dip in custard prevents sogginess.
- Keep warm in oven – If making a large batch, keep finished roll-ups in a 200°F (90°C) oven until ready to serve.
- Crispier finish – Try cooking in an air fryer at 375°F for 6–7 minutes.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Nutella & Banana Roll-Ups – Spread Nutella and add sliced bananas.
- Apple Pie Roll-Ups – Add spiced apple filling for a fall twist.
- Pumpkin Spice Roll-Ups – Perfect for autumn brunch.
- Savory Spin – Use cream cheese + herbs instead of sugar.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Drizzle with maple syrup, caramel, or cream cheese glaze.
- Serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream.
- Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced chai for the ultimate breakfast experience.
Nutrition (per 2 roll-ups, approximate)
- Calories: 220
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
(Nutrition will vary depending on bread and fillings used.)
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in toaster oven or air fryer for crispness.
- Freezer: Flash-freeze uncooked roll-ups, then cook straight from frozen (add 2–3 minutes cooking time).
- Meal Prep Hack: Assemble roll-ups the night before, refrigerate, and cook in the morning.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these without cream cheese?
A: Yes! Try Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit jam as a filling.
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Absolutely—bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: How do I stop them from falling apart?
A: Flatten the bread well, roll tightly, and place seam-side down when cooking.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are more than just a recipe—they’re a crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels indulgent but is easy enough for everyday mornings. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a quick weekday treat, these roll-ups are guaranteed to impress.
So grab your bread, cinnamon, and cream cheese—and get rolling! 🥖✨
