Get ready to swoon over Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups! These little breakfast wonders take everything you love about ooey gooey cinnamon rolls and transform them into crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside French toast treats. You’ll savor the sweet aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as you roll these up and dip them in a creamy, dreamy filling. It’s the perfect recipe for family brunches, lazy weekends, or any time you want to turn an ordinary morning into something magical. Trust me, this dish is about to become your new breakfast obsession!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the stars of the show! Each ingredient for these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups plays a crucial role, from balancing the sweet and tangy notes to guaranteeing that classic swirl of cinnamon goodness. Don’t skip a single one if you’re after the ultimate fluffy, creamy, cinnamon-kissed bite.
- White sandwich bread: The soft, squishy texture makes it perfect for rolling and holds the creamy filling together beautifully.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese becomes airy and spreadable, lending the signature tang that sets these roll-ups apart.
- Powdered sugar: Blends seamlessly into the cream cheese for a silky-sweet filling with no grainy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash wakes up all the other flavors and adds a bakery-fresh aroma.
- Granulated sugar: Gives a delightful crunch when mixed with cinnamon and rolled onto the warm toast.
- Ground cinnamon: You can’t have a cinnamon roll experience without this comforting, spicy-sweet classic.
- Large eggs: The secret to that golden, custardy French toast coating, ensuring each roll fries up beautifully.
- Milk: Loosens up the eggs for an even soak, making the coating extra tender.
- Butter: Melts into the pan, giving the roll-ups the richest outer texture and hint of decadence.
- Optional: Maple syrup or cream cheese glaze: Because an extra drizzle of sweetness takes these roll-ups over the top at serving time.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Step 1: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by grabbing a small mixing bowl and blending together your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. You want this mixture to be smooth and creamy with no lumps – the perfect sweet and tangy layer for your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups. Using room temperature cream cheese makes this step a breeze!
Step 2: Prep the Cinnamon Sugar
In a separate bowl, stir together your granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set this magic dust aside; it’s going to provide that classic cinnamon roll sparkle and crunch after the roll-ups are cooked.
Step 3: Flatten the Bread
Take the crusts off your slices of white sandwich bread, then use a rolling pin to flatten each piece into a thin sheet. This makes the bread pliable so you can roll it around the filling without any cracks or tears—think sushi, but the sweet breakfast version!
Step 4: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread a good tablespoon of that luscious cream cheese filling along one short edge of each bread slice. Starting from the filled edge, roll the bread up tightly into neat little logs. Give them a gentle squeeze to keep the filling sealed inside.
Step 5: Dip in Egg Mixture
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. Take each roll-up and dip it in, rolling to coat all sides evenly. This step ensures you get that irresistible, custardy French toast texture once they hit the skillet.
Step 6: Cook the Roll-Ups
Heat the butter in a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Place the roll-ups seam side down first—they’ll seal as they cook. Turn the roll-ups every couple minutes so all sides become golden brown and slightly crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes in total.
Step 7: Cinnamon-Sugar Finish
As soon as the roll-ups are golden and still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture you made earlier. The warmth will help the sweet coating stick and give that signature cinnamon roll sparkle and flavor. Serve them immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Garnishes
Finish your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups with a final flourish! Try a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a thick, luscious cream cheese glaze. A shower of extra powdered sugar or a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans also brings incredible flavor and a lovely presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these roll-ups with crisp bacon, sizzling breakfast sausage, or a bright, juicy fruit salad for a balanced plate. The rich sweetness of the roll-ups just begs for something savory or fresh to keep your breakfast spread exciting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful touch, serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups on skewers or stand them up in pretty mason jars for brunch parties. Arrange them on a platter in a spiral pattern to mimic a giant cinnamon roll, or let kids dip them fondue-style in warm syrup or chocolate sauce for interactive fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (honestly, that’s a rare event!), let the roll-ups cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, tasting almost as fabulous when reheated.
Freezing
To freeze, lay cooled Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zippered freezer bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to a month—perfect for make-ahead breakfasts or snack emergencies!
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat frozen or refrigerated roll-ups in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that golden crunch that makes these so special.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free bread for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups?
Absolutely! While white bread delivers that classic soft texture, you can swap in your favorite whole wheat or gluten-free variety. Just make sure the bread is soft and pliable enough to roll without breaking.
Can I prepare the roll-ups the night before?
You can assemble the filled, rolled bread and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, simply dip in the egg mixture and cook as instructed for a quick, delicious breakfast.
What can I add to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor?
Try mixing in a handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped dried fruit, or even a little lemon zest to add your own unique twist to these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups. The filling is very adaptable to your cravings!
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Arrange the dipped roll-ups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. They won’t be as crispy as the skillet version but are still plenty delicious.
What’s the best way to make a quick cream cheese glaze?
Simply whisk together a bit of softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk or vanilla. Drizzle this over your warm roll-ups for an authentic, cinnamon roll-inspired finish!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply looking to brighten up breakfast, Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are pure joy to make and eat. Their combination of creamy filling, buttery crunch, and cinnamon sugar goodness will capture your heart with every bite. Don’t wait—give this recipe a try and make your next morning feel extra special!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 8 roll-ups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a delightful twist on classic French toast, filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture and coated in cinnamon sugar. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat!
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Roll-Ups:
- 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, for cooking
- Optional: maple syrup or cream cheese glaze for serving
Instructions
- Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare Roll-Ups: Flatten each slice of bread with a rolling pin. Spread 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture along one edge of each slice and roll tightly into a log.
- Egg Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk eggs and milk together. Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, coating all sides.
- Cooking: Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the roll-ups, seam side down first, turning until all sides are golden brown, about 6–8 minutes total.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Immediately roll each in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while warm.
- Serve: Serve with maple syrup or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze if desired.
Notes
- These roll-ups are best served fresh and warm.
- You can prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time for quicker assembly.
- Try adding chopped fruit or chocolate chips inside for fun variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll-up
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
