If you have a sweet tooth and a love for breakfast classics, you are going to adore this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe. Imagine the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls combined with the comforting crispiness of French toast, all wrapped into easy-to-handle roll-ups that are perfect for breakfast or brunch. This recipe turns simple ingredients into bite-sized delights with gooey cream cheese filling, cinnamon sweetness, and a perfectly golden crust that’s made to impress but simple to prepare. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become your go-to indulgence on any morning!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one adds a unique touch, from the creamy filling to the crunchy, sugary coating that makes each bite irresistible.
- 8 slices of bread: Use white or sandwich bread for soft texture and easy rolling.
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened: This adds a luscious, tangy filling that melts perfectly.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese and gives it that smooth finish.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic cinnamon roll flavor throughout and in the coating.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds a sweet crunch when mixed with cinnamon for the outside.
- 2 large eggs: The base for dipping, helping the roll-ups achieve a golden crust.
- ¼ cup milk: Keeps the egg mixture smooth and light.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings out the aroma and deepens the flavor profile.
- Butter, for cooking: Creates a rich, golden crust and prevents sticking.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Flatten each slice of bread using a rolling pin to make rolling easier and to give the final roll-ups a snuggly, compact shape. This step ensures you get the perfect soft-yet-crispy bite every time.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture will mimic the classic cinnamon roll filling and add a delightful sweet tang inside each roll-up.
Step 3: Roll the Bread with Filling
Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over each flattened slice of bread. Then roll the bread tightly from one end to the other, making sure the filling stays inside for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Step 4: Mix the Egg Wash
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. This mixture will coat the roll-ups, helping them develop that beautiful golden French toast exterior when cooked.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Combine the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in another shallow dish. This cinnamon-sugar combo will be the magical finishing touch that adds both sweetness and crunch.
Step 6: Cook the Roll-Ups
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter, allowing it to melt and sizzle. Dip each cream cheese-filled roll-up into the egg mixture, coating it completely, then carefully place it in the skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crisp, flipping gently to avoid any filling spillage.
Step 7: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
Finally, while still warm, roll each cooked French toast roll-up in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. This step seals in flavors and creates that signature cinnamon roll crunch on the outside.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar or drizzle warm maple syrup over the roll-ups for a lovely finishing touch. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can add an elegant pop of color and freshness that balances the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these roll-ups with a simple fruit salad or crispy bacon for contrast. The sweet richness of the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe beautifully complements savory or fresh sides, making your breakfast or brunch feel well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these on a long platter lined with parchment paper can make sharing fun and casual. You could also slice the roll-ups into bite-sized pieces for a playful finger-food approach, perfect for brunch parties or family breakfasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, meaning you can enjoy a quick breakfast treat even on busy mornings.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the roll-ups before cooking by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and cook fresh in the morning to maintain that crisp texture.
Reheating
Reheat your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe in a skillet with a small bit of butter over medium heat, or in a toaster oven until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the outside from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white sandwich bread works best for rolling and texture, you can also try whole wheat or brioche for added flavor and richness. Just be sure to flatten the bread well.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream cheese?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese or a coconut-based spread to keep this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets without sacrificing the creamy filling.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace eggs with a flax or chia egg substitute, use plant-based milk, and vegan butter along with dairy-free cream cheese. The cinnamon-sugar coating remains the same and tastes just as fantastic.
How do I prevent the roll-ups from falling apart while cooking?
Flattening the bread well and rolling firmly helps keep the filling inside. Also, avoid dipping the roll-ups too long in the egg mixture to prevent sogginess, and handle them gently when flipping in the skillet.
Can I add other fillings besides cream cheese?
Definitely! You could incorporate fruit preserves, Nutella, or chopped nuts inside for extra surprises. Just be mindful of moisture content so your roll-ups don’t get soggy during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe is a delightful way to bring some excitement to your breakfast table. It’s easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try and watch these little rolls become a beloved favorite in your kitchen as they have in mine!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups, a fun and delicious twist on classic French toast. Soft bread is flattened, filled with a sweet and creamy cream cheese mixture, rolled up, and coated in a cinnamon-sugar blend before being pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat, these roll-ups offer all the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls in a quick, easy-to-make format.
Ingredients
Bread and Filling
- 8 slices of bread
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Coating and Cooking
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter, for cooking
Instructions
- Flatten Bread: Use a rolling pin to gently flatten each slice of bread. This makes the bread more pliable and easier to roll tightly.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy to create the sweet filling.
- Spread and Roll: Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over each flattened bread slice. Then carefully roll each slice tightly from one end to the other to form roll-ups.
- Mix Egg Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This will be the coating for the roll-ups.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In another shallow dish, stir together the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar to create the final exterior coating.
- Heat Skillet: Place a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Allow it to melt and coat the pan evenly.
- Cook Roll-Ups: Dip each roll-up fully into the egg mixture, ensuring it is coated on all sides. Then place it in the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the roll-ups are golden brown and cooked through.
- Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar: Once cooked, roll each French toast roll-up in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating all sides evenly for a sweet and spiced finish.
Notes
- Use white bread or any soft sandwich bread for best results.
- Flattening the bread is essential to prevent cracking when rolling.
- Serve roll-ups warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Optional: drizzle with maple syrup or dust with extra powdered sugar before serving.
- Make sure the skillet is not too hot to avoid burning the roll-ups before the inside cooks.
