Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a fun, handheld twist on classic French toast—with all the gooey, sweet flavor of a cinnamon roll packed into a soft, golden roll-up. Each slice of bread is flattened, filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, rolled up tight, and cooked like French toast until crispy and golden. They’re quick, kid-friendly, and taste like a treat straight from a bakery.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it turns simple ingredients into something that looks and tastes like it came from a brunch café. The outside gets beautifully crisp, while the inside stays warm and gooey with cinnamon goodness. These roll-ups are easy to make, easy to serve, and totally customizable. I can make a batch in minutes, and they’re just as great for a special breakfast as they are for a weekend snack.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Soft white sandwich bread
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Cream cheese (optional, for filling)
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Cinnamon
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Granulated sugar
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Eggs
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Milk
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Vanilla extract
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Butter (for the pan)
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Powdered sugar or icing glaze (optional, for serving)
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Maple syrup (optional, for dipping)
directions
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I start by mixing the cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl and set it aside.
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I flatten each slice of bread with a rolling pin and trim the crusts.
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If using cream cheese, I spread a thin layer over each slice, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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I roll each slice up tightly and set them seam-side down.
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In a separate bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to make the French toast batter.
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I dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
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In a skillet over medium heat, I melt butter and cook the roll-ups seam-side down first. I turn them gently until all sides are golden and cooked through—about 2–3 minutes per side.
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I let them cool for a minute, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze if I want an extra-sweet finish. I serve them warm, with maple syrup on the side for dipping.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8–10 roll-ups, depending on how many slices of bread I use. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes to cook, so I can have these on the table in under 25 minutes. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
Variations
Sometimes I stuff the roll-ups with thin apple slices or banana for a fruity version. I’ve also made a chocolate-hazelnut version by swapping the cinnamon filling for Nutella. If I want something more decadent, I top them with cream cheese glaze or a cinnamon roll-style icing drizzle. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips makes a fun addition too.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I place them in a skillet over low heat or pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. I avoid microwaving for too long to keep them from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble them the night before and store them in the fridge. I dip and cook them fresh in the morning for the best texture.
Do I need to use cream cheese?
No, it’s optional. I like it for richness, but these are still delicious with just cinnamon sugar inside.
What’s the best bread for this recipe?
Soft white sandwich bread works best because it flattens easily and rolls without cracking. I avoid thick or crusty breads for this one.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, I freeze them after cooking. Once cooled, I freeze them in a single layer, then reheat in the oven or toaster oven straight from frozen.
Can I use a dairy-free alternative?
Absolutely. I’ve made these with almond milk and plant-based butter, and they still turn out great. Just make sure the bread and cream cheese (if using) are also dairy-free.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a quick, crowd-pleasing breakfast that brings the flavors of a cinnamon roll into a fun, dippable package. Whether I’m making a special weekend treat or an easy holiday brunch, these roll-ups always get smiles. Warm, sweet, and packed with cinnamon comfort—they’re a new breakfast favorite in my kitchen.
PrintEasy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll‑Ups are a playful, handheld twist on classic French toast, with all the gooey sweetness of a cinnamon roll wrapped in soft, golden bread. Each roll‑up is crisp on the outside, warm and sweet on the inside—perfect for a fun breakfast, brunch, or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 roll‑ups
- Category: Breakfast/Snack
- Method: Stovetop (pan‑frying)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8–10 slices soft white sandwich bread
- Optional: 4 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp butter, for frying
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, icing glaze, maple syrup for dipping
Instructions
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside.
- Flatten each bread slice with a rolling pin and trim off the crusts.
- If using cream cheese, spread a thin layer over each flattened slice, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon‑sugar mixture.
- Roll each slice tightly and place seam‑side down on a plate or tray.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to make the French toast batter.
- Dip each roll‑up into the batter, coating all sides thoroughly.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place roll‑ups seam‑side down first, and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden and crisp all around.
- Let them cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing glaze. Serve warm with maple syrup for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- Add thin apple or banana slices inside before rolling for a fruity variation.
- Substitute Nutella in place of cinnamon‑sugar for a chocolate‑hazelnut version.
- Top with a cream‑cheese icing or sprinkle chopped nuts or mini chips on top if desired.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate; dip and cook the roll‑ups fresh in the morning.
- Freeze cooked roll‑ups in a single layer and reheat from frozen in the oven or toaster oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll‑up
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg