If you are craving a sweet and indulgent brunch treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Combining the best elements of cinnamon rolls and French toast, these delightful roll-ups are crispy on the outside, soft and creamy inside, and drenched in cinnamon-sugar goodness. They are perfect for busy mornings or a special weekend breakfast, delivering comforting flavors with a twist that’s easy to make and fun to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced flavors. From the softness of the bread to the richness of the cream cheese filling and the golden outer crust, these basics come together to transform your breakfast routine.
- 8 slices of bread: Choose soft, white bread for easy rolling and a tender texture.
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened: Provides a luscious, creamy center that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling while keeping it smooth.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The key spice that gives the roll-ups their signature warm flavor.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds a slight crunch and sweetness to the outer coating.
- 2 large eggs: Forms the custard dip that makes the roll-ups delightfully golden and fluffy.
- ¼ cup milk: Lightens up the egg mixture for perfect dipping.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic depth that complements the cinnamon.
- Butter, for cooking: Gives the roll-ups a gorgeous, rich sautéed finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Flatten the bread slices
Start by gently pressing each slice of bread with a rolling pin until it’s nice and flat—this makes rolling them up a breeze and helps prevent any tearing. It also ensures the creamy filling spreads evenly for that perfect bite every time.
Step 2: Prepare the cream cheese filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar with a spoon or mixer until silky smooth. This sweet, creamy blend is the heart of the roll-ups and makes every bite feel indulgent.
Step 3: Spread and roll
Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture on each flattened bread slice. Roll each slice up tightly from one end to the other, creating neat little cylinders that hold all the goodness inside.
Step 4: Whisk the egg mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This custard-like mixture is essential for soaking the roll-ups so they cook into golden, fluffy delights.
Step 5: Mix the cinnamon-sugar coating
Combine the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in another shallow dish. This cinnamon-sugar mix will coat the roll-ups after cooking, delivering that classic sweet and spicy crunch.
Step 6: Cook the roll-ups
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt some butter until it sizzles. Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated without soaking too long. Place it on the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until a beautifully golden crust forms.
Step 7: Coat with cinnamon sugar and serve
Once cooked, immediately roll each warm roll-up in the cinnamon-sugar mixture so that the sugar sticks and adds an irresistible finish. Serve these delightful treats warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your roll-ups with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle them with warm maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. Fresh berries or sliced bananas add a vibrant pop of color and freshness, balancing the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe with crispy bacon or savory sausage links for a classic sweet-and-savory brunch. A simple fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt also works wonders to lighten the plate while enhancing the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the roll-ups into bite-sized pinwheels and arrange them on a platter for sharing at brunch parties. You can also stack them in a cozy mug alongside a hot cup of coffee or cocoa for an inviting breakfast-in-bed surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. They maintain their flavor and texture surprisingly well when stored properly.
Freezing
To keep these roll-ups fresh longer, you can freeze them before cooking. Arrange the rolled bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen by adding a minute or two to the skillet time for a fresh-from-the-oven feel anytime.
Reheating
Warm leftover roll-ups gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through and crispy again, or pop them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20-30 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain that perfect gooey center and crisp exterior.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or other bread types?
Absolutely! While white bread is traditional for its soft texture and easy rolling, whole wheat or even brioche bread work great too, offering extra flavor and heartiness. Just ensure the slices are not too thick to roll up easily.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If cream cheese isn’t your favorite, try using mascarpone or ricotta cheese sweetened with a bit of powdered sugar. These alternatives maintain the creamy texture and sweetness but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, with a few tweaks! Use dairy-free cream cheese and milk substitutes like almond or oat milk. For the egg mixture, you can try a chickpea flour batter or a commercial egg replacer. Cooking in vegan butter will keep the rich flavor you want.
Is it possible to bake instead of cook in a skillet?
You can bake the roll-ups at 375°F (190°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway until golden brown. This method is less hands-on and still yields a lovely, lightly crisp exterior.
How do I make this recipe allergy-friendly?
Swap out the bread for gluten-free bread, use dairy-free cream cheese, and substitute eggs with a vegan alternative or flax eggs. Adjust your cinnamon sugar coating accordingly, and you’ll have a delicious allergy-friendly version that everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe enough for anyone looking to brighten up breakfast or brunch with something irresistible and comforting. It’s a quick and fun recipe that’s sure to impress family and friends, taking the best parts of cinnamon rolls and French toast into one perfect, delightful bite. Go ahead and try it—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a delightful twist on classic French toast, combining creamy sweetened cream cheese with cinnamon-sugar coated bread rolls. Perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast or brunch, they cook quickly on the stovetop to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Bread and Filling
- 8 slices of bread
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Coating and Egg Mixture
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cooking
- Butter, for cooking
Instructions
- Flatten Bread: Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread to make rolling it easier and to create a thin, pliable base for the filling.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar and mix until smooth and creamy to create a sweet filling.
- Assemble Roll-Ups: Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly on each slice of flattened bread, then carefully roll each slice tightly into a compact roll.
- Mix Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract thoroughly to make the dipping mixture.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In another dish, combine the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar; this will be used to coat the cooked roll-ups.
- Heat Skillet: Place a skillet over medium heat and add butter, allowing it to melt and coat the pan evenly.
- Cook Roll-Ups: Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, making sure it is fully coated, then place it in the skillet. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until the exterior is golden brown and cooked through.
- Coat and Serve: Remove the cooked roll-ups from the skillet and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to evenly coat. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can use white or whole wheat bread for this recipe; just make sure the slices are not too thick to ensure easy rolling.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to make spreading easier and to avoid tearing the bread.
- For extra flavor, you could add a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla bean powder to the cinnamon sugar coating.
- If you want to make this recipe ahead, you can prepare the roll-ups and refrigerate them before cooking, but cook them fresh for best texture.
- Serve with maple syrup or fresh fruit for an enhanced breakfast experience.
