There’s nothing better than the comforting aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen in the morning. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups combine two classic favorites—fluffy French toast and gooey cinnamon rolls—into a bite-sized treat that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With a touch of cream cheese filling and a hint of vanilla, every bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Whether you’re planning a cozy breakfast at home or looking to impress your brunch guests, this dish is a must-try! Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing fruit smoothie for the ultimate morning indulgence. These roll-ups are quick to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of soft white bread
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (for serving)
Directions:
- Trim the crusts off the bread slices and use a rolling pin to flatten each slice.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on each bread slice and roll them up tightly.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and the remaining cinnamon.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and brush with melted butter.
- Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Place the roll-ups in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- While warm, roll them in granulated sugar for a sweet, crispy coating.
- Serve immediately with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 6 roll-ups
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups: A Sweet Breakfast Treat
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a delightful fusion of two classic breakfast favorites—cinnamon rolls and French toast. This dish is perfect for those who love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon but want something quick and easy to prepare. These roll-ups are crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and coated with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar. Whether you are preparing a special weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or simply want to indulge in something sweet, this recipe is a fantastic choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a crowd-pleaser, combining the best of both worlds: the rich, creamy filling of a cinnamon roll and the golden, buttery exterior of French toast. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups:
- Quick and Easy to Make – Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require proofing and baking, these roll-ups can be made in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for All Ages – Kids love the sweet, cinnamon-sugar-coated exterior, while adults enjoy the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon and vanilla.
- Customizable – You can add different fillings like Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit preserves to create a variety of flavors.
- Ideal for Any Occasion – Serve them as a fun breakfast treat, a brunch centerpiece, or even a dessert with a side of ice cream.
The History of French Toast and Cinnamon Rolls
Both French toast and cinnamon rolls have long, rich histories that make this fusion even more special.
French toast dates back to ancient Rome, where it was known as Pan Dulcis, a dish where bread was soaked in a mixture of milk and eggs before being fried. Over time, this dish evolved and became popular across Europe and America. In France, it is known as pain perdu, meaning “lost bread,” because it was originally a way to use up stale bread.
Cinnamon rolls, on the other hand, originate from Sweden, where they are called Kanelbullar. Introduced to the world in the 1920s, these soft, spiced buns quickly became popular across Europe and North America. The combination of warm cinnamon, sugar, and soft dough created a comforting breakfast and dessert favorite.
When you combine these two beloved dishes into a single recipe, you get the best of both worlds: crispy French toast with a gooey, cinnamon-infused filling.
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which require hours of preparation, this recipe allows you to achieve similar flavors in a fraction of the time. The secret to its uniqueness lies in a few key aspects:
- Flattened Bread for Texture – By rolling out soft white bread, you create a base that crisps up perfectly when fried, while keeping the inside soft.
- Cream Cheese Filling – Instead of traditional cinnamon roll filling, these roll-ups feature a luscious cream cheese mixture that adds a creamy contrast to the crispy bread.
- Egg Wash for French Toast Effect – Coating each roll in an egg mixture before frying ensures that they develop a golden, French toast-like exterior.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating – Rolling the warm roll-ups in cinnamon sugar enhances the texture, giving them the iconic cinnamon roll taste.
Tips for Making the Best Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
To ensure your roll-ups turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:
- Use Soft, Fresh Bread – Stale or firm bread won’t roll up as easily and may crack when rolling.
- Don’t Overfill the Rolls – A thin layer of filling prevents spillage while cooking.
- Roll Tightly – This helps the roll-ups hold their shape and prevents them from unrolling while cooking.
- Use Medium Heat – Cooking on medium heat prevents the outside from burning before the inside is fully warmed.
- Serve Immediately – These roll-ups taste best fresh off the pan while they are still warm and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas to make them even more delicious:
- With Maple Syrup – Drizzle warm maple syrup over the roll-ups for classic French toast flavor.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar – A light dusting of powdered sugar enhances their sweetness.
- Serve with Whipped Cream – Adding whipped cream makes them feel even more indulgent.
- Pair with Fresh Fruit – Serve alongside sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries for a fresh contrast.
- Add a Drizzle of Caramel or Chocolate Sauce – For an extra-special touch, drizzle them with caramel or melted chocolate.
Variations to Try
If you want to experiment with different flavors, here are some tasty variations to try:
- Nutella Roll-Ups – Swap out the cream cheese filling for Nutella to create a chocolate-hazelnut version.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Roll-Ups – Add a layer of strawberry jam to the cream cheese for a fruity twist.
- Peanut Butter & Banana Roll-Ups – Spread peanut butter on the bread and add sliced bananas before rolling.
- Apple Pie Roll-Ups – Use apple butter or finely diced cooked apples with cinnamon.
- Pumpkin Spice Roll-Ups – Mix pumpkin puree with the cream cheese filling for a fall-inspired version.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they are so delicious!), you can store and reheat them easily:
- Refrigerate: Store the roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: If you want to keep them longer, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: To reheat, place them in a toaster oven at 350°F for 5 minutes, or warm them in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Perfect Occasions for This Recipe
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are perfect for:
- Weekend Breakfasts – A fun and easy way to start your Saturday or Sunday morning.
- Holiday Brunches – Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving, these roll-ups will be a hit.
- Breakfast for Kids – Kids love the bite-sized, finger-friendly shape.
- Dessert Alternative – If you’re craving something sweet after dinner, these make a great quick dessert.
- Brunch Gatherings – Serve them alongside eggs, bacon, and fresh juice for a complete brunch spread.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a delightful combination of two beloved breakfast classics, making them a must-try recipe for anyone who loves sweet, comforting flavors. Their crispy exterior, creamy filling, and cinnamon-sugar coating create a taste experience that feels indulgent yet incredibly easy to prepare.
Whether you’re making them for a quick weekday breakfast, a special brunch, or a dessert-style treat, these roll-ups are guaranteed to impress. Plus, with so many variations and serving options, you can customize them to suit any occasion or craving.
So why not treat yourself and your family to these delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups? Once you take your first bite, they’ll likely become a staple in your kitchen for years to come!