Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-up Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about the scent of warm cinnamon and sugar drifting through the kitchen. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups deliver that nostalgic, cozy aroma with a twist that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat.

this Recipe

The first time I made these, it was a chilly Saturday morning and we were craving something sweet but easy. A few slices of bread, a swipe of cream cheese, and a dip in cinnamon-egg batter later, and these heavenly bites were born. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or treating yourself to a weekend brunch, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Let’s dive into what makes these cinnamon roll-ups your new favorite breakfast treat.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups

Get ready to fall in love with your new breakfast obsession. These roll-ups pack all the flavor of cinnamon rolls into a quick, handheld format that’s perfect for mornings on the go or indulgent brunches.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. No rising dough, no baking, no stress. You’ll be rolling, dipping, and frying in under 20 minutes—with warm, gooey results every time.

They’re also budget-friendly and require only a handful of pantry staples. Think sliced bread, eggs, cinnamon, sugar, and cream cheese. Chances are, you already have everything you need.

Got picky eaters? No problem. These roll-ups are totally customizable. Skip the cream cheese, add Nutella, stuff them with fruit, or dust them in powdered sugar. However you spin it, they’re going to disappear fast.

And finally, this recipe is a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re serving a family brunch or impressing weekend guests, these little roll-ups look impressive without the fuss.

Ready to get rolling? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen for its flavor and function, coming together in a sweet harmony that’s warm, rich, and comforting.

White sandwich bread is the perfect base. It’s soft, pliable, and easy to flatten, making it ideal for rolling without tearing. While you can use whole wheat or other types, classic white bread gives the best texture and holds together well when dipped and cooked.

Cream cheese adds a luxurious, tangy richness inside each roll. I like to let it come to room temperature for easier spreading. You can use plain cream cheese or opt for a flavored one like honey or cinnamon for extra flair.

Cinnamon and sugar are the star flavor duo. Mixed together, they create that unmistakable cinnamon roll essence. I always save a little extra to sprinkle on top after cooking for that final sugary crunch.

Eggs and milk make up the classic French toast coating. Whisked together, they create a custardy dip that gives each roll-up a golden exterior with just the right amount of crispness. Whole milk adds richness, but any milk will work in a pinch.

No fancy equipment is needed here—just a frying pan, a rolling pin (or even a sturdy glass), and a spatula. A nonstick skillet works best to keep those roll-ups flipping cleanly and browning evenly.

How To Make These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups

Making these irresistible roll-ups is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of warm, cinnamon-swirled treats ready in no time.

Start by prepping your bread. Trim the crusts off each slice to make them easier to roll. Then, use a rolling pin to flatten each slice. This helps the bread hold its shape when rolled and prevents it from soaking up too much of the egg mixture too quickly.

Next, spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese across the surface of each slice. Be gentle—you don’t want to tear the bread. Once that’s done, roll each slice tightly into a log, pressing gently to seal the edge.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. In a separate bowl or plate, mix your cinnamon and sugar. You’ll be dipping and dredging soon.

Now it’s time to cook. Heat a generous dab of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Dip each roll-up quickly into the egg mixture, making sure it’s coated on all sides, then place it into the hot pan seam-side down. Don’t overcrowd the skillet—work in batches if needed.

Cook the roll-ups for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs or a spatula. You’re looking for a deep golden brown color and slightly crispy texture. Once they’re cooked through, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm so it sticks beautifully.

From start to finish, you’ll need about 20 minutes. The result? Soft, melty centers wrapped in a crisp, golden shell with just the right hit of cinnamon sweetness.

Storage Options

If you somehow end up with leftovers (which is rare!), these French toast roll-ups store surprisingly well.

To refrigerate, place the cooled roll-ups in an airtight container lined with paper towels. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The paper towel helps absorb any moisture to keep the texture just right.

For longer storage, freeze the cooked roll-ups in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Just reheat straight from frozen.

To reheat, pop them in the toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible—it tends to make the bread soggy rather than crisp.

These roll-ups reheat beautifully and make weekday mornings feel a little more like Saturday.

Variations and Substitutions

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Once you’ve nailed the basic method, there’s no end to the flavor combinations you can try.

Swap out the cream cheese for Nutella, peanut butter, or almond butter for a nutty twist. These spreads melt beautifully inside the roll-ups and add a totally different flavor profile.

If you’re feeling fruity, try adding thin slices of banana or strawberry before rolling. The fruit softens slightly as it cooks and adds natural sweetness.

For a holiday version, mix a dash of pumpkin pie spice into the cinnamon-sugar blend or spread a layer of pumpkin puree inside the bread with the cream cheese.

Want something more indulgent? Drizzle the finished roll-ups with cream cheese glaze or maple syrup. A dusting of powdered sugar never hurts either.

Don't be afraid to get creative. Once you know the basic structure, you can tweak the fillings and toppings to match your mood, your pantry, or your sweet tooth.

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