If you adore all things sweet, fluffy, and bursting with cinnamon goodness, then you are in for a treat with this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe. This delightful dish brings the best of both worlds—soft, cream cheese-filled bread rolled up and then pan-fried to golden perfection, coated with a warm cinnamon sugar hug. It’s a breakfast and dessert champ that’s perfect for weekend mornings, special occasions, or simply when you want to indulge in a comforting sweet bite that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to create a harmonious blend of creamy texture, sweet cinnamon flavor, and golden crispiness. Each one is key to making your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups recipe irresistibly delicious and simple to prepare.
- 8 slices soft white or brioche bread (crusts removed): Soft bread is essential for easy rolling and a tender interior.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds a luscious, tangy richness to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese without graininess for a smooth filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the filling with warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: For coating the roll-ups with classic sweet crunch.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides that iconic cinnamon roll warmth in every bite.
- 2 large eggs: Makes the egg wash silky and perfect for frying.
- ¼ cup milk: Lightens the egg mixture for a smooth coating consistency.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking): Adds flavor and helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Optional toppings (maple syrup, powdered sugar, cream cheese glaze): For those extra special finishing touches.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture. This luscious filling is the heart of your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups recipe, providing that iconic sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the cinnamon sugar coating.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl and set it aside. This classic combination will give your roll-ups that signature cinnamon roll crunch and sparkle, making every bite delightful and visually inviting.
Step 3: Roll the Bread
Take each slice of bread and use a rolling pin to flatten it gently—this makes rolling easier and helps the filling spread evenly. Spread about one teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each slice, then roll them up tightly like little cinnamon roll cylinders. This step transforms simple bread into these heavenly roll-ups full of creamy goodness.
Step 4: Dip in Egg Mixture
Whisk together the eggs and milk in a shallow bowl. Dip each roll-up into this luscious egg wash, making sure every side is coated. This step ensures your roll-ups get that perfectly golden exterior when they hit the pan, giving them a rich French toast flavor and crispy texture.
Step 5: Cook the Roll-Ups
Heat butter over medium heat in a nonstick skillet. Place each roll-up seam-side down first to help them keep their shape, and cook, turning carefully until all sides are a beautiful golden brown. This usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes, and the aroma that will fill your kitchen? Simply irresistible!
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar and Serve
As soon as your roll-ups come off the skillet and are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat every inch. Serve them right away, optionally drizzling with maple syrup or a luscious cream cheese glaze that takes this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups recipe to pure heaven.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly powdered sugar dusted over the top adds a touch of snowy sweetness, while a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or maple syrup elevates each bite to a whole new level of decadence. Feel free to sprinkle some chopped nuts or a handful of fresh berries for extra color and texture that invite your eyes before your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Pair these roll-ups with crisp bacon or sausage links for a savory contrast that balances sweetness perfectly. A side of fresh fruit salad or a simple glass of freshly squeezed orange juice can brighten the meal and add a refreshing note to accompany the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your roll-ups vertically in a basket lined with parchment paper or stack them pyramid-style on a pretty platter for brunch. You can also serve each with a mini bowl of syrup or cream cheese glaze on the side for dipping, creating an interactive and fun breakfast experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them as fresh as possible, place parchment paper between layers if you stack them. They still taste amazing warmed up, making them a convenient choice for busy mornings.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead for a special occasion or a quick breakfast, you can freeze the cooked roll-ups. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to a month, preserving that creamy filling and cinnamon-sugar goodness beautifully.
Reheating
For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated roll-ups in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes until warm and slightly crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy. This way, you get to enjoy that freshly toasted texture just like they were made minutes ago.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure the bread is soft enough to roll easily without cracking. Whole wheat will add a hearty flavor, and gluten-free options give you the same fun experience with dietary accommodations.
Is it possible to bake these instead of cooking on the stove?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown. Baking is a great alternative if you want less butter and a hands-off cooking method.
Can I prepare these roll-ups the night before?
You can prep the roll-ups and keep them covered in the fridge overnight, but it’s best to dip and cook them fresh the next morning to retain optimal texture and flavor.
What else can I add to the cream cheese filling?
For a fun twist, add mini chocolate chips, a spoonful of fruit jam, or a sprinkle of brown sugar and chopped pecans to the cream cheese. It’s a wonderful way to customize your roll-ups for different tastes!
Are these suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or fish ingredients and uses dairy and eggs that fit a vegetarian diet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a breakfast or dessert that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups recipe is your new kitchen best friend. Its creamy filling, cozy cinnamon sugar crust, and golden exterior come together in each bite to create a truly special treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own. Give it a try—you’ll be making it again and again!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 roll-ups
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups combine the flavors of cinnamon rolls and classic French toast into a fun, handheld breakfast or dessert treat. Soft white or brioche bread is filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture, rolled up, dipped in an egg custard, and cooked on the stovetop until golden and crispy. Finished with a cinnamon sugar coating and optional toppings like maple syrup or cream cheese glaze, these roll-ups are perfect for a cozy morning or a special brunch.
Ingredients
Roll-Ups
- 8 slices soft white or brioche bread (crusts removed)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Cream cheese glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In another bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon evenly and set both mixtures aside.
- Flatten Bread Slices: Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice of bread gently, making them easier to roll and spread.
- Assemble Roll-Ups: Spread about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each flattened bread slice. Roll up each slice tightly to form a neat roll.
- Dip in Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Dip each roll-up into this egg mixture, turning to coat all sides thoroughly.
- Cook on Stovetop: Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the roll-ups seam-side down in the skillet. Cook and turn them to brown all sides evenly for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately after cooking, roll the hot French toast roll-ups in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat them well.
- Serve Warm: Serve the roll-ups warm with optional toppings such as maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence.
Notes
- For an extra flavorful touch, use cinnamon swirl bread instead of plain white bread.
- Add a bit of brown sugar to the cream cheese filling for extra sweetness and depth.
- If you prefer a less buttery and crispier texture, bake the roll-ups instead of pan-frying at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
