There is nothing quite like waking up to a warm, sweet, and comforting breakfast, and this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe delivers exactly that in a fun and easy-to-make way. Imagine soft white bread wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling, dipped in a cinnamon-egg batter, and cooked to golden perfection, then coated with cinnamon sugar. It’s like your favorite cinnamon roll and classic French toast married into one delightful bite. This recipe is perfect for brunch, a special treat, or anytime you want to feel cozy and indulged.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and that irresistible warm cinnamon aroma. Each one plays a crucial role—from the creamy richness to the sweet and spicy cinnamon coating, to the light yet substantial bread base.
- Soft white bread: Choosing soft bread without crusts helps the roll-ups stay tender and easy to roll.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds a smooth, tangy richness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling softly and melts beautifully inside.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cream cheese mixture.
- Granulated sugar: Combines with cinnamon to create the signature crunchy coating.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives these roll-ups their cozy, irresistible flavor.
- Large eggs: Help bind the roll-ups when dipped, giving a custardy French toast texture.
- Milk: Lightens the egg mixture so the coating cooks up golden and tender.
- Butter: For cooking and creating that perfect golden crust on the roll-ups.
- Optional toppings: Maple syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar add personal flair at serving time.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by combining the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Mix until perfectly smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what sets these roll-ups apart, lending richness with a subtle sweetness that complements the cinnamon coating beautifully.
Step 2: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Take each slice of bread and gently flatten it with a rolling pin to make it easy to roll tightly. Then spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over each slice. Roll up the slices snugly to keep the filling inside and create perfect bite-sized roll-ups ready for dipping.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar and Egg Mixtures
In one shallow dish, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together to make that iconic, crunchy coating. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk thoroughly until combined, creating the custardy French toast soak that will cook the roll-ups to perfection.
Step 4: Dip and Cook the Roll-Ups
Dip each roll-up fully into the egg mixture, making sure every side is coated well. On medium heat, melt the butter in a skillet and cook the roll-ups for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Turn frequently to achieve a golden-brown crust all around while keeping the center soft and creamy.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
As soon as the roll-ups are cooked, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm. This step gives the outside a delightful crunch and enhances the aroma, mimicking the feeling of a freshly baked cinnamon roll in every bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe shine even brighter, sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness and a pretty finish. Fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of pure maple syrup adds a luscious contrast and elevates the indulgence factor. If you love a bit of fruit, try a few berries on the side or a light spread of jam!
Side Dishes
Pairing your roll-ups with fresh fruit salad or crispy bacon brings a lovely balance of flavors and textures to your breakfast or brunch table. The fresh acidity of fruits cuts through the richness, while savory sides like bacon provide a wonderful contrast to the sweet roll-ups.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and festive presentation, arrange your roll-ups standing upright in a glass or on a skewer for easy dipping into syrup or whipped cream. Alternatively, stack them in a pretty pile on a large serving plate and scatter chopped nuts or cinnamon sticks nearby. Small ramekins of dipping sauces or toppings invite your guests to customize their own bites and create a memorable meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (although that’s rare!), place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 1 to 2 days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated for a quick snack or breakfast.
Freezing
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe freezes exceptionally well, making it a smart meal-prep choice. Freeze uncooked roll-ups on a baking sheet until firm before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to eat, reheat them straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer until warm and crispy.
Reheating
To bring your roll-ups back to their freshly made glory, reheat gently in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or use an air fryer for a few minutes to restore that crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy and the texture less satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe?
Absolutely! While soft white bread works best for rolling and texture, you can experiment with cinnamon swirl bread for extra cinnamon flavor or even brioche for a richer taste. Just make sure the bread slices are soft and easy to roll.
Is it necessary to remove the crusts from the bread?
Removing the crusts helps the bread roll more neatly and creates a uniform texture inside the roll-ups. However, if you prefer the extra chew and rustic feel, you can leave the crusts on—but the rolling may be a bit trickier.
Can I prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Yes! The cream cheese mixture can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembly quicker and helps the flavors meld beautifully for an even tastier filling.
Are these roll-ups suitable for kids?
Definitely! Most kids adore the sweet, creamy, and cinnamon flavors. The roll-ups are perfectly bite-sized, making them easy for little hands to hold and enjoy. Just remember to supervise cooking and serving warm.
What’s the best way to keep the roll-ups from getting soggy?
Cooking the roll-ups until they are golden brown on all sides and rolling them immediately in the cinnamon sugar helps keep the outside crisp. Serving them warm and reheating properly if stored also ensures they stay delightfully crisp and not soggy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that combines the best of cinnamon rolls and French toast into a quick, delicious, crowd-pleasing dish, the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe is a total winner. Warm, sweet, and bursting with flavor, these roll-ups are perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests without fuss. Give it a try and enjoy that cozy, cinnamon-scented happiness any morning of the week!
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
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups combine the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the comfort of French toast in a fun, bite-sized breakfast treat. Soft white bread is filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture, rolled, dipped in an egg custard, and cooked on the stovetop until golden brown. Coated in cinnamon sugar and served warm with optional maple syrup or whipped cream, these roll-ups are an easy and delicious way to start your day or impress at brunch.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Roll-Ups
- 8 slices soft white bread, crusts removed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps for easy spreading.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate shallow bowl, stir together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Set aside for coating the roll-ups later.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a third bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until fully blended to create the custard dip for the bread rolls.
- Flatten Bread Slices: Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each slice of bread to create an even, thin surface that will roll easily without cracking.
- Assemble Roll-Ups: Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each flattened slice of bread. Then, roll each slice tightly into a compact cylinder shape.
- Coat with Egg Mixture: Dip each roll-up thoroughly into the egg and milk mixture, turning to coat all sides. This ensures they will cook evenly and develop a golden crust.
- Cook Roll-Ups: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Place the coated roll-ups in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning carefully until all sides are golden brown and cooked through.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately after cooking, roll each hot roll-up in the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture so it sticks and adds sweet cinnamon flavor.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups warm with optional toppings such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.
Notes
- You can prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.
- Try using cinnamon swirl bread for extra cinnamon flavor inside the roll-ups.
- These roll-ups freeze well—reheat in the oven or air fryer for a quick breakfast or snack anytime.
