Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Warm & Familiar Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe

I love mornings when the house smells like freshly baked cinnamon rolls, but I don’t always have the time or patience to wait for dough to rise. That’s why this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe has become such a favorite in my kitchen. It captures all that buttery, cinnamon-spiced magic in a quick and fun way—perfect when you want indulgence without the fuss.

As you roll up each slice of bread filled with creamy sweetness, you’ll notice how the edges crisp golden in the pan—but the center stays soft, velvety, and just a little gooey. This recipe is like the cozy hug of cinnamon rolls, wrapped up in easy-to-eat bite-sized morsels that are perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

If you’re ready for a breakfast treat that feels special but is actually quick and simple, I can’t wait for you to try these. We’re about to make mornings a little brighter and a lot more delicious.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 8 slices of bread: White or sandwich bread works best; the softer texture lets you roll easily without cracking.
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy richness; you can swap for mascarpone or ricotta for subtle flavor changes.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the filling perfectly without graininess.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The warm, fragrant star of the show, both in filling and coating.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Gives a lovely crunchy coating when combined with cinnamon.
• 2 large eggs: Creates the custardy base that crisps the roll-ups golden.
• ¼ cup milk: Keeps the egg mixture delicate and light; any milk type works well.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet aroma and rounds out flavors.
• Butter, for cooking: Provides a rich, golden crust and lovely nutty notes.

Before You Start

Setting yourself up with everything measured and ready is a game changer for this recipe. Soften the cream cheese early, have your bread slices flattened and ready, and whisk together the egg mixture just before cooking to keep it fresh. This approach keeps the process smooth and stress-free—believe me, it makes a difference when the kitchen fills with those tempting scents.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe

1. Flatten each slice of bread. Use a rolling pin to gently press the bread until it’s about ¼-inch thick. This stops tearing and helps the roll-ups stay tight. You’ll notice the bread becomes pliable without falling apart.
2. Mix the cream cheese filling. In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until velvety smooth. This luscious filling brings that signature sweet tang reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls.
3. Spread and roll tightly. Spread a thin, even layer of cream cheese mixture onto each flattened bread slice. Then roll it up firmly from one edge to the other—compact rolls make for neat cooking and even texture.
4. Whisk egg mixture. Combine eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until fully integrated. This custard bath is what creates the golden crust and tender interior you’re after.
5. Prepare cinnamon sugar coating. In a separate shallow dish, stir together ground cinnamon and granulated sugar. This coating provides a crunchy, fragrant finish to the roll-ups once cooked.
🎯

Cook Like a Pro

Smart technique, timing cues, and flavor balance notes so your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe turns out just right, every time.

6. Heat your skillet and butter. Warm a skillet over medium heat and melt enough butter to coat the pan generously. Butter adds that nutty aroma and helps the roll-ups brown beautifully without sticking.
7. Dip roll-ups in egg mixture. Coat each roll-up completely, turning gently to soak all sides. The trick is not to let them soak too long or they’ll get soggy—just a quick dip works best.
8. Cook roll-ups until golden. Place the coated roll-ups seam side down in the hot skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, watching for a lightly golden crust. The exterior should be crisp-edged while the inside stays soft and luscious.
9. Roll in cinnamon sugar while warm. As soon as they’re off the skillet, roll each in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating evenly. The warmth helps the sugar stick and melt slightly, creating a delightful finishing layer.
10. Serve immediately. These are best enjoyed warm, with any favorite syrup, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You’ll love the contrast of textures and the cozy cinnamon aroma filling the air.

Flavor Variations for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe

• Apple Pie Twist: Add thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of nutmeg in the cream cheese before rolling—hello, autumn vibes!
• Pecan Crunch: Mix chopped toasted pecans into your cream cheese for a lovely crunch inside.
• Berry Bliss: Swirl in a spoonful of raspberry or strawberry jam with the cream cheese for a fruity surprise.
• Chocolate Lover’s: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside or add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra decadence.
• Savory Switch: Skip the sugar and cinnamon coating; fill with herb cream cheese and ham for a brunch-worthy savory roll-up.
• Maple Drizzle: Top finished roll-ups with pure maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar for a richer finish.

Storage, Freezer & Reheat Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or toaster oven to keep edges crisp.
• Freeze: Wrap each roll-up individually and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat best practice: Avoid the microwave if possible—it softens the crust. A quick pan-fry over medium heat revives that crisp exterior beautifully.
• Make ahead: You can prepare roll-ups (before cooking) and keep wrapped in the fridge for up to 24 hours to save time on busy mornings.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe FAQs

• Can I use gluten-free bread? Absolutely! Just opt for a sturdy, soft gluten-free loaf to avoid cracking when rolling.
• What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly? Microwave in 10-second bursts or leave it out at room temperature for 30 minutes before starting.
• Can I make these dairy-free? Yes, swap cream cheese for a dairy-free spread and use plant-based milk instead of regular milk.
• Do I need to crust the bread before flattening? It’s best to remove the crusts for easier rolling and a tender bite.
• Can I add nuts or fruit inside? Definitely! Toss in finely chopped nuts or dried fruit to personalize your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe.

Print