If you’re craving a sweet and comforting breakfast that’s both fun to make and absolutely delicious, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the cozy taste of cinnamon rolls wrapped up in playful French toast bites, combining gooey cream cheese filling with a crispy, golden outside. Every bite bursts with warm cinnamon, velvety cream cheese, and a touch of vanilla, making it the perfect weekend treat or special occasion breakfast that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering taste and perfect texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s adding sweetness, creaminess, or that essential cinnamon flavor that makes everything irresistible.
- 8 slices of bread: Using sandwich bread makes rolling easy and creates a soft, tender toast when cooked.
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened: This adds a rich, creamy filling that melts slightly when cooked.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling without graininess.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Provides the signature warm, spicy flavor for the coating.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds a lightly crunchy, sweet crust once cooked.
- 2 large eggs: The base for the egg wash that makes the bread golden and tender.
- ¼ cup milk: Keeps the egg mixture smooth and moist for even cooking.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a kiss of extra sweetness and depth of flavor to the egg wash.
- Butter, for cooking: Essential for browning the roll-ups and delivering that irresistible buttery flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Flatten the Bread
Start by loosening up the bread slices with a rolling pin. Flattening each slice makes the bread more pliable and easier to roll into neat little cylinders without cracking or tearing.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
Combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a bowl and mix until smooth and spreadable. This sweet and creamy mixture will be the luscious center of your roll-ups.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each flattened slice of bread. Then carefully roll each one up tightly, sealing the filling inside for that heavenly burst of flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract in a shallow bowl. This luscious egg wash is what gives the roll-ups their classic French toast texture and that beautiful golden color.
Step 5: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a separate dish, blend ground cinnamon and granulated sugar. This will be the flavorful and sweet coating that sticks perfectly to the warm roll-ups once cooked.
Step 6: Cook the Roll-Ups
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a knob of butter. Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture until fully coated, then place it in the hot skillet. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning gently, until all sides are golden brown and slightly crisp.
Step 7: Coat and Serve Warm
Right after cooking, roll the warm French toast roll-ups in the cinnamon-sugar mixture so they get a nice, even coating full of sweet cinnamon goodness. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe by adding a drizzle of warm maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries. These simple toppings bring a burst of freshness and a touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
Complement your roll-ups with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast, or fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness. A cup of hot coffee or a cold glass of fresh orange juice pairs wonderfully to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the roll-ups into bite-sized pinwheels for a fun brunch platter or stack them on a cake stand layered with mini dollops of frosting or cream cheese glaze. This recipe is as versatile as it is tasty, perfect for both casual family breakfasts and special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze uncoated roll-ups by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat cooked roll-ups gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy instead of delightfully crispy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white sandwich bread works best for rolling and creating a soft texture, you can experiment with brioche, whole wheat, or even gluten-free bread for a different flavor and feel.
Is it possible to make these roll-ups dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free or vegan cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based milk in the egg mixture to make this dish suitable for those avoiding dairy.
Can I add fruit inside the roll-ups?
Definitely! Small pieces of apples, strawberries, or bananas add a fresh, fruity twist inside the cream cheese filling. Just be careful not to overfill so the roll-ups stay tightly sealed.
How do I prevent the roll-ups from unrolling during cooking?
Make sure to roll them tightly and dip them fully in the egg mixture to help seal the edges. Some folks like to use a toothpick to secure the rolls while cooking, but it’s usually not necessary if properly rolled.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time and cooked later?
You can prepare the roll-ups up to the assembly stage and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before cooking, making breakfast prep easier on busy mornings.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe is truly a joyful way to start the day, combining the best of two beloved breakfast classics into one delightful bite. Once you whip these up, they’ll quickly become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients and enjoy the cozy, sweet magic that these roll-ups bring to your breakfast table!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups combine the sweet flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the comforting warmth of French toast. Soft bread slices are filled with a creamy cinnamon-sugar cream cheese mixture, rolled up, dipped in an egg custard, pan-fried until golden brown, and coated with a cinnamon-sugar blend for a delightful breakfast treat that’s quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
Roll-Ups
- 8 slices of bread
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking
- Butter, for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Flatten each slice of bread using a rolling pin to make rolling the bread easier and to create a smooth surface for the filling.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Assemble Roll-Ups: Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each flattened bread slice. Then carefully roll each slice tightly into a cylinder shape.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined to create the custard for dipping.
- Combine Cinnamon Sugar: In another dish, mix together the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar for the outer coating of the roll-ups.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter to coat the surface and prevent sticking.
- Cook the Roll-Ups: Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Place it onto the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Apply Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Immediately after cooking, roll each hot French toast roll-up in the cinnamon-sugar mixture so it sticks to the surface.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread as it rolls and holds filling better.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make spreading easier.
- For added flavor, you can use flavored cream cheese such as vanilla or honey.
- Butter quantity can be adjusted based on skillet size and preferred richness.
- Serve with maple syrup or fresh fruit for an extra special breakfast.
- To keep roll-ups warm, place them on a baking sheet in a low oven (200°F/93°C) until ready to serve.
