Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! Weekends are made for special breakfasts, and if you’re looking for a treat that’s both fun to make and incredibly delicious, you’ve found it. Today, we’re combining two breakfast superstars into one irresistible bite: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups. Imagine soft bread, coated in a sweet French toast batter, filled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar mixture, then cooked to golden perfection and often drizzled with a creamy glaze. It’s pure breakfast magic!

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a breakfast dish that feels indulgent but comes together with surprising ease? I’m absolutely obsessed with Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups because they transform simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. They offer all the warm, cinnamony goodness of a cinnamon roll without the lengthy rising time, and the satisfying texture of French toast. They’re incredibly fun for kids to help make, perfect for a special family breakfast or brunch, and easy to scale up for a crowd. Plus, they’re wonderfully versatile – serve them with syrup, fresh fruit, or simply on their own. Each bite is a little parcel of sweet, comforting joy!

The Evolution of Breakfast Mashups

Breakfast has long been a canvas for culinary creativity, evolving from simple staples to more elaborate and indulgent dishes. French toast, a classic that transforms stale bread into a sweet, custardy delight, has roots in Roman antiquity. Cinnamon rolls, with their rich, spiced swirls, became a beloved pastry, particularly in Scandinavian and American baking traditions.

The concept of “mashup” recipes, where two distinct dishes are combined, has gained popularity for its novelty and ability to leverage familiar flavors in new ways. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a brilliant example of this trend. They take the core elements of both—the custardy soak of French toast and the sweet, spiced filling of a cinnamon roll—and present them in a fun, handheld “roll-up” format. This innovation offers a quicker, often less messy, and undeniably fun way to enjoy the comforting flavors of both classics, making it a perfect weekend breakfast or brunch showstopper.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these sweet and easy breakfast roll-ups:

For the Filling:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

For the French Toast Roll-Ups:

• 8-10 slices sandwich bread (brioche or challah work best for richness)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or cooking spray, for cooking

For the Coating (Optional):

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Serving (Optional):

• Maple syrup, fresh berries, or extra powdered sugar

Swaps and Notes

• Bread: While regular sandwich bread works, brioche or challah bread elevates these roll-ups to a new level of richness and tenderness. They also hold up better to rolling. If using regular bread, try to use slightly stale bread.
• Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor.
• Sugars: The combination of powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture and brown sugar for the cinnamon swirl creates a balanced sweetness. Adjust to your preference.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is key for that classic cinnamon roll flavor. You can add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for more depth.
• Vanilla Extract: Good quality vanilla enhances all the sweet flavors.
• Milk: Whole milk or 2% milk works best for the French toast batter.
• Coating: The cinnamon-sugar coating after cooking adds an extra layer of sweetness and a delightful crunch, mimicking a true cinnamon roll. Don’t skip it if you want that classic flavor!

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s get these breakfast beauties rolled up and cooked!

1. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon melted butter until it forms a paste. Set both fillings aside.
2. Prepare Bread: Lay out the slices of bread. Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread firmly until it’s thin and compact. Trim the crusts off each slice (optional, but makes rolling easier).
3. Spread Fillings: Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over one side of each flattened bread slice, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, spread a thin layer of the cinnamon-sugar-butter paste over the cream cheese layer.
4. Roll Up: Starting from one short end, carefully and tightly roll up each bread slice into a log. Press gently to seal the seam.
5. Prepare French Toast Batter: In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and pinch of cinnamon until well combined.
6. Coat Roll-Ups: Dip each cinnamon roll-up into the French toast batter, turning to coat all sides quickly. Don’t let them soak too long, or they will become soggy.
7. Cook Roll-Ups: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter or spray with cooking spray. Place the roll-ups seam-side down first, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning frequently, until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar (Optional): If using the coating, in a shallow dish, combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Once cooked, immediately transfer the hot roll-ups to this mixture and roll to coat all sides.
9. Serve: Arrange the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups on a platter. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Tips for Success

• Flatten Bread Well: This is key for easy rolling and prevents the bread from tearing.
• Don’t Over-Soak: Dip the roll-ups quickly into the French toast batter. Brioche or challah can absorb a lot of liquid, so a quick dip is all you need.
• Cook Seam-Side Down First: This helps seal the roll-up and prevents it from unraveling.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
• Serve Warm: These roll-ups are best enjoyed fresh and warm, right after cooking.
• Prep Ahead (Partial): You can prepare the cream cheese and cinnamon-sugar fillings ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also flatten and fill the bread, roll it up, and store it tightly wrapped in the fridge for a few hours before dipping and cooking.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a delicious stand-alone treat, but they’re even better with:

• Maple Syrup: A classic drizzle of warm maple syrup.
• Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) adds brightness and a healthy touch.
• Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar makes them look elegant and adds extra sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Bacon or Sausage: For a complete breakfast, serve alongside crispy bacon or savory sausage links.
• Breakfast Bake Companion: These could be a fun addition to a larger brunch spread that includes something like This One-Pan Breakfast Bake Will Make You Skip Out The Door.
• Beverage Pairings: A hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or orange juice.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisped. Microwaving is an option, but they may become soft.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked and cooled roll-ups (without cinnamon-sugar coating or syrup/glaze) in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a toaster oven or oven until warmed through. Then add coating/toppings.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed these sweet and easy breakfast roll-ups, you might also like these other delightful treats:

• For another fun and whimsical cake that’s great for parties, try How This Unicorn Poke Cake Became My Favorite Party Trick.
• If you love rich, indulgent chocolate, you have to try These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
• For the ultimate classic brownie, my recipe for The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (and I’ve Made a Lot) is a definite winner.
• And for a comforting spiced treat perfect for fall mornings, check out These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat.

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Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a brilliant breakfast mashup, offering all the comforting flavors of your favorite sweet treats in a fun, easy-to-eat package. They’re perfect for adding a little extra joy to your morning, whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular weekend.

I hope you give this amazing recipe a try and enjoy every sweet, cinnamony bite! Let me know in the comments below if these become your new favorite breakfast treat, or what other fun breakfast fusions you love. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!