The Ultimate Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

By Jason Griffith

There is something truly magical about the smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen on a slow Saturday morning. If you are stuck in a breakfast rut and tired of the same old cereal or plain toast, let me introduce you to your new morning obsession: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups.

These little delights take the best parts of a gooey cinnamon roll—the warm spice and buttery sweetness—and combine them with the golden, crispy texture of classic French toast. The best part? They are incredibly easy to eat on the go, making them a hit for both busy parents and hungry kids.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve developed many breakfast recipes over the years, from This One-Pan Breakfast Bake to more decadent treats, but these roll-ups hold a special place in my heart.

1. Texture Contrast: You get a crunch on the outside from the pan-searing and a soft, melted cinnamon-butter center.
2. Kid-Friendly: They are essentially “French toast fries.” They are perfect for dipping and way less messy than a traditional stack of syrup-soaked pancakes.
3. Speed: You can go from “I’m hungry” to “breakfast is served” in exactly 20 minutes.
4. Pantry Staples: You likely already have every single ingredient in your kitchen right now.

The Ingredients

To make these roll-ups, you’ll need a few basic items. I recommend using fresh bread for easier rolling!

For the Roll-Ups:

• 6 slices of sandwich bread: White bread is traditional for that soft texture, but whole wheat works great too.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy spreading.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This creates the “filling” texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star of the show!

For the Egg Mixture:

• 2 large eggs: These provide the structure and richness for the coating.
• 1/4 cup milk: Whole milk is best, but almond or oat milk works too.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must-have for that authentic French toast flavor.

For Cooking & Topping:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For frying in the skillet.
• Optional: Powdered sugar, maple syrup, or whipped cream.

Swaps and Notes

• The Bread: If you find your bread is tearing while rolling, try removing the crusts very carefully. You can also use brioche bread for an even richer, more dessert-like experience.
• The Filling: Feeling fancy? Add a thin layer of cream cheese before the cinnamon sugar for a “Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake” vibe.
• Gluten-Free: Simply swap the sandwich bread for your favorite gluten-free brand.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Bread

Start by cutting the crusts off your bread slices. Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice until it is thin and pliable. This is a crucial step; if the bread is too thick, it will crack when you try to roll it.

2. Add the Filling

In a small bowl, stir together your sugar and cinnamon. Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter onto one side of each flattened bread slice, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mix.

3. Roll It Up

Starting at one end, roll the bread tightly into a log shape. Press down slightly at the seam to help it stay closed.

4. Create the Custard

In a shallow bowl (like a pie plate), whisk your eggs, milk, and vanilla. You want it fully incorporated so there are no “white” streaks from the eggs.

5. Coat and Fry

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each roll into the egg mixture. Pro Tip: Don’t soak them! A quick 2-second roll in the liquid is all you need. If they get too soggy, they won’t crisp up.

6. Golden Perfection

Place the rolls seam-side down in the hot skillet first. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Over-Soak: Unlike thick slices of sourdough French toast, these thin rolls absorb liquid fast. A quick dip is plenty.
• Medium Heat is Key: If the pan is too hot, the sugar inside will burn before the egg coating is cooked. Keep it at a steady medium.
• The Rolling Pin: If you don’t have a rolling pin, a clean wine bottle or even a tall smooth glass works perfectly to flatten the bread.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These are wonderful on their own, but if you’re hosting a brunch, I love serving them alongside protein to balance the sweetness.

For a complete breakfast spread, you might also enjoy The Viral Cottage Cheese Pancake for an extra boost of protein. If you are preparing a brunch for a crowd, pairing these with This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread ensures there is something for every sweet tooth at the table.

Nutritional Information (Per Roll-Up)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 12g

Storage and Leftover Tips

While these are best served fresh and crispy, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave as it makes them rubbery. Instead, pop them in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or back into a dry skillet until warmed through.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this sweet morning treat, you have to try these other favorites from the Chefmaniac kitchen:

• These 3-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies – Perfect for the busiest mornings.
• These Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups – For when you want that cozy chocolate flavor in cookie form.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are proof that you don’t need a lot of time or fancy ingredients to make a 5-star breakfast. They bring a bit of whimsy to the table and are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag us in your breakfast photos. For more easy kitchen wins, make sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter!