There’s nothing quite like the aroma of cinnamon rolls baking or French toast sizzling, but what if you could combine those two incredible breakfast experiences into one? As Jason Griffith, I’m always on the hunt for ways to elevate classic dishes and make them even more exciting, and these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups do just that. They take the best of both worlds and transform them into a fun, easy, and utterly delicious treat that’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a special morning surprise.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups because they’re a brilliant shortcut to an amazing breakfast. You get the warm, gooey cinnamon sugar goodness of a cinnamon roll wrapped up in the eggy, golden crispness of French toast. It’s less fuss than making cinnamon rolls from scratch, and it’s far more exciting than regular French toast. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – you can fill them with anything from cream cheese to fruit! They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and always bring a smile to everyone’s face at the breakfast table.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful roll-ups:

• 8 slices of white bread (day-old bread works best)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For Serving (Optional):
  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh berries
  • More powdered sugar

Swaps and Notes

• Bread: While white bread is traditional and works beautifully for rolling, you can experiment with brioche or challah for an extra rich flavor. Just make sure the bread is fairly soft and fresh enough to roll without tearing.
• Filling: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can skip it and simply roll up the bread with just the cinnamon sugar mixture inside. For a fruitier twist, add a thin layer of jam or finely diced apples along with the cream cheese.
• Milk: Any type of milk will work – dairy or non-dairy.
• Spices: Adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your preference. A pinch of cardamom could also be a nice addition.
• Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling to your liking.

Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare the Bread: Lay out the slices of bread. Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread as thin as possible. Trim off the crusts (you can save them for breadcrumbs!).
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Fill and Roll: Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling evenly over one side of each flattened bread slice. Carefully roll up each slice tightly, starting from one end.
4. Prepare the French Toast Batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined.
5. Dip and Cook: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each rolled-up bread stick into the egg mixture, coating it completely but quickly so it doesn’t get soggy.
6. Cook the Roll-Ups: Place the coated roll-ups in the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Add the remaining butter as needed.
7. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the roll-ups are still warm, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll each cooked French toast roll-up in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
8. Serve: Serve immediately with warm maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips for Success

• Flatten Evenly: Don’t be afraid to press down firmly with the rolling pin to get the bread as flat as possible. This makes rolling much easier and prevents tears.
• Don’t Over-Soak: Dip the roll-ups quickly in the egg mixture. If they sit too long, they’ll become soggy and fall apart when cooking.
• Medium Heat is Key: Cooking on medium heat allows the roll-ups to cook through and become golden without burning the outside.
• Coat While Warm: Rolling the cooked French toast in the cinnamon sugar while it’s still warm helps the sugar adhere better.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with a few delicious accompaniments. A drizzle of warm maple syrup is a must, and fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries add a lovely freshness and pop of color. For a truly decadent experience, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would be incredible.

Looking for other sweet treats or breakfast ideas to pair with these? Consider:

• These Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are My Morning Time Saver for a quick and satisfying on-the-go option.
• This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas for another comforting baked good.

Storage and Leftover Tips

While these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat, you can pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up, but for the best texture, I recommend reheating them in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy. This will help bring back some of that delightful golden crust.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you have a sweet tooth like me, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite recipes on ChefManiac.com:

• These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are My Favorite Sweet Obsession for an ultimate dessert experience.
• The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made a Lot) if you’re a peanut butter chocolate lover.
• This Edible Cookie Dough is My Favorite No-Bake Treat for Late Night Cravings for when you just need a quick, sweet fix without turning on the oven.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a testament to creative cooking – taking two beloved classics and merging them into something new and exciting. They’re simple enough for a weekday treat, yet special enough for a celebratory brunch. Give them a try, and I guarantee they’ll become a new favorite in your breakfast rotation!

What’s your go-to special breakfast? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow ChefManiac.com for more delicious recipes!