There’s something magical about combining two beloved breakfast classics into one spectacular dish: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups. This indulgent treat takes the warm, gooey cinnamon-sugar flavor of classic cinnamon rolls and wraps it inside the crisp, golden embrace of French toast. The result? A bite-sized, easy-to-eat, irresistibly sweet roll-up that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
What Are Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups?
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups are essentially a creative twist on traditional French toast and cinnamon rolls. Instead of baking a big cinnamon roll, you spread a cinnamon-sugar filling on slices of bread, roll them up, then dip them in an egg mixture (like French toast), and cook them on the griddle or skillet until golden and crispy. Once cooked, they’re usually drizzled with a glaze or dusted with powdered sugar—just like the classic cinnamon roll icing.
This dish is incredibly versatile, easy to make, and perfect for kids and adults alike. Plus, it offers a perfect balance of crispy exterior, soft interior, and sweet, cinnamon-y goodness.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups
- Simple to make: No yeast, no rising time. You don’t have to wait hours like with traditional cinnamon rolls.
- Customizable: Add cream cheese, fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips to the filling.
- Perfect portion size: Bite-sized roll ups make them easy to serve and eat.
- Great for entertaining: Fun for brunch gatherings or kids’ breakfasts.
- Portable: Easy to pack for a picnic or breakfast on the go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious roll ups:
- Bread: White sandwich bread works best because it’s soft and easy to roll.
- Butter: Softened, for spreading on the bread.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and caramel notes.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes this a cinnamon roll.
- Eggs: For the French toast batter.
- Milk: To lighten the egg mixture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the egg batter.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors.
- Powdered sugar and milk or cream cheese: For the glaze or icing drizzle.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by trimming the crusts off your sandwich bread slices so they’re easy to roll. Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice gently—this helps prevent cracks when you roll them.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Spread a thin layer evenly over each slice of flattened bread.
Step 3: Roll It Up
Carefully roll each slice into a tight cylinder, making sure the cinnamon sugar stays inside. Use a toothpick to secure the roll if needed.
Step 4: Make the French Toast Batter
Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl. This is your dip for the roll ups.
Step 5: Dip and Cook
Dip each cinnamon roll up into the egg mixture, coating all sides. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Cook the roll ups, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and cooked through—about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 6: Add the Icing
Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or cream cheese to create a glaze. Drizzle this over the warm roll ups to add that classic cinnamon roll finishing touch.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups
- Use fresh bread: Older bread might crack or fall apart when rolling.
- Don’t overfill: Keep the cinnamon sugar layer thin to avoid leakage.
- Low and slow cooking: Medium heat works best to cook the egg batter fully without burning the outside.
- Try different fillings: Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit preserves make delicious alternatives.
- Make ahead: Prepare roll ups and refrigerate before cooking; just cook when ready.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Cream Cheese Filling: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese under the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra richness.
- Fruit Twists: Add sliced strawberries, bananas, or apples before rolling.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside.
- Savory Version: Skip the cinnamon sugar and try ham and cheese for a breakfast roll up.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and butter substitutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups with fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or alongside crispy bacon for a perfect breakfast spread. They’re also great with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups are a fantastic way to brighten up your morning with something sweet, nostalgic, and comforting. They combine the best of both worlds—the cinnamon roll’s warm, gooey center and the crispy, custardy French toast exterior—into a handheld delight that everyone will love. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, these roll ups are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.