Description
These irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups combine the nostalgic comfort of classic French toast with the beloved swirls of cinnamon rolls—all in a fun, handheld format! Perfect for busy mornings or special brunches, these deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. The cinnamon-sugar filling caramelizes as it cooks, creating a delightful contrast to the soft, custard-like exterior.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Roll-Ups:
- 12 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed (day-old bread works best)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- For the French Toast Coating:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (any type works)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- For Finishing:
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for coating)
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Optional toppings: cream cheese glaze, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
- Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each slice of bread to make it thinner and more pliable.
- Trim the crusts from all bread slices using a sharp knife.
- Create the Cinnamon Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined into a paste.
- Spread a thin, even layer of the cinnamon mixture over each flattened bread slice, leaving about 1/4-inch border around the edges.
- Roll Up the Bread:
- Starting from one end, tightly roll up each bread slice to form a cylinder shape.
- Gently press the seam to seal, ensuring the roll-ups stay closed during cooking.
- Repeat with all remaining bread slices.
- Prepare the French Toast Batter:
- In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Make sure your dish is wide enough to easily dip the roll-ups.
- Cook the Roll-Ups:
- Melt butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Dip each roll-up in the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are coated.
- Place in the heated skillet, seam-side down first to seal it.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes total, turning every 30-45 seconds to ensure all sides get golden brown and crispy.
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, adding more butter as needed.
- Add the Final Touch:
- While still hot, roll the cooked French toast roll-ups in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange on a serving plate and serve warm with maple syrup for dipping.
- For extra decadence, drizzle with cream cheese glaze or top with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread for the best results – fresh bread can become too soggy when dipped in the egg mixture.
- Don’t overfill the roll-ups – a thin layer of filling works best and prevents spillage during cooking.
- For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread instead of regular white bread.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute plant-based butter and milk.
- These freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- To reheat from frozen: Place in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 roll-ups
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll french toast, french toast roll ups, cinnamon roll ups, breakfast recipe, easy breakfast, kid friendly breakfast, brunch recipe