Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

What happens when you combine the flavors of cinnamon rolls with the crispy, golden goodness of French toast? You get Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups, a decadent, fun-to-eat breakfast that’s crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside.

Each roll-up is filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar spread, dipped in a rich egg mixture, and cooked to golden perfection before being dusted with cinnamon sugar. Serve them with cream cheese icing, maple syrup, or fruit compote for the ultimate morning treat.

Perfect for weekend brunch, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a comforting breakfast, these roll-ups are a fun twist on classic French toast that both kids and adults will love!

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

• Crispy on the Outside, Gooey on the Inside – Like a cross between French toast and a cinnamon roll!
• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings.
• Kid-Friendly and Fun to Eat – Perfect for dipping in maple syrup or cream cheese glaze.
• Customizable Fillings – Try Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit jam for a different twist.
• Great for Brunch or Holidays – Impress guests with a beautiful, delicious breakfast.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 roll-ups (serves 4)

Nutritional Information (Per Roll-Up)

• Calories: 150
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 6g
• Sugar: 9g

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

For the Roll-Ups:

• 12 slices of soft white or brioche bread
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the French Toast Coating:

• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For Serving (Optional):

• Cream cheese icing or glaze
• Maple syrup
• Fresh berries

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
2. Set aside for spreading.

Step 2: Flatten the Bread

1. Remove the crusts from each slice of bread (optional).
2. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten each slice into a thin rectangle.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

1. Spread a thin layer of the cinnamon-sugar filling over each piece of bread.
2. Tightly roll up each slice into a log, pressing the seam to seal.

Step 4: Prepare the French Toast Batter

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

Step 5: Cook the Roll-Ups

1. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and grease with butter.
2. Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, coating evenly but not soaking.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning until golden brown on all sides.

Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

1. While still warm, brush each roll-up with melted butter.
2. Roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve warm with cream cheese icing, maple syrup, or fruit compote.
2. Enjoy with coffee or a glass of milk!

Ingredient Background

1. Bread Selection

The best bread for French toast roll-ups should be soft and easy to roll. Brioche, white sandwich bread, or Texas toast work well because they have a tender crumb that absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart. Avoid sourdough or whole wheat bread, as they may be too dense or tough to roll properly.

2. Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

This mixture of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon gives these roll-ups their classic cinnamon roll flavor. Brown sugar adds a caramel-like richness, while cinnamon provides warm spice. If you prefer a richer taste, add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice.

3. French Toast Batter

The egg, milk, and vanilla mixture creates a light custard that coats each roll-up, helping it crisp up beautifully in the pan. Using whole milk makes the batter richer, but you can also use half-and-half or plant-based milk for dietary preferences.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Coating

After cooking, rolling the warm roll-ups in cinnamon sugar creates a crispy, sweet exterior similar to a churro. Brushing them with melted butter first helps the cinnamon sugar adhere better.

Technique Tips for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

1. Don’t Overfill the Bread

Spreading too much cinnamon sugar filling will make rolling difficult and can cause leaks when cooking. Use a thin, even layer to prevent excess filling from oozing out.

2. Roll the Bread Tightly

To prevent the roll-ups from unraveling while cooking, press the seam down gently but firmly after rolling. If needed, you can use a toothpick to secure them while cooking.

3. Avoid Over-Soaking in Egg Mixture

Dipping the roll-ups too long in the egg mixture can make them soggy. A quick dip and roll is enough to coat them without making them too wet.

4. Use Medium Heat for Cooking

Cooking on medium heat ensures a golden-brown, crispy texture without burning the cinnamon sugar. High heat may cause the outside to cook too quickly while the inside remains undercooked.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Drizzle with Cream Cheese Icing

For an authentic cinnamon roll taste, mix:

• ¼ cup cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Drizzle over warm roll-ups for a sweet and tangy finish.

2. Churro-Style Roll-Ups

Instead of rolling in cinnamon sugar, dip the roll-ups in:

• Melted chocolate
• Dulce de leche
• Caramel sauce

This adds a rich, dessert-like twist to your French toast roll-ups!

3. Stuffed with Fruit or Nuts

For added texture and flavor, try adding:

• Thinly sliced bananas before rolling
• Chopped pecans or walnuts in the cinnamon sugar filling
• A layer of strawberry jam for a fruity kick

Freezing and Storing Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

1. Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled roll-ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet for 1-2 minutes per side or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes.

2. Freezing for Later

• Arrange cooked roll-ups in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
• Transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat directly from frozen in an oven at 375°F for 10 minutes.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Use Whole Wheat Bread

Swapping white bread for whole wheat or whole grain bread increases fiber and nutrients while maintaining great flavor.

2. Reduce Sugar

• Use coconut sugar or honey instead of brown sugar.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon-sugar coating for a less sweet version.

3. Dairy-Free Option

Replace:

• Butter with coconut oil or vegan butter
• Milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk

4. Bake Instead of Frying

Instead of pan-frying, bake the roll-ups at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This reduces oil and calories while keeping them crispy.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Weekend Brunch Treat

Serve with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a complete brunch spread.

2. Holiday Breakfast (Christmas or Easter)

Arrange the roll-ups in a spiral pattern on a plate and drizzle with icing to resemble a cinnamon roll wreath.

3. Kid-Friendly Breakfast Party

Set up a DIY dipping station with:

• Nutella
• Peanut butter
• Strawberry or raspberry jam

Let kids dip their roll-ups for extra fun!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use pre-made cinnamon roll dough instead of bread?

Yes! You can roll out cinnamon roll dough, cut into strips, and follow the same process for an even richer version.

2. What’s the best way to keep roll-ups warm before serving?

Place cooked roll-ups in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet to keep them warm while making batches.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the roll-ups the night before, store in the fridge, and cook fresh in the morning.

4. What’s the best bread for ultra-soft roll-ups?

Brioche, Hawaiian sweet bread, or potato bread give the softest, most pillowy texture.

5. Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

6. What can I substitute for eggs in the batter?

Use 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup milk for an egg-free version.

7. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free sandwich bread and ensure your cinnamon and sugar are gluten-free.

8. How do I prevent the roll-ups from burning?

Cook on medium heat and turn frequently to prevent scorching.

9. Can I fill these with something other than cinnamon sugar?

Yes! Try:

• Nutella and banana slices
• Peanut butter and honey
• Ricotta cheese with lemon zest

10. Can I make a savory version?

Absolutely! Fill with cream cheese and smoked salmon or ham and cheese for a savory twist.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a deliciously indulgent yet easy breakfast treat that brings together warm cinnamon, crispy bread, and a sweet sugar coating. Whether you serve them plain, drizzled with icing, or dipped in syrup, they’re a guaranteed hit for kids, adults, and special occasions.

Try them today and enjoy a bite-sized version of your favorite cinnamon roll!

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