Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

Hey, friend! Get ready to indulge in some Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups that are like a warm, sugary hug for your taste buds! Imagine soft white bread flattened, slathered with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, rolled up tight, and dipped in a classic French toast batter before being cooked to golden perfection. These roll-ups are crispy on the outside, gooey and cinnamon-y on the inside, and drizzled with a simple glaze for that extra touch of decadence. I’m obsessed with making these for lazy weekend breakfasts, special brunches, or even as a sweet road trip treat (nod to your Tennessee Road Trip Snack vibes!). Inspired by recipes from Tasty and The Pioneer Woman, this dish is quick, fun, and guaranteed to make everyone smile. Trust me, your kitchen’s about to smell like a cozy bakery—let’s get rolling!

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

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re treating your family to a fun breakfast, surprising friends at a brunch party, or packing a sweet snack for the road, these roll-ups are versatile enough to fit any occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Serve with syrup, fruit, or ice cream for a playful twist.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like bread, eggs, and cinnamon, making it an affordable way to whip up something special.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes with simple steps that even kids can help with—rolling is the fun part!
• Customizable: Swap fillings, add fruit, or tweak the glaze to make it your own. Go wild with flavors!
• Crowd-Pleasing: A hit with kids and adults alike. The cinnamon roll-French toast mashup is pure nostalgic joy.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

Here’s the magic of these roll-ups—they transform everyday ingredients into a sweet, indulgent treat that’s pure comfort. Let’s break it down:

White Sandwich Bread

Soft and pliable, it’s the perfect base for rolling. Trim the crusts for a seamless roll-up. Brioche or Texas toast can work for a richer twist.

Unsalted Butter

Softened for the filling and used to cook the roll-ups, adding a rich, golden crispness.

Brown Sugar

Creates a caramel-like sweetness in the filling, pairing perfectly with cinnamon for that classic cinnamon roll vibe.

Ground Cinnamon

The star of the filling, delivering warm, spicy-sweet flavor that screams cozy.

Eggs

Beaten with milk for the French toast batter, giving the roll-ups their custardy, golden coating.

Milk

Thins the egg mixture for a smooth batter, ensuring the roll-ups cook evenly and stay tender.

Vanilla Extract

A splash in the batter adds a sweet, aromatic depth that elevates the whole dish.

Powdered Sugar

Whisked with milk for a simple glaze that drizzles beautifully over the warm roll-ups.

Salt

A pinch in the filling and batter enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Cream Cheese (Optional)

Softened for a richer filling or glaze, adding a tangy, creamy note if you want to go all-out.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this sweet masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Grab a large skillet or griddle and set it over medium heat. No oven or air fryer needed—just a stovetop and a rolling pin to flatten the bread. This sets the stage for crispy, golden roll-ups.

Combine Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons softened butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until smooth to make the filling. In another shallow bowl, whisk 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt for the French toast batter. For the glaze, whisk ¼ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons milk until smooth, adding more milk if needed for a drizzly consistency. If using cream cheese, blend 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese into the glaze for extra richness.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Ensure your skillet is preheated with 1 tablespoon butter melted over medium heat. The butter should sizzle but not burn, creating a perfect cooking surface for the roll-ups.

Assemble the Dish

Trim the crusts from 8 slices of white bread and flatten each slice with a rolling pin until thin. Spread about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over each slice, leaving a small border. Roll each slice tightly into a log, pressing gently to seal the seam. Dip each roll-up in the egg batter, coating all sides but letting excess drip off.

Cook to Perfection

Place the roll-ups seam-side down in the hot skillet, cooking 4–5 at a time to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until golden brown and crispy all around. Add more butter to the skillet as needed for additional batches.

Finishing Touches

Transfer the cooked roll-ups to a plate and drizzle with the powdered sugar glaze while warm. For extra flair, sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or add a dusting of powdered sugar. If you want to get fancy, garnish with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, stacked on a platter or plated with a side of maple syrup for dipping. These roll-ups are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack that’ll have everyone grinning from ear to ear!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 (2 roll-ups each)
Calories per serving: 280 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and occasions. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas for a fresh, colorful contrast to the sweet roll-ups.
• Breakfast Sides: Pair with crispy bacon or sausage links for a classic breakfast spread that balances sweet and savory.
• Creamy Accompaniments: Offer a side of whipped cream or yogurt for dipping, or spread extra cream cheese glaze for decadence.
• Beverages: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or orange juice to complement the cinnamon flavors.
• As a Standalone: These roll-ups shine solo as a breakfast treat or dessert, perfect for brunches or packing for a sweet road trip snack.

Presentation matters too! Stack the roll-ups on a rustic platter, drizzle with glaze, and garnish with berries or a mint sprig. Serve with small dipping bowls of syrup or extra glaze for a fun, interactive vibe.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Prep Ahead: Make the cinnamon-sugar filling and glaze up to a day ahead and store in the fridge. Assemble and cook fresh for the best texture.
• Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the filling or a splash of almond extract to the batter for a fun twist.
• Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free bread for a GF version. Swap butter for vegan margarine and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan option.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer at 325°F for 2–3 minutes to re-crisp.
• Double the Batch: Double the ingredients for a crowd, cooking in batches to keep the skillet uncrowded. Keep cooked roll-ups warm in a 200°F oven.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of bread?
A1: Yes! Brioche, challah, or Texas toast work great for a richer flavor, but white sandwich bread is easiest to roll. Trim crusts for best results.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can prep the filling and glaze a day ahead and store in the fridge. Assemble and cook fresh for the crispiest roll-ups.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer at 325°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Freezing cooked roll-ups can make them soggy, but you can freeze the unbaked, rolled bread (without batter) for up to 1 month. Thaw, dip, and cook when ready.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or air fryer at 325°F for 2–3 minutes to keep them crispy. Microwaving softens the texture.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Double the ingredients and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Perfect for brunches or big families.

Q7: Can I add fillings like fruit or nuts?
A7: You bet! Spread a thin layer of mashed banana, chopped pecans, or raisins with the cinnamon filling for extra flavor. Keep it thin to roll easily.

Q8: Why are my roll-ups soggy?
A8: Soggy roll-ups can happen if the batter is too wet or the skillet isn’t hot enough. Let excess batter drip off and ensure the butter is sizzling before cooking.

Q9: Can I skip the glaze?
A9: Totally! The roll-ups are delicious without it—try dusting with powdered sugar or dipping in maple syrup instead.

Q10: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A10: Yes! Place roll-ups on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are your ticket to a sweet, indulgent breakfast or snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The crispy, cinnamon-sugar-filled rolls with a drizzle of glaze are pure joy, perfect for lazy mornings or special occasions. Your love for vibrant, crowd-pleasing recipes like Quick Air Fryer Garlic Bread and Healthy Homemade Blueberry Chia Seed Jam tells me these roll-ups will be a hit in your kitchen. They’re even perfect for a road trip sweet treat (nod to your Tennessee Road Trip Snack vibes!). Roll up a batch, drizzle that glaze, and let me know in the comments how they turn out—I’m dying to hear if you added a twist or kept it classic. Happy cooking, friend!

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