The magic of breakfast meets dessert in these irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups. Each bite delivers a crispy outside, a luscious cream cheese center, and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that melts in your mouth. It’s everything you love about a cinnamon roll and French toast—rolled into one perfect bite-sized treat.
This recipe is great for both busy mornings and weekend brunches with the family. They’re easy to whip up with pantry staples and make an eye-catching and satisfying plate. Serve them with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar to take this dish from simple to sensational.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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8 slices of soft white bread (crusts removed)
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1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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3 eggs
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1/4 cup milk
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1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
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Maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving
Directions:
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In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Flatten each slice of bread using a rolling pin.
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Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each slice of bread, then roll tightly into a log.
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In another bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
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In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
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Dip each rolled-up bread piece into the egg mixture, coating all sides.
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Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook each roll-up until all sides are golden brown, turning gently with tongs.
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Immediately roll the hot roll-ups in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
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Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal per roll-up | Servings: 8 roll-ups
Introduction to Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are the perfect marriage between two beloved breakfast classics: cinnamon rolls and French toast. They bring together the warm, gooey indulgence of cinnamon-spiced sweetness with the comforting, golden crisp of classic French toast. These roll-ups are delightfully easy to make, and their presentation alone makes them ideal for everything from cozy weekend breakfasts to more elegant brunch settings. Their creamy, sweet filling and crispy outer layer offer a satisfying texture contrast that appeals to both kids and adults.
Beyond just taste, these roll-ups are customizable, quick to prepare, and made with common kitchen staples. That’s what makes this dish so appealing—it’s as practical as it is delicious. Whether you’re making them for a weekend family treat or impressing brunch guests, Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a guaranteed hit.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
This recipe is inspired by the flavors of classic American cinnamon rolls—those warm, spiraled pastries often enjoyed fresh from the oven and topped with sticky glaze or icing. But instead of relying on time-consuming dough preparation, these roll-ups offer a faster method using sliced bread and a luscious cream cheese mixture for the filling. It’s essentially the express version of cinnamon rolls, dressed up in French toast’s golden, egg-dipped exterior.
Cinnamon and sugar have long been popular breakfast flavors, whether in cereal, pastries, or toast. This recipe builds on that nostalgic combination and reinvents it into something uniquely bite-sized and sharable. It’s also a great solution when you want to indulge in something rich without committing to the full process of baking cinnamon rolls from scratch.
Why You’ll Love These Roll-Ups
There are several reasons why this dish has gained popularity online and in home kitchens. First and foremost, the flavor is comforting and familiar—reminiscent of your favorite weekend breakfasts growing up. The cream cheese inside adds a slightly tangy note that balances the sweetness and enhances the richness of the dish.
Secondly, these roll-ups are incredibly easy to prepare. There’s no need to knead dough, wait for it to rise, or even turn on the oven. They cook quickly on a stovetop and can be ready in under 30 minutes. This makes them a great choice for busy mornings or last-minute brunch ideas.
Additionally, the texture is a standout. The outsides of the roll-ups are crisp and golden thanks to the egg mixture and a quick pan-fry, while the inside remains soft and creamy. Rolling them in cinnamon sugar after cooking gives them that final sweet crunch that makes each bite a delight.
Creative Variations You Can Try
While the classic version of this recipe is already a winner, there are many ways to put your own spin on it. If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, you can add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling, or drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the finished roll-ups.
Fruit also pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon and cream cheese base. Try folding in chopped strawberries, bananas, or even a spoonful of apple pie filling inside each roll before rolling and cooking. The natural sweetness of the fruit adds a bright and fresh flavor dimension.
For a more savory twist, reduce the sugar and use flavored cream cheese or mascarpone cheese with just a touch of honey. Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice for extra depth. You can also experiment with flavored syrups—maple is traditional, but vanilla bean or brown sugar cinnamon syrups can elevate the experience even more.
And if you’re gluten-free or dairy-free, this recipe is easy to adapt. Use your favorite gluten-free bread and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. With a few swaps, you can create a version that suits any dietary need.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are best served warm, fresh out of the skillet. The contrast between the warm cream cheese filling and the crispy sugar-coated bread is what makes this dish so satisfying. For presentation, stack the roll-ups on a platter and drizzle them lightly with maple syrup or a vanilla glaze. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish.
These roll-ups pair wonderfully with other brunch staples. Try serving them with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or orange slices to balance the richness. A hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or freshly squeezed juice makes the perfect beverage companion.
If you’re hosting a brunch, they can be served alongside egg-based dishes like quiches or omelets for a sweet and savory spread. Because they are individually portioned, they also work well as part of a breakfast buffet.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
One of the great things about this recipe is how much kids enjoy it. The soft texture, creamy center, and sugary crust make these roll-ups an instant hit with little ones. Letting children help roll the bread or dip in the cinnamon sugar can also turn breakfast prep into a fun activity.
For larger gatherings or holidays, you can easily double or triple the batch. Simply prep all the roll-ups in advance, refrigerate them until ready to cook, and then fry them just before serving. This makes it a highly scalable dish that can work just as well for two people as it does for a group of twenty.
Tips for Perfect Roll-Ups Every Time
To ensure your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups turn out perfectly, start by using very soft, fresh white bread. This type of bread is easy to flatten and roll without cracking. If your bread is a little dry or stiff, a quick 5-second steam in the microwave with a damp paper towel can help.
Be gentle when rolling the bread around the filling to avoid any breaks or leaks. When cooking, use medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve even browning. It’s also important to roll the cooked roll-ups in the cinnamon sugar immediately while they’re still warm—this helps the sugar stick better and creates that deliciously crispy exterior.
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This ensures a smooth, spreadable filling and prevents lumps. If you’re short on time, microwaving the cream cheese for 10-15 seconds will do the trick.
Storage and Reheating
These roll-ups are best eaten fresh, but they can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. If you plan to make them ahead, store them uncoated and roll them in cinnamon sugar just before serving for best texture. Reheat them in a pan over low heat or in an air fryer to bring back their crispiness.
If you want to freeze them, assemble and freeze the uncooked roll-ups on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, let them thaw slightly and cook as instructed.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a sweet, easy-to-make treat that turns everyday ingredients into something special. Whether you’re feeding your family on a Sunday morning or putting together a decadent brunch for friends, this recipe fits the bill. It’s adaptable, visually appealing, and packed with nostalgic flavor that makes every bite feel like a warm hug.
What makes these roll-ups truly shine is their balance—creamy yet crispy, sweet yet slightly tangy, familiar yet fresh. And perhaps best of all, they deliver the indulgence of a bakery-style cinnamon roll in a fraction of the time. Keep this recipe in your breakfast rotation and you’ll always have a go-to favorite that wows both the palate and the people at your table.