Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-up Recipe

Irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-up Recipe for Brunch

Tucked inside my grandmother’s worn cookbook, a magical cinnamon roll French toast roll-up recipe sparked my culinary curiosity years ago.

Soft tortillas became my canvas for sweet morning magic.

Cream cheese and cinnamon dance together, creating layers of indulgent flavor.

Rolled and golden-brown, these delightful treats promise a breakfast experience that breaks from ordinary morning meals.

Weekend brunch demands something extraordinary, and this recipe delivers unexpected comfort.

Each bite whispers of childhood memories and weekend relaxation.

You’ll want to savor every delicious moment of this simple yet spectacular dish.

What You’ll Need for Cinnamon Roll-Ups

Bread Base:
  • White Sandwich Bread: Soft, flexible bread perfect for creating roll-ups and easy to flatten.
Main Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich ingredient that creates a creamy interior for the roll-ups.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the cream cheese mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the filling.
Coating and Seasoning:
  • Eggs, Milk: Create a rich, custardy exterior that helps bread brown and become crispy.
  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Provide a sweet and warm coating that caramelizes when cooked.
  • Butter: Creates a golden, crispy exterior when used for pan-frying the roll-ups.

How to Make French Toast Roll-Ups

Step 1: Prepare Bread Slices

Take white bread and carefully slice off the crusts.

Use a rolling pin to gently flatten each bread slice until thin and smooth.

Step 2: Create Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture becomes silky and well combined.

Step 3: Make Cinnamon Coating

In a separate bowl, mix:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Ensure the ingredients are thoroughly blended.

Step 4: Assemble Roll-Ups

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across each flattened bread slice.

Roll each slice tightly from one end to the other, creating a compact cylindrical shape.

Step 5: Prepare Egg Wash

Whisk together eggs and milk in a shallow bowl until well combined.

The mixture should have a smooth, consistent texture.

Step 6: Dip and Coat Roll-Ups

Carefully dunk each roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are completely coated.

Allow excess liquid to drip off.

Step 7: Cook Roll-Ups

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Place roll-ups in the pan and cook, rotating to achieve a golden-brown color on all sides.

Step 8: Add Final Touch

Immediately transfer hot roll-ups to the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Roll each piece to coat completely.

Serve while warm and enjoy the delightful treat.

Notes for Great Cinnamon Toast Roll-Ups

  • Use a rolling pin to press bread slices evenly, ensuring a thin, uniform base for easier rolling and better texture.
  • Whip cream cheese mixture until completely lump-free for a silky, spreadable consistency that enhances overall taste.
  • Avoid over-soaking bread in egg mixture; quick dip ensures crispy exterior while maintaining soft interior.
  • Cook roll-ups on medium heat to create an even, golden-brown crust without burning the delicate bread.
  • Keep leftover roll-ups in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster oven to maintain crispy texture.

French Toast Roll-Ups Twist Ideas

  • Keto-Friendly Version: Replace bread with low-carb almond flour tortillas, use sugar-free sweetener instead of sugar, and swap cream cheese for mascarpone cheese.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free bread slices or rice paper wraps, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil for cooking.
  • Protein-Packed Option: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the cream cheese mixture, use whole wheat bread for extra nutrition, and sprinkle chia seeds in the cinnamon sugar coating.

What to Add to Roll-Up Platters

  • Breakfast Bliss Platter: Arrange golden roll-ups on a wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves for a stunning morning presentation.
  • Sweet Morning Drizzle: Top roll-ups with warm maple syrup or a quick vanilla glaze to enhance their rich, creamy texture.
  • Coffee Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a hot cappuccino or freshly brewed coffee to complement the sweet cinnamon flavor and create a delightful breakfast experience.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Create a beautiful spread with these roll-ups as the centerpiece, surrounded by crispy bacon and scrambled eggs for a complete morning meal.

Saving Roll-Ups the Smart Way

  • Place cooled roll-ups in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Wrap individual roll-ups tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Warm roll-ups on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds, checking to avoid overheating. Sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar if desired for restored crispness.

FAQs

  • What is the purpose of flattening the bread with a rolling pin?

Flattening the bread makes it easier to roll up tightly and creates a thin, uniform surface for spreading the cream cheese mixture.

  • Can I use different types of bread?

Yes, soft white bread or brioche works best for this recipe, ensuring a tender and easy-to-roll texture.

  • Why dip the roll-ups in egg mixture before cooking?

The egg mixture helps create a crispy, golden exterior and adds richness to the French toast roll-ups, similar to traditional French toast.

  • How do I prevent the roll-ups from unraveling while cooking?

Roll the bread tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed, or place the seam-side down when cooking to help them stay together.

French Toast Roll-Ups Snapshot

  • Quick Family Breakfast Delight: Transform ordinary bread into an extraordinary morning treat that kids and adults will absolutely love, making breakfast time fun and delicious.
  • Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Perfect for beginners or home cooks who want a simple yet impressive recipe that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy bakery.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for weekend brunches, special occasions, or when you want to surprise your family with a creative twist on classic breakfast dishes.
  • Customizable Comfort Food: Easy to adapt with different fillings like Nutella, fruit preserves, or even savory options, allowing personal creativity in the kitchen.
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Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-up Recipe

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-up Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cinnamon roll french toast roll-ups combine classic breakfast flavors in a delightful fusion. Crispy edges and sweet cinnamon interior make this dish a morning favorite for people seeking something special.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 slices white sandwich bread
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk

Filling:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating:

  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Remove bread crusts and gently press each slice flat using a rolling pin to create a thin, uniform surface.
  2. Blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
  3. Prepare a separate mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
  4. Apply the smooth cream cheese mixture evenly across each flattened bread slice, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Carefully roll each slice into a compact, tight cylinder, securing the cream cheese filling inside.
  6. Whisk eggs and milk together in a wide, shallow bowl, creating a uniform dipping mixture.
  7. Submerge each rolled bread cylinder completely in the egg mixture, rotating to ensure thorough coating on all surfaces.
  8. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat (around 350°F) until it begins to sizzle.
  9. Gently place roll-ups in the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes and rotating to achieve an even, golden-brown exterior on all sides.
  10. Immediately transfer hot roll-ups to the cinnamon-sugar mixture, rolling and coating thoroughly while still warm.
  11. Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature of these delectable treats.

Notes

  • Choose white sandwich bread without seeds or whole grains for the best texture and easy rolling.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature to create a smooth, spreadable filling without lumps.
  • Press bread gently with a rolling pin to create a thin, even surface that prevents cracking when rolling.
  • Use stale bread for better absorption of egg mixture and a more stable roll-up structure.
  • Pat bread dry with paper towels after rolling to prevent excess moisture from making the roll soggy.
  • Maintain medium heat while cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning the bread.
  • Keep roll-ups moving in the skillet to ensure even browning on all sides.
  • Serve immediately after coating in cinnamon sugar for maximum crispiness and warmth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 255 kcal
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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