There's nothing quite like the sweet scent of cinnamon sugar filling your kitchen on a lazy weekend morning. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are the perfect blend of warm, gooey cinnamon filling and golden, crispy French toast—rolled up into the most fun-to-eat breakfast treat you've ever had.
I first made these when my kids were begging for cinnamon rolls, but I didn’t have time for dough to rise. With a little creativity (and a loaf of white bread), these roll-ups were born—and now they’re a permanent part of our brunch rotation.
Whether you're planning a cozy holiday breakfast or just want to spice up your usual morning routine, this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to disappear as fast as you can make them.
Let’s dive into why you’ll fall head over heels for these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Up Recipe
Get ready to add a new family favorite to your breakfast menu. These roll-ups take everything you love about cinnamon rolls and wrap it in a crispy, custardy French toast exterior.
They’re fast and easy to make. No waiting for dough to rise or fiddling with yeast. These little treats come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous sweet cravings.
Budget-friendly ingredients make this recipe a winner. A few slices of sandwich bread, pantry staples like cinnamon and sugar, and a couple of eggs are all you need to whip up this indulgent breakfast. It's proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something truly special.
They’re kid-approved and crowd-pleasing. Kids love the roll-up shape, and adults can’t get enough of the cinnamon-sugar filling. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hosting a brunch gathering, these roll-ups are a guaranteed hit.
Versatile enough for any occasion. Dress them up with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for a holiday brunch, or serve them simply dusted with powdered sugar on a weekday morning. You can even prep them the night before and cook them fresh in the morning.
Ready to get rolling? Let’s talk about the ingredients that make these roll-ups so irresistible.
Ingredients Notes
What makes these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups so magical is how they transform simple ingredients into something totally crave-worthy. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need—and why it works so well.
Soft white sandwich bread is the base of these roll-ups. Choose a soft, squishy loaf that’s easy to flatten with a rolling pin. Avoid dense or crusty bread, which won’t roll easily. Trim off the crusts and gently roll each slice flat so it can hold the filling and roll up without cracking.
Brown sugar and cinnamon create that signature cinnamon roll flavor in the filling. The brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that melts beautifully inside the roll. A generous sprinkle of cinnamon brings warmth and depth to every bite.
Butter is what brings the filling together and helps it melt into a gooey swirl once the roll-ups hit the pan. Use softened, unsalted butter so it spreads easily across the bread and melts evenly as it cooks.
Eggs and milk form the custard for dipping, just like in traditional French toast. I like to add a splash of vanilla extract here too—it adds a little extra flavor and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing while these cook.
You’ll also want a non-stick skillet or griddle for cooking, plus a rolling pin to flatten the bread. If you’re going for extra flair, a piping bag makes filling the roll-ups easier, but a spoon works just fine too.
Let’s walk through how to bring it all together!
How To Make This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Up Recipe
Making these roll-ups is just as fun as eating them. Here’s a step-by-step look at how to bring this sweet idea to life.
Start by preparing your bread. Use a sharp knife to trim the crusts off each slice, then lay them flat and roll them out with a rolling pin. You want the slices to be thin and flexible enough to roll easily, but not so thin that they tear.
In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you get a spreadable paste. This is your cinnamon roll filling. Spread a thin layer over each flattened slice of bread, being sure to cover edge to edge for maximum flavor in every bite.
Now roll them up! Start at one short end and roll tightly, pressing gently so the filling stays in place. Repeat with the remaining slices. If the roll-ups aren’t holding together well, you can seal the edge with a dab of the cinnamon mixture or a bit of egg wash.
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla. Dip each roll-up quickly in the egg mixture—just enough to coat it evenly, but not so much that it gets soggy. Let any excess drip off.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt a bit of butter in the pan. Place the roll-ups seam-side down and cook until golden brown on all sides, turning every couple of minutes to get an even crisp. The filling will start to ooze slightly and caramelize—that’s when you know they’re ready.
From start to finish, these take about 25 minutes to make. The final result? Golden, crisp-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside perfection.
Storage Options
These roll-ups are best enjoyed fresh, but you can definitely save leftovers for later. Store any uneaten roll-ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before refrigerating so they don’t get soggy.
For longer storage, freeze them! Arrange the cooked roll-ups on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
To reheat, pop refrigerated roll-ups in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds or warm them in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crispy texture. Frozen roll-ups can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or microwaved in short bursts.
They’re still delicious the next day—especially with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are a few of my favorite twists:
Swap out the filling for something fruity. A thin layer of apple butter or jam makes a delicious change of pace. Try raspberry jam for a fruity cinnamon roll vibe.
Add a cream cheese filling for a richer twist. Mix a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla, then spread it onto the bread before adding the cinnamon sugar.
Use different types of bread. While soft white bread works best for rolling, you can try brioche, potato bread, or even whole wheat if that’s what you have. Just make sure it’s soft enough to flatten and roll.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and skip the cream cheese glaze. These turn out just as delicious with oat or almond milk.
Want to go extra decadent? Dip the finished roll-ups in cream cheese glaze or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving. They’ll taste just like a bakery treat.
No matter how you make them, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are the kind of breakfast that brings everyone to the table. So grab your favorite mug of coffee, turn on some cozy music, and enjoy every sweet, swirly bite.
PrintCinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-up Recipe
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-up recipe is a fun and easy breakfast idea made with classic cinnamon roll flavor, soft bread, and a golden French toast crust. Perfect for kids and adults alike, this handheld breakfast is packed with warm cinnamon spice and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 roll-ups 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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8 slices white sandwich bread
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup brown sugar
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1 tbsp ground cinnamon
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2 large eggs
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¼ cup milk
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2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
Instructions
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In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
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In another bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
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Remove crusts from bread and flatten slices with a rolling pin.
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Spread cream cheese filling on one side of bread, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and roll tightly.
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In a shallow dish, whisk eggs and milk together.
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Dip each roll-up in egg mixture.
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Heat butter in skillet over medium heat.
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Cook roll-ups until golden brown on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
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Serve warm with syrup or powdered sugar.
Notes
You can make these ahead and freeze them before cooking for a quick breakfast later. Use flavored cream cheese for a twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 roll-ups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 220mg
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