Take your breakfast game to the next level with these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups! Imagine the soft, gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll combined with the crispy, golden texture of French toast—all in a fun, handheld form. These sweet roll-ups are filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, dipped in a rich custard, and cooked until golden brown. Finished with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Easy to make and absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Roll-Ups:
- 8 slices of soft white bread (or brioche for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the French Toast Coating:
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread until thin and flexible. Trim off the crusts for a uniform shape.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of the mixture evenly over each slice of flattened bread.
Step 3: Roll and Seal
- Roll up each bread slice tightly, like a cinnamon roll, and set aside seam-side down.
Step 4: Prepare the French Toast Coating
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 5: Cook the Roll-Ups
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then place it in the hot pan.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning to ensure all sides are golden brown.
- Remove from heat and set on a plate.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach drizzling consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Drizzle the warm roll-ups with cream cheese glaze and serve immediately.
- Enjoy with a side of fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of maple syrup!
Tips
- Use Soft Bread: Brioche or white sandwich bread works best since it rolls easily without cracking.
- Don’t Overfill: A thin layer of cinnamon filling prevents the roll-ups from unrolling while cooking.
- Seal the Edges: Gently press the seams after rolling to keep them from opening in the pan.
- Adjust the Glaze: Add a bit more milk to make the glaze thinner or extra powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.
- Make It Extra Crispy: Sprinkle the roll-ups with additional cinnamon sugar after cooking for extra crunch!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked roll-ups on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and cook as directed.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Variations
- Apple Cinnamon Roll-Ups: Add a spoonful of finely diced sautéed apples to the filling before rolling.
- Nutella & Cinnamon: Swap the butter filling for Nutella and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
- Pumpkin Spice Version: Add ½ teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the egg mixture for a fall-inspired treat.
- Strawberry Cheesecake: Spread cream cheese and diced strawberries inside before rolling.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Stuff with mini chocolate chips before rolling, then drizzle with chocolate sauce.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
FAQ
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the roll-ups the night before and store them covered in the fridge. Just dip and cook in the morning.
2. What’s the best way to prevent them from unrolling?
Press the seam side down in the pan first to help seal them, or brush a little water on the edges before rolling.
3. Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
Absolutely! Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for the egg mixture, and dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.
4. Do I have to use a cream cheese glaze?
Nope! You can serve them with maple syrup, honey, caramel sauce, or just a dusting of powdered sugar.
5. What can I serve with these roll-ups?
Pair them with scrambled eggs, bacon, or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast!
