The Ultimate Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups (Easy Recipe!)

Some smells just define a weekend morning, don’t they? For me, it’s a tie between the warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon rolls baking and the rich, custardy scent of French toast sizzling in a pan. They’re the kind of decadent breakfast ideas that make you want to slow down and just enjoy the moment. For years, I thought of them as two separate, perfect breakfast experiences. That was until a lazy Sunday morning when, faced with a loaf of sandwich bread and a craving for something truly special, I had an idea. Why not combine them? That’s how these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups were born. It’s the ultimate mashup, a truly delightful dessert breakfast that captures the best of both worlds in every single bite.

Just a Few Simple Things

One of the best parts about this recipe is that it feels incredibly indulgent, but it comes together with basic pantry staples. There’s no need for a special trip to the store, which makes it one of my favorite breakfast from scratch ideas. Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen.

• White Sandwich Bread: The simpler, the better. You want a soft, pliable bread that will flatten easily without tearing. This isn’t the time for hearty sourdough or rustic whole wheat.
• Butter: I use melted salted butter for the filling. The saltiness provides a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the sugar. You’ll also need a bit more for frying, which gives the roll-ups their beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: This classic duo creates that unmistakable cinnamon roll filling. The brown sugar has a molasses-like depth that white sugar just can’t replicate.
• Large Eggs: These form the base of our French toast custard. Three large eggs will give you just the right amount of coating for all ten roll-ups.
• Milk: Just a tablespoon of whole milk or even cream enriches the egg mixture, making the coating a little more tender and flavorful.
• Vanilla Extract: A little splash of pure vanilla extract in the custard is a non-negotiable for me. It adds that warm, bakery-like aroma and flavor.

Let’s Get Rolling: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process is just as fun as the result. It’s a bit of a hands-on project, perfect for a slow morning. Grab your rolling pin and let’s get to it.

Step 1: Prep the Bread

First, carefully slice the crusts off all ten slices of your sandwich bread. Don’t throw them away! You can toast them with a little butter and cinnamon for a chef’s snack. Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread until it’s quite thin. This step is crucial because it makes the bread easier to roll and helps it absorb the filling and custard without becoming a soggy mess.

Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix together your melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir until it forms a thick, spreadable paste. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water. Spread this mixture evenly over one side of each flattened bread slice, leaving a tiny border along the edges to prevent the filling from squeezing out too much.

Step 3: Roll and Seal

Starting from one end, roll up each slice of bread as tightly as you can. When you get to the end, press the seam gently to help it seal. The moisture from the filling should help it stick. Set all your completed cinnamon roll-ups aside, seam-side down.

Step 4: The French Toast Bath

In a shallow dish (a pie plate works perfectly), whisk together the three large eggs, milk, teaspoon of cinnamon, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and slightly frothy. This is the custard that will give our roll-ups that classic French toast flavor.

Step 5: Time to Cook

Melt two to three tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the butter to be sizzling but not browning. Working one at a time, dip a roll-up into the egg mixture, turning it quickly to coat all sides. Don’t let it soak! A quick dip is all you need. Immediately place the roll-up seam-side down in the hot skillet. This helps to seal the roll completely. Cook for about 2-3 minutes total, turning the roll-up gently with tongs to brown every side. They should be a beautiful golden-brown color and slightly crisp on the outside.

A Few Tricks for Perfect Roll-Ups

This is a simple recipe, but a couple of small details make a big difference. First, as mentioned, the quick dip is key. If the bread soaks in the egg mixture for too long, it can become too soft and fall apart in the pan. Second, manage your heat. If the skillet is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is warm and gooey. Medium heat is your friend here. It allows the butter and sugar to melt while the outside gets perfectly crisp.

Make It Your Own: Fun Twists

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for experimentation. This is one of those dessert breakfast recipes that you can easily adapt.

The Chef’s Secret Twist: For a truly decadent breakfast, add a cream cheese element. Before you spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture, spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese onto the flattened bread. It adds a wonderful tangy flavor that perfectly mimics the frosting on a classic cinnamon roll.

You could also add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for a bit of crunch, or serve them with a simple powdered sugar glaze (just whisk powdered sugar with a tiny bit of milk) for an extra layer of sweetness. They are also amazing for dipping in maple syrup.

Saving Some for Later (If You Can!)

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are definitely best enjoyed fresh from the skillet. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The best way to reheat them is in a toaster oven or an air fryer for a few minutes. This will help the outside get crispy again. I would avoid the microwave, as it tends to make them soft and a little chewy.

Whether you’re looking for easy breakfasts for one or a special treat for an easy brunch for two, these roll-ups are a guaranteed hit. They bring together two beloved classics into one unforgettable bite. Enjoy!

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe

Ingredients

• 10 slices of classic white sandwich bread
• 3 tablespoons of melted butter
• 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon

For the French Toast Coating:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon of milk
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons of butter for frying

Instructions

1. Remove the crusts from the bread slices. Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice until thin.
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon to form a paste.
3. Spread this mixture evenly on each slice of bread, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Roll up each bread slice tightly and press the seam to seal.
5. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
6. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter.
7. Briefly dip each roll-up in the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are coated but not soaked.
8. Place the roll-ups seam-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crisp.
9. Serve immediately, plain or with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.