A Short Story About the Recipe
I have a bit of a weekend ritual that starts with a quiet kitchen, sunlight spilling over the counter, and a craving for something warm, sweet, and utterly satisfying. That’s exactly how these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups were born. One Sunday morning, I stood in front of the fridge, staring at leftover sandwich bread, a tub of cream cheese, and a jar of cinnamon sugar I keep for emergencies (yes, it’s that serious). A few swirls, some dipping, and a hot pan later—I had created a breakfast that could rival anything from the local bakery.
These little roll-ups are golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and filled with a creamy cinnamon swirl that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. I’ve made them for brunch parties, holiday mornings, and even as an after-school snack for the kids. They’re a hit every single time. They disappear fast, but thankfully, they’re just as quick to make again.
If you love cinnamon rolls but don’t want to deal with dough and rising times, this shortcut version is everything. You get that classic flavor, rolled up into a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for dipping in maple syrup or munching on the go.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile
These roll-ups work for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a finger food at parties. Serve them with fresh fruit, a drizzle of glaze, or dunk them in yogurt. You can fill them with other things too—try fruit preserves, chocolate spread, or even peanut butter for a fun twist.
Budget-Friendly
All the ingredients are simple pantry staples: bread, eggs, cinnamon, sugar, and a little cream cheese. You don’t need to shop for anything fancy, and you can make a whole batch without spending more than a few euros.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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8 slices of soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed
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4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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2 large eggs
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¼ cup milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
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Optional: powdered sugar for dusting, maple syrup for serving
How to Make This Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups is simple, fast, and totally beginner-friendly. You don’t need fancy kitchen tools—just a pan, a bowl, and your hands. The most important thing is to have your ingredients ready, because once you start rolling, things move quickly.
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Begin by laying out 8 slices of white sandwich bread. Remove the crusts from each slice to make rolling easier. Then, use a rolling pin (or even a drinking glass) to flatten each slice completely. You want them thin, but not torn.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The warmth of your hands or room temperature will help the cream cheese blend easier.
Step 3: Spread and Roll
Take one slice of flattened bread and spread about a teaspoon of the cinnamon-cream cheese mixture across the surface, making sure to go close to the edges. Then, starting from one end, roll the bread up tightly like a jelly roll. Repeat this with the remaining slices.
Set the filled rolls aside on a plate.
Step 4: Mix the Coating
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. This will be the French toast coating. Be sure to whisk until everything is well combined. This mixture is what gives the roll-ups their golden exterior and soft interior.
Step 5: Dip and Fry
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and swirl to coat the pan. While the pan heats, dip each roll-up into the egg mixture. Make sure each roll is fully coated, but not dripping.
Place the roll-ups seam side down in the hot pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning gently with tongs or a spatula, until all sides are golden brown. Work in batches and add more butter as needed between batches.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once all the roll-ups are golden and crisp on the outside, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. You can dust them lightly with powdered sugar for extra sweetness and presentation.
Serve immediately while they’re still warm and gooey inside. A small bowl of maple syrup on the side makes the perfect dipping sauce.
Quick and Easy
This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep and another 10 minutes of cooking time. That’s 20 minutes from craving to bliss. It’s ideal for busy mornings when you still want something homemade and comforting.
Since the bread is already soft, it rolls up without breaking. And the cream cheese filling melts into the bread as it cooks, creating a texture that’s both crisp and creamy.
Customizable
The best thing about these roll-ups is how flexible they are. Don’t want cream cheese? Use Nutella. Craving fruit? Add a few thin apple slices or a spoonful of strawberry jam before rolling. Want something savory? You can skip the cinnamon and go with scrambled eggs and turkey bacon inside.
You can also use whole wheat bread or gluten-free bread if you need dietary alternatives. And for dairy-free versions, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
Perfect for Guests
These roll-ups are perfect for serving guests. They look adorable, taste indulgent, and pair beautifully with a fruit salad or a mimosa-alternative (like orange juice with a splash of sparkling water). Because they’re individual servings, people can grab and go—no forks needed.
You can even prepare the roll-ups the night before and store them in the fridge (uncooked). In the morning, dip them in the egg mixture and fry them fresh. That way, you still get that just-made magic with zero early-morning stress.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can. Any soft sandwich bread works well. You can try whole wheat, brioche, or even gluten-free bread. Just make sure it’s soft enough to roll without tearing.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the roll-ups and store them (uncooked) in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, dip them in the egg mixture and cook as usual.
How do I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or toaster oven to bring back their crispy texture.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Let them cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and vegan butter. The flavor will still be delicious, and the texture will remain soft inside and crisp outside.
What can I serve with these?
They go great with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a drizzle of honey. You can also serve them alongside yogurt or a warm fruit compote for extra flavor.
Do I have to use cream cheese?
No. You can substitute the filling with fruit jam, peanut butter, chocolate spread, or even sweetened ricotta. The roll-ups are very adaptable.