Introduction
I came up with this recipe one cozy Saturday morning when I couldn’t decide between cinnamon rolls and French toast. My sweet tooth was in full control, and I had just enough ingredients to get creative. I remembered a recipe I saw ages ago that involved rolling bread like sushi, and that’s when it clicked – roll-ups. Why not take the comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls and wrap it up in golden French toast?
These roll-ups quickly became a weekend tradition. They’re crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and loaded with warm cinnamon flavor. The best part? You can eat them with your hands. No forks, no mess – just dip and bite. They’re like dessert for breakfast, and somehow still feel like a totally acceptable morning meal.
Whether I’m making them for the family or just indulging myself, they always bring that nostalgic feeling of warm cinnamon baking in the oven. And the smell? Unreal. It fills the kitchen in seconds and gets everyone asking, “What are you making?”
These roll-ups are fun, fast, and fabulous. And they’ve never failed to impress – even with the pickiest eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Versatile
Great for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Dress them up or keep them simple.
Budget-Friendly
Uses everyday ingredients – no fancy or expensive items required.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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8 slices soft white sandwich bread
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4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
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4 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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2 eggs
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60 ml milk
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon butter for frying
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Optional: powdered sugar or maple syrup for topping
How to Make This Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Trim the bread
Start by laying out the slices of sandwich bread. Cut off the crusts from all sides using a sharp knife. This step helps the roll-ups seal better and gives them that perfect soft texture. Place the trimmed slices in a single layer on a clean surface.
Step 2: Flatten the slices
Use a rolling pin or the side of a glass to gently flatten each slice of bread. Roll from the center outward until they’re about half their original thickness. The thinner they are, the easier they’ll roll and hold their shape.
Step 3: Make the filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir until you get a smooth, spreadable mixture. This is your cinnamon roll filling – creamy, sweet, and full of flavor.
Step 4: Spread and roll
Spread about a teaspoon of the cinnamon cream cheese mixture onto each flattened slice of bread. Cover the surface evenly but don’t overload it. Start at one end and gently roll the slice up into a tight spiral, just like a sushi roll.
Step 5: Whisk the egg mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. This will be your French toast coating. Make sure everything is well combined – the mixture should be smooth and light yellow.
Step 6: Dip the roll-ups
Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture. Roll it gently to coat all sides. Don’t soak it too long – a quick dip is enough. You want the roll-up to absorb just enough to get that French toast texture without becoming soggy.
Step 7: Cook the roll-ups
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted and bubbling, place a few roll-ups in the pan seam-side down. Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and crisp on all sides.
Use tongs or a spatula to turn them gently. Continue until all roll-ups are cooked, adding more butter to the pan as needed. Keep the cooked ones warm in the oven (at low heat) if you’re making a large batch.
Step 8: Serve warm
Transfer the finished roll-ups to a plate. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, or serve with maple syrup for dipping. They’re best served warm, straight from the pan.
Quick and Easy
These cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups come together in under 30 minutes. With a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, you’ll have a breakfast that looks impressive but is super easy to make. Most of the time is spent rolling and cooking – and both parts are actually fun to do, even with kids.
The bread rolls smoothly, and the filling spreads like a dream. There’s no baking, no long resting times, and no special equipment involved. It’s all done right on the stove.
Customizable
This recipe is a blank canvas for creativity. Want to add a fruity twist? Try spreading a thin layer of jam or apple butter underneath the cream cheese. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips on top of the filling before rolling.
You can even use whole wheat bread if you prefer a heartier bite. Not a fan of cinnamon? Swap it for a touch of cocoa powder or cardamom for a new spin. If cream cheese isn’t your thing, try mascarpone or a dairy-free alternative. The recipe adjusts easily without losing its charm.
Feel free to experiment with different sweet spreads, like hazelnut spread, honey, or even peanut butter. Each version brings its own personality to the table while keeping the base method the same.
Perfect for Guests
These roll-ups are eye-catching, delicious, and easy to serve. That makes them ideal for brunches, baby showers, weekend guests, or cozy family mornings. Because they’re individually portioned and handheld, there’s no cutting or slicing involved. Just grab and enjoy.
They look more complicated than they are, which is a great bonus when you want to impress without much effort. Make them ahead of time and reheat in the oven for a few minutes, or prep the filling and bread rolls the night before. That way, all you have to do in the morning is dip and cook.
Guests love the warm, spiced aroma and the crispy, gooey bite. Serve them on a platter with little bowls of syrup or fruit compote for dipping – and watch them disappear.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the roll-ups the night before by assembling them and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In the morning, dip and cook them fresh for the best texture. Reheating already-cooked roll-ups in the oven also works well.
Can I freeze these French toast roll-ups?
Definitely. After cooking, let them cool completely. Then freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes or until heated through. This keeps them crisp outside and soft inside.
What bread works best for this recipe?
Use soft white sandwich bread. It rolls easily and absorbs the egg mixture just right. Avoid thick or crusty bread, as it’s harder to roll and may tear or crack during cooking.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes. Flavored varieties like honey or cinnamon cream cheese work well and add an extra layer of taste. Just avoid anything too runny or chunky to keep the filling smooth and spreadable.
What toppings go well with these?
Powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries all pair beautifully. You can also drizzle with a bit of icing for a classic cinnamon roll vibe.