French Toast Cinnamon Roll-Ups

These cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups bring together two beloved breakfast classics in one irresistible, portable treat. The soft bread gets flattened, filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, rolled up, dipped in a vanilla-scented egg bath, and pan-fried until golden and crispy. Perfect for special weekend breakfasts or when you want to transform ordinary bread into something extraordinary.

I created these roll-ups one Sunday morning when my kids were begging for both cinnamon rolls and French toast. Rather than choosing between the two, I combined them into these delightful roll-ups that have since become our most-requested weekend breakfast treat.

Ingredients

• White sandwich bread slices The soft, pillowy texture makes these roll up beautifully without cracking
• Butter For the filling and cooking creates that rich, indulgent flavor that defines this breakfast treat
• Brown sugar Provides caramel notes and helps create that sticky cinnamon roll filling
• Ground cinnamon The star spice that gives these their classic warmth and aroma
• Large eggs The foundation of any proper French toast creates that custardy exterior
• Milk Just a tablespoon helps thin the egg mixture for the perfect coating consistency
• Vanilla extract Adds that subtle aromatic sweetness that elevates the French toast flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Bread

Remove all crusts from each bread slice using a sharp knife. Take your rolling pin and firmly roll over each slice until it becomes noticeably flatter and more compact. The bread should become dense enough to hold its shape when rolled, but not so thin that it tears.

Create the Cinnamon Filling

Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl, stirring until you have a smooth, spreadable paste. The mixture should be thick enough to spread but not so thin that it runs off the bread. This warmly spiced mixture creates that quintessential cinnamon roll flavor.

Assemble the Roll-Ups

Spread a thin, even layer of the cinnamon mixture across each flattened bread slice, leaving about a quarter-inch border around all edges. Start from one short end and roll each slice tightly, applying gentle pressure as you go. The border helps prevent the filling from oozing out during cooking.

Prepare the French Toast Mixture

In a shallow bowl wide enough to fit your roll-ups, thoroughly whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until completely combined. This custard mixture will transform the outside of your roll-ups into that classic French toast texture and flavor.

Cook to Golden Perfection

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat until it begins to bubble slightly but not brown. Dip each roll-up in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then place seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 45-60 seconds on each side, gently rotating until all surfaces are golden brown and slightly crisp.

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The cinnamon is truly the heart of this recipe. I use Saigon cinnamon for its intense, sweet-spicy flavor that really shines through. My daughter once called these "breakfast candy sticks" which perfectly captures how these transform humble bread into something truly special that bridges the gap between breakfast and dessert.

Make-Ahead Options

These roll-ups hold up surprisingly well when made in advance. You can prepare them completely, allow them to cool, then refrigerate for up to two days in an airtight container. To reheat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain their crispness. I often make a double batch on Sunday mornings and save half for busy weekday breakfasts.

Serving Suggestions

While these roll-ups are delicious on their own, they truly shine when served with complementary toppings. A light dusting of powdered sugar creates a beautiful presentation, but don't stop there. Try serving with warm maple syrup for dipping, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh berries on the side. For an extra-special breakfast, pair with a fruit smoothie or hot chocolate for the perfect sweet breakfast combination.

Dietary Adaptations

This recipe can easily accommodate various dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based butter and milk. Those watching sugar intake can reduce the brown sugar or use a natural sweetener like monk fruit. Gluten-free bread works well too, though you may need to be more gentle during the rolling process as it tends to be less pliable. For added nutrition, consider using whole grain bread, though the texture will be slightly different from the original recipe.

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Common Questions

→ Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white bread?

Yes, you can use whole wheat bread, though it may be slightly less pliable when rolling. For best results, choose a soft whole wheat variety and flatten it well with your rolling pin before adding the filling.

→ How do I prevent the roll-ups from unraveling while cooking?

To prevent unraveling, make sure to press the edges firmly when rolling, place the roll-ups seam-side down in the pan first, and don't flip them until they've had time to set (about 1-2 minutes).

→ What can I serve with these cinnamon roll-ups?

These roll-ups pair wonderfully with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or cream cheese frosting. For a complete breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or breakfast meats like bacon or sausage.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the roll-ups through the rolling stage, refrigerate them overnight (covered tightly), and then dip and cook them in the morning. Alternatively, you can fully cook them, refrigerate, and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

→ How do I know when the roll-ups are done cooking?

The roll-ups are done when they're golden brown on all sides and feel slightly firm to the touch, indicating the egg mixture has set. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes total cooking time when turning to brown all sides evenly.

→ Can these roll-ups be frozen?

Yes, these freeze well for up to one month. Allow them to cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.