These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups bring together the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls and the beloved breakfast classic of French toast in one delectable package. A simple yet impressive breakfast treat, these roll-ups feature bread slices filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, then dipped in a French toast batter and pan-fried to golden perfection. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy mornings
• Kid-friendly and fun to eat with no utensils needed
• Combines two breakfast favorites (cinnamon rolls and French toast) in one delicious treat
• Customizable with various fillings and toppings to suit your taste
• Impressive presentation with minimal effort, making them perfect for both everyday breakfasts and special brunches

Ingredients

• White Sandwich Bread: Use soft, fresh bread for easy rolling. The softer the bread, the easier it will be to flatten and roll without tearing.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps the cinnamon sugar filling stick to the bread. Unsalted is preferred but salted works fine too.
• Brown Sugar: Creates that classic cinnamon roll flavor and caramelization. Dark brown sugar adds deeper molasses notes, while light brown works perfectly too.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star flavoring that makes these truly special. Use fresh, high-quality cinnamon for the best flavor.
• Eggs: Create the classic French toast coating that gives these roll-ups their custardy texture and golden exterior.
• Milk: Thins the egg mixture for proper coating. Any type of milk works, including non-dairy alternatives.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and sweetness to the French toast coating. Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor.

Variations

Cream Cheese Filled

Add a thin spread of softened cream cheese before adding the cinnamon mixture for a cheesecake-like filling reminiscent of cream cheese frosted cinnamon rolls. The tanginess of the cream cheese beautifully balances the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar.

Berry Stuffed

Add a line of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) along with the cinnamon mixture before rolling up the bread. The juicy berries will create delicious pockets of fruity flavor that pair wonderfully with the warm cinnamon.

Chocolate Hazelnut

Replace the cinnamon-sugar filling with chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella) for a decadent chocolate version. Add a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts for extra texture and flavor if desired.

Apple Pie Roll-Ups

Add a thin layer of finely diced apples sautéed with cinnamon and sugar to create an apple pie version. These take slightly more prep but deliver amazing fall flavors with bits of tender apple in every bite.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Remove the crusts from all bread slices to create soft, easy-to-roll squares. Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each slice to compress the bread and make it more pliable. Be careful not to roll too forcefully or the bread may tear.

Step 2: Create and Apply the Filling

Mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly across each flattened bread slice, leaving a small border around the edges. This border will help seal the rolls and prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

Step 3: Roll and Seal

Starting at one end, tightly roll up each bread slice. The tight rolling ensures the filling stays inside and creates those beautiful swirls. Gently press along the seam and edges to seal each roll, preventing them from unraveling during cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the French Toast Coating

In a shallow bowl wide enough to fit the roll-ups, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined. This creates the classic French toast coating that will give your roll-ups their golden exterior.

Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbling slightly. Dip each cinnamon roll-up in the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are coated. Place the roll-ups seam-side down in the hot skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes total, rotating periodically to ensure even browning on all sides.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Choose very fresh, soft bread that won’t tear when rolled – day-old bread will be too dry and prone to breaking
• Flatten the bread slices well to make them easier to roll tightly without breaking
• Don’t overfill the rolls or the filling will leak out during cooking
• Keep the heat at medium – too high and the outside will burn before the inside is warmed through
• Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking
• Have all your components ready before starting as the process moves quickly once you begin
• For extra decadence, roll the finished roll-ups in cinnamon sugar right after cooking while they’re still hot

How to Serve

Serve these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups warm from the skillet for the best flavor and texture. They’re delicious on their own, but become truly spectacular with toppings. Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch. For a complete breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or crispy bacon to balance the sweetness.

These roll-ups can be arranged standing upright on a serving plate for an impressive presentation at brunches or special breakfasts. Since they’re firm enough to pick up, they make perfect finger food for kids or breakfast-on-the-go situations.

Make Ahead

While these roll-ups are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline your morning:

Prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using so it spreads easily.

You can also remove the crusts, flatten the bread, and roll up with filling the night before. Store the uncooked rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator with layers separated by parchment paper. In the morning, just dip in the egg mixture and cook.

Cooked roll-ups can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. The texture won’t be quite as good as fresh, but they’ll still be delicious.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white bread?

Yes, though whole wheat bread tends to be less pliable and may tear more easily when rolling. If using whole wheat, choose a soft variety and be extra gentle when flattening and rolling. The flavor will be slightly nuttier, which works well with the cinnamon.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to leave a small border around the edges when spreading the filling, seal the edges firmly after rolling, and place the roll-ups seam-side down in the pan first. Also, avoid overfilling the bread slices, as too much filling increases the chances of leakage.

Can I freeze these roll-ups?

Yes! Cook them completely, allow to cool, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through.

Can I make these dairy-free or egg-free?

Absolutely. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk. For egg-free, you can substitute the egg mixture with a combination of mashed banana, plant milk, and a little cornstarch, though the texture will be somewhat different.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups offer the perfect balance of simplicity and wow-factor for your breakfast table. With their irresistible cinnamon swirl interior and crispy French toast exterior, they’re sure to become a requested favorite in your home. Whether for a special weekend brunch or to brighten an ordinary morning, these delightful roll-ups transform basic ingredients into something truly special. Give them a try – they’re sure to bring smiles to anyone lucky enough to enjoy them!

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