Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups – Sweet, Gooey & Morning-Perfect

Yields: 12 roll-ups
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Intensity: Easy to Medium – This recipe is very achievable for cooks of any level. The most complex step is rolling the bread, which is a simple technique. It requires a bit of hands-on attention at the stove but comes together quickly.

Ingredients

For the Filling & Coating:

4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup granulated sugar, for rolling

For the French Toast Dip:

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2% preferred)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
A pinch of salt

For Assembly & Frying:

12 slices soft white sandwich bread (like Texas Toast) or Brioche, crusts removed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for the pan
Maple syrup, for serving
Cream Cheese Glaze (optional, see below)

Optional Cream Cheese Glaze:

2 ounces cream cheese, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Create the Sweet Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, combine the 4 tablespoons of softened butter, brown sugar, and 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon. Mix vigorously with a fork or a small spatula until it forms a smooth, spreadable paste. This is the heart of your “cinnamon roll” flavor, so ensure it’s well combined.

In a separate, shallow bowl or plate, spread out the ¼ cup of granulated sugar. This will be used for coating the roll-ups and creating that classic, slightly crunchy cinnamon-sugar exterior.

Step 2: Flatten and Fill the Bread

Using a rolling pin, firmly flatten each slice of bread. This crucial step makes the bread pliable and prevents it from cracking when you roll it. Apply even pressure to get them as thin as possible without tearing.

Lay a flattened bread slice on your work surface. Spread a generous teaspoon (about ½ tablespoon) of the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the bread, leaving a tiny border at the far edge to help it seal.

Step 3: The Art of the Roll-Up

Starting from one end, tightly roll the bread slice up, enclosing the filling. Once fully rolled, gently press on the seam to seal it. The natural moisture from the butter and the filling should act as a glue. Repeat this process with all the bread slices until you have a platoon of ready-to-dip roll-ups.

Step 4: Prepare the Custard Bath

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously. Add the milk, vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and the pinch of salt. Whisk again until the mixture is smooth, homogenous, and frothy. This custard is what will give your French toast its signature rich flavor and beautiful golden-brown color.

Pour this mixture into a shallow dish wide enough to comfortably fit a roll-up.

Step 5: The Dip and Sizzle

Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of the butter, allowing it to melt and coat the surface.

Working in batches, take each roll-up and gently roll it in the egg custard mixture. Ensure it is coated on all sides, but let any excess drip back into the dish to avoid a soggy result. Do not let them soak.

Immediately transfer the custard-coated roll-ups to the hot, buttery skillet. Arrange them seam-side down. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, using tongs to rotate them, until all sides are a deep, golden brown and crisp. The sugar in the filling will caramelize, creating a wonderfully fragrant and slightly crispy exterior.

Step 6: The Final Sugar Coating

As soon as each roll-up is finished cooking and is still hot, immediately roll it in the reserved plate of granulated sugar. The residual heat and moisture will help the sugar adhere perfectly, creating that classic sweet and slightly sandy texture. Place the finished roll-ups on a serving plate.

Continue this process with the remaining batches, adding more butter to the pan as needed.

Step 7: The Optional (But Highly Recommended) Glaze

While the roll-ups are cooking, you can whip up the simple cream cheese glaze. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick for drizzling, add the remaining tablespoon of milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Serve Immediately for Maximum Bliss

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are at their absolute peak when served warm. Arrange them on a platter, drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze (or with warm maple syrup), and serve immediately.

The contrast of the crisp, sugary exterior with the warm, molten cinnamon filling inside is a true breakfast revelation. They are perfectly dippable, utterly delicious, and guaranteed to turn an ordinary morning into a celebration.

Nutrition Information

Please note: The following is an estimate based on the ingredients used and can vary significantly based on specific brands and portion sizes. It is provided for informational purposes only.

Serving Size: 2 roll-ups (without optional glaze)
Calories: ~320
Total Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 280mg
Total Carbohydrates: 44g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 6g

Dietary Considerations: This recipe is a treat and is high in sugar. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and a light butter alternative. The sugar coating can be reduced or omitted, relying solely on the filling and glaze for sweetness. Using whole-wheat bread can add a gram of fiber per serving.

Chef’s Notes & Pro-Tips

Bread is Key: The best bread for this recipe is a soft, fresh sandwich bread with a thin crust. Stale or dense bread is more likely to crack. Brioche will add a wonderfully rich, buttery flavor.
Avoid Overfilling: It’s tempting to add more filling, but overfilling can cause the roll-ups to burst open during cooking. A thin, even layer is perfect.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the roll-ups the night before. After rolling them with the filling, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before dipping and cooking.
Kid-Friendly Fun: This is a fantastic recipe to make with children. They can help with rolling the bread, dipping the roll-ups, and (the best job) coating them in sugar.

The Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Up is more than a recipe; it’s an experience. It combines the nostalgic comfort of two classic breakfasts into one innovative, handheld delight. So, heat up your skillet and get ready to roll your way to the most memorable morning meal.