There’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of cinnamon and butter sizzling on the stove. If you’re looking for a breakfast that combines the best of cinnamon rolls and French toast, you’re in for a treat! These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are crispy, sweet, and packed with that warm cinnamon-sugar goodness. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
I love recipes that feel fancy but are secretly super simple, and this one is exactly that. Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend breakfast, a fun brunch with friends, or even a quick weekday treat, these roll-ups are guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, they’re totally customizable—dip them in maple syrup, drizzle with cream cheese glaze, or just eat them as-is. However you serve them, they’ll disappear fast!
Now, let’s get started on making these delicious little bites.
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
To get that soft, rollable texture, start with six slices of sandwich bread—white or whole wheat both work fine. The key here is to remove the crusts (trust me, it makes rolling much easier) and then flatten each slice. You can use a rolling pin, but if you don’t have one handy, the back of a spoon will do the trick.
Flattening the bread not only makes rolling easier, but it also helps the roll-ups hold their shape better when dipped in the French toast batter. Once your bread slices are nice and thin, spread a light layer of softened butter evenly over each one. This butter layer is going to help all that cinnamon-sugar goodness stick and give the roll-ups that rich, buttery taste we love in cinnamon rolls.
Step 2: Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar & Roll Up
Now comes the fun part—coating the bread in cinnamon sugar! In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This simple combination is what gives the roll-ups that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered bread slices. Make sure to cover the entire surface so you get that warm, spiced sweetness in every bite. Then, carefully roll each slice into a tight log, pressing slightly to seal the edges. They should hold their shape pretty well, but if they start to unroll, you can press the seam gently to help them stay closed.
At this point, you should have six cinnamon-sugar-coated bread rolls that already smell amazing. But we’re just getting started! Next, we’ll dip them in the French toast batter to get that golden, crispy exterior.
Step 3: Make the French Toast Batter
A good French toast batter is simple but essential—it soaks into the bread just enough to add flavor and texture without making it soggy. For this, you’ll need:
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
In a shallow dish (a pie plate or a wide bowl works well), whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla together until smooth. The vanilla adds a subtle sweetness and warmth, which pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar we added earlier.
Make sure the mixture is well combined—no streaks of egg whites! You want a smooth consistency so each roll-up gets evenly coated.
Step 4: Dip & Cook
Now that our batter is ready, it’s time to cook these beauties!
Dipping the Roll-Ups
Take one roll-up at a time and quickly dip it in the French toast batter. The key here is to coat it evenly but lightly—you don’t want the bread to get too soggy. A quick roll through the mixture will do the trick.
Cooking to Golden Perfection
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, place the dipped roll-ups in the pan, seam-side down first (this helps them hold their shape while cooking).
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning them until they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy on all sides. Be patient here—don’t crank up the heat too high, or they’ll burn on the outside before the inside gets that soft, gooey texture we want.
Your kitchen will start smelling absolutely amazing at this point—like fresh cinnamon rolls straight from the oven!
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar & Serve
As soon as the roll-ups come out of the pan, while they’re still warm, roll them in extra cinnamon sugar. This gives them that signature cinnamon roll sweetness and a bit of crunch. Just mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and roll each warm piece in it until fully coated.
Serving Ideas
Now for the best part—toppings! You can serve these roll-ups as-is, but why stop there? Here are a few delicious ways to take them over the top:
- Drizzle with maple syrup for a classic French toast touch.
- Top with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
- Dip in a cream cheese glaze for the ultimate cinnamon roll flavor. Just mix 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the roll-ups the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply dip them in the French toast batter and fry as usual. If you’ve already cooked them, you can reheat them in a toaster oven or air fryer for a crispy texture.
2. Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! After cooking, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or pop them in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes.
3. What’s the best bread to use?
Soft, plain sandwich bread (white or whole wheat) works best because it rolls up easily. Brioche or Texas toast can be used for a richer flavor, but they may need a little extra flattening. Avoid crusty bread like sourdough—it won’t roll well.
4. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative (like coconut oil or vegan butter), use a plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk), and make sure your toppings are dairy-free as well.
5. Can I use an air fryer instead of frying them in a pan?
Yes! To air-fry, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), spray the roll-ups lightly with cooking spray, and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through. They’ll come out crispy and golden without the need for extra butter!
6. How do I make a cream cheese glaze for dipping?
For an easy cream cheese glaze, whisk together:
- 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (or more for a thinner glaze)
Drizzle it over the roll-ups or serve it as a dip for an extra indulgent treat!
Final Thoughts & Serving Suggestions
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are the perfect mix of breakfast and dessert—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with sweet cinnamon flavor. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend brunch, a fun breakfast-for-dinner night, or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
For the ultimate experience, serve them with:
- Fresh fruit (like strawberries or bananas)
- A side of crispy bacon (because sweet + savory = perfection)
- A warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment below with your favorite toppings or any creative twists you added. Enjoy!
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CINNAMON ROLL FRENCH TOAST ROLL-UPS
- Total Time: 20 mins
Description
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups combine the best of both worlds—gooey cinnamon rolls and crispy French toast! They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
For the Roll-Ups:
- 6 slices of sandwich bread (white or whole wheat, crusts removed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for the classic cinnamon sugar coating!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for warm, spiced flavor!)
For the French Toast Batter:
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (adds extra sweetness!)
For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon butter, for frying
- ¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon, mixed (for rolling)
- Maple syrup or cream cheese glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Bread
Flatten each slice of bread using a rolling pin or the back of a spoon.
Spread softened butter evenly over each slice.
2️⃣ Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar & Roll Up
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered bread.
Roll each slice tightly into a log, pressing slightly to seal.
3️⃣ Make the French Toast Batter
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4️⃣ Dip & Cook
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Dip each roll-up in the egg mixture, coating evenly but not soaking.
Place in the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning until golden brown and crispy.
5️⃣ Coat in Cinnamon Sugar & Serve
While still warm, roll in extra cinnamon sugar for that classic cinnamon roll taste!
Serve immediately with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a rich cream cheese glaze!
Notes
- For extra gooeyness, spread a thin layer of cream cheese inside before rolling the bread.
- Use stale bread for better texture—it holds up better when dipped in the egg mixture.
- Want a stronger cinnamon roll flavor? Add a pinch of nutmeg or a drizzle of caramel sauce!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
