Nothing quite beats that cozy, sweet aroma of cinnamon and butter in the morning, right? This Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups Recipe is my go-to when I want a fun twist on classic French toast—imagine all the delightful flavors of a cinnamon roll wrapped up in a neat little roll, easy to eat and even easier to love.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
When I first tried this Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups Recipe, I was totally hooked by how simple it is, yet how incredibly satisfying it tastes. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but really comes together with just a few basic ingredients you probably already have — and kids adore them!
- Quick and Easy: You can whip these roll ups up in about 25 minutes from prep to plate, perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
- Fun to Make: Rolling up the bread slices adds a playful, hands-on element that’s a hit if you have kids helping out.
- Delicious Cinnamon Flavor: The cinnamon and sugar combo replicates that comforting cinnamon roll taste without all the fuss of baking dough.
- Versatile Serving: Serve them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with your favorite maple syrup for that perfect sweet breakfast treat.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups Recipe plays a part to get that soft, sweet, and cinnamony goodness. Here’s why I love each one and a few tips to get the best results.
- White sandwich bread: Removing the crust and flattening the bread is key for rolling; it makes the texture tender and more pliable.
- Butter (softened): This helps create the cinnamon sugar spread that melts into the bread for richness and flavor.
- Light brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes that balance perfectly with the cinnamon.
- Cinnamon: Using fresh, good-quality cinnamon really transforms this recipe — don’t skimp here.
- Eggs: Make the egg wash that gives the roll ups that classic French toast coating and color.
- Milk: A splash of milk lightens the egg mixture for a silky texture.
- Granulated sugar: For coating the outside, it adds a slight crunch and extra sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A beautiful finishing touch that makes these feel extra special on the plate.
Make It Your Way
I love to put my own spin on this Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups Recipe depending on the season or who’s coming over. Feel free to customize it to your taste — making it your own is half the fun!
- Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is adding a little cream cheese inside the rolls for a luscious, creamy surprise — trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser.
- Dietary Twist: Use gluten-free bread to keep it friendly for anyone avoiding gluten; you might need to be gentle when rolling so the bread doesn’t tear.
- Fruit Fillings: Try adding thin slices of apple or a smear of raspberry jam inside the roll-ups for a fruity upgrade.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prep your cinnamon filling and coatings
Start by mixing your softened butter with light brown sugar and 3 teaspoons of cinnamon until smooth and spreadable. It smells incredible already — trust me, your kitchen will feel like a bakery in no time! In separate bowls, beat the eggs with milk, and then combine granulated sugar with a teaspoon of cinnamon for that crunchy coating later.
Step 2: Prepare the bread slices
Cut off the crusts and use a rolling pin to flatten the bread to about ⅛-inch thickness. This step is crucial because it prevents the rolls from being too thick and helps them hold their shape while cooking. Then generously spread your cinnamon butter mixture on one side of each slice.
Step 3: Roll 'em up tight
Carefully roll up each slice tightly around the cinnamon filling. It takes a gentle touch but don’t worry if they don’t look perfect—homemade charm counts here. Set them aside as you warm up your pan.
Step 4: Cook to golden perfection
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and melt about 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each roll in the egg and milk mixture, making sure it’s well coated, and place seam-side down in the pan. Cook 3-4 at a time. Rotate them after about 2-3 minutes, turning a quarter turn to get every side beautifully golden and crispy. This usually takes about 10 minutes total.
Step 5: Sweet finishing touch
Once cooked, roll the warm French toast roll ups in the cinnamon sugar mixture or dust liberally with powdered sugar. Serve immediately, ideally with a drizzle of maple syrup—pure breakfast magic!
Top Tip
I’ve learned a few tricks over time that really help make this Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups Recipe a guaranteed hit every time, especially if you’re making it for guests or a special occasion.
- Flatten the Bread Properly: Rolling the bread super thin prevents it from tearing and makes those rolls nice and delicate on the inside.
- Butter Consistency: Make sure the butter for the cinnamon filling is fully softened, so it spreads smoothly without ripping the bread.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Patience is key—medium heat lets the rolls cook evenly and get golden without burning that sugary coating.
- Seam Side Down First: Start cooking seam side down to help the rolls hold their shape and not pop open while frying.
How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar—it really dresses these up without overpowering the cinnamon flavor. Sometimes I like to add fresh berries or a small dollop of whipped cream for that extra special breakfast vibe.
Side Dishes
Since these roll ups are already packed with sweet flavor, I like pairing them with fresh fruit salad or crisp bacon to balance out the sweetness. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
One time I arranged the roll ups standing upright in a decorative platter, sprinkled with powdered sugar and little cinnamon sticks all around—it made for a stunning Christmas morning centerpiece that got everyone excited to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which can be rare!), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I usually pop them back in a hot skillet or toaster oven to revive that crispy exterior before serving again.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these roll ups successfully by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. When you want them, just bake from frozen at 350°F until heated through and crisp on the outside.
Reheating
For best results, I reheat leftover roll ups in a skillet with a little butter over medium heat to keep that golden crust. A microwave can make them soggy, so I try to avoid that unless you're in a big hurry.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While classic white sandwich bread gives the softest roll ups, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free bread—just make sure to remove the crust and flatten the slices well to avoid tearing.
Be sure to roll the bread tightly and place them seam-side down in the pan first. Cooking on medium heat also helps the rolls set and hold their shape without bursting open.
Yes! You can prepare and roll them the night before, then refrigerate covered. Just cook them fresh in the morning for the best texture and flavor.
Maple syrup is the obvious and classic choice, but honey, whipped cream, or even a caramel sauce work beautifully if you want to mix things up.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend this Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups Recipe enough—it’s one of those recipes that brings a little joy and a lot of deliciousness to the table. Whether it's a special occasion or just because, making these roll ups feels like a small celebration every time. I guarantee you’ll enjoy the process and the tasty results as much as I do. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out for you!
Print
Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 roll ups
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups are a delightful twist on classic French toast, featuring soft bread rolled with a sweet cinnamon butter filling, pan-fried to golden perfection. This quick and easy breakfast treat tastes like a warm cinnamon roll, perfect for a cozy morning or holiday brunch.
Ingredients
Filling
- ½ stick butter (softened)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 teaspoon cinnamon
Bread Roll Ups
- 10-12 slices bread (to toast)
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoon butter for cooking (more if necessary)
Coating and Topping
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or up to taste)
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, light brown sugar, and 3 teaspoons cinnamon. Beat this mixture until smooth and creamy to use as the cinnamon filling.
- Mix Coating Sugar: In another bowl, mix granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and set aside for rolling the cooked toast.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, beat together the eggs and milk thoroughly and set aside to dip the roll ups during cooking.
- Prepare Bread Slices: Remove crusts from bread slices and flatten each slice with a rolling pin to about ⅛ inch thickness to make rolling easier.
- Assemble Roll Ups: Spread a thick layer of the cinnamon butter filling evenly on each flattened bread slice, then gently but tightly roll up each slice around the filling, sealing them tightly.
- Cook Roll Ups: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and melt about 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each roll-up in the egg mixture to coat all sides and place seam side down in the pan, cooking 3-4 roll ups at a time.
- Brown Evenly: Cook each side until golden brown, turning quarter turns to brown all sides evenly. Add more butter as needed to prevent sticking.
- Coat and Serve: Once cooked, roll the French toast roll ups in the cinnamon sugar mixture or dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm with optional maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for a quick Christmas morning breakfast and tastes like a warm cinnamon roll without the effort.
- Removing the crusts and flattening the bread helps create smooth, easy-to-roll roll ups.
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent the roll ups from sticking and burning.
- Adjust the cinnamon sugar coating to taste for extra sweetness or spice.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture; leftovers may lose crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Leave a Reply