There's something utterly cozy about the warm scent of cinnamon filling your kitchen, isn’t there? These Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups Recipe bring that comforting feeling in such a delightful, bite-sized breakfast that's perfect for easy mornings or special occasions. Let me show you why this recipe quickly became one of my favorites to whip up.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups recipe is one of those gems I like to keep on hand because it’s simple yet impressive—a perfect way to treat yourself or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The sweet cinnamon butter rolling inside gives every bite this melty, gooey surprise that makes your taste buds sing.
- Easy to make: Minimal ingredients and prep time make it ideal for busy mornings or any time you want a quick treat.
- Fun to eat: These roll ups are hand-held and perfect for dipping in syrup, which always feels a little special.
- Customizable: You can tweak the filling or toppings to suit your cravings or dietary needs without losing that classic cinnamon flavor.
- Great for sharing: Whether for a brunch or holiday breakfast, they’re a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a starring role here, working together to create that irresistible cinnamon roll vibe without the fuss. A few simple pantry staples come to life in this dish, so it’s a breeze to throw together at home.
- White sandwich bread: Removing the crust and flattening keeps the roll ups soft and easy to roll without breaking.
- Butter (softened): This smooths out the cinnamon sugar filling and helps everything melt perfectly.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Cinnamon: The star spice here; layering it in the filling, egg mixture, and sugar coating enhances the warmth and aroma.
- Eggs and milk: Classic French toast components that soak the bread and give the exterior a nice golden crust when cooked.
- Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for that sweet, crispy coating on the outside of the roll ups.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A delicate dusting at the end adds a pretty finish and extra sweetness.
- Butter for cooking: Keeps the pan greased and helps the roll ups brown evenly without sticking.
Make It Your Way
I love how flexible this Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups recipe is! You can easily make it your own by swapping fillings or trying different toppings. Don’t hesitate to tweak it—breakfast is all about what makes you happy.
- Variation: Sometimes I add a smear of cream cheese inside with the cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra creamy bite—it’s delicious and gives a little tang that balances the sweetness.
- Diet-friendly tweak: Use whole grain or gluten-free bread if needed, and swap regular milk for almond or oat milk to keep it dairy-free.
- Seasonal twist: In fall, I sprinkle some nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice into the filling to make it feel even cozier.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your cinnamon filling
In a small bowl, I combine softened butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. I like to beat this mixture until it’s smooth and spreadable—this helps it spread evenly on the bread later and ensures every bite has that wonderful cinnamon sweetness.
Step 2: Mix the egg wash and cinnamon sugar coating
Next, beat the eggs with milk in a shallow bowl. This is your classic French toast dip that makes the crust golden and crisp. In another bowl, mix granulated sugar with cinnamon to roll the cooked roll ups in—it’s the perfect finishing touch for that sugary crunch.
Step 3: Prep the bread and assemble roll ups
After trimming off the crusts, I gently flatten each slice with a rolling pin until it’s about ⅛ inch thick —this keeps the bread pliable and easy to roll. Then, spread a thick layer of the cinnamon butter filling all over each slice. Roll them up nice and tight to keep the filling from escaping during cooking.
Step 4: Cook the roll ups
Melt some butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Dip each roll in the egg mix, allowing it to soak up just enough but not be soggy. Place seam side down in the pan to seal the roll ups, cooking 3-4 at a time. Turn them gradually so all sides get golden brown—it usually takes about 6–8 minutes total.
Step 5: Coat and serve
Right off the pan, I toss the roll ups in that cinnamon sugar mixture or dust them with powdered sugar for a festive finish. Serve warm with maple syrup for dipping if you want to add an extra indulgence.
Top Tip
Through my experiments with this recipe, I discovered a few tricks that really elevate the results and save you headaches:
- Don’t oversoak the bread: Just dip enough into the egg mixture to coat—too long and the rolls get soggy and hard to manage.
- Keep the seam side down: This prevents the rolls from unraveling while cooking, so they hold their shape perfectly.
- Use softened butter for the filling: It spreads more smoothly and mixes with the sugar better, ensuring every bite has that gooey cinnamon flavor.
- Cook on medium heat: You want the roll ups golden and cooked through without burning the sugar coating.
How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for a light dusting of powdered sugar on top—it looks pretty and adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon. Sometimes, I throw on chopped pecans or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce when I’m feeling indulgent. A little fresh fruit like berries also brightens the plate and cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
Pair these roll ups with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for some savory balance, or add a side of scrambled eggs if you want a full breakfast spread. Fresh fruit salad is an excellent fresh complement, especially in warmer months.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch with friends, I stack multiple roll ups on a large platter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and powdered sugar, then add small bowls of maple syrup and whipped cream for dipping. It becomes this irresistible, shareable centerpiece that everyone loves to dig into. I've even rolled these up with flavored cream cheese for festive occasions—impressively delicious and unique!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for a day or two and still taste great when reheated gently.
Freezing
These roll ups freeze surprisingly well! I wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them later, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to regain that crispy exterior.
Reheating
The best method I found for reheating is to warm them gently in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat, turning occasionally so they heat through without burning. If you prefer the microwave, cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them soft, then finish with a quick toast or pan-sear to restore crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While classic white sandwich bread works best for rolling and a soft texture, you can try whole wheat, brioche, or gluten-free bread depending on your preference—just be sure to flatten the slices well.
The key is to seal the rolls tightly and place them seam side down first in the pan. This helps the bread stick together and creates a nice crust that holds them in shape. Avoid over-soaking in the egg mixture to keep the bread from becoming too fragile.
Yes! You can assemble the roll ups a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to cook. This is great for busy mornings or entertaining. Just cook them right before serving for best texture and flavor.
Kids often love dipping these roll ups in maple syrup or even fruit preserves. You can also sprinkle a bit more cinnamon sugar on top and serve with fresh fruit like banana slices or berries for a fun and colorful breakfast.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups recipe feels like a little hug on a plate—sweet, warm, and just a bit fun to eat. Whenever I make them, it’s like sharing a simple joy that anyone can enjoy, whether it’s a weekday breakfast or a holiday morning indulgence. I really hope you give these a try and find your own special moments with them. You deserve a breakfast that puts a smile on your face every time.
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 and easy-to-make breakfast treat that combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls and classic French toast. Soft bread slices are filled with a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture, rolled up, dipped in an egg mixture, and cooked to golden perfection. These roll ups are perfect for a cozy morning and can be served with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Filling
- ½ stick butter (softened)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 teaspoon cinnamon
Coating
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoon milk
Coating Sugar Mix
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or up to taste)
Others
- 10-12 slices white bread (crust removed)
- 2 tablespoon butter for cooking (more if necessary)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, and 3 teaspoons cinnamon. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar coating: In another small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and set it aside for later use.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a shallow bowl, beat together the eggs and milk until fully combined, then set aside.
- Prepare the bread slices: Remove the crusts from the bread and flatten each slice to about ⅛ inch thickness using a rolling pin.
- Fill and roll: Spread a thick layer of the cinnamon butter filling evenly over each flattened bread slice. Carefully and tightly roll up each slice around the filling, sealing them well.
- Cook the roll ups: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and melt about 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each bread roll in the egg mixture, coating it well. Place the roll seam side down in the pan. Cook 3 to 4 roll ups at a time, turning a quarter turn once browned on one side to cook and brown all sides evenly. Continue until all the roll ups are cooked and golden brown on all sides.
- Finish and serve: Roll the cooked roll ups in the cinnamon sugar mixture or dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
- This recipe is quick and perfect for a festive Christmas morning breakfast.
- Removing crusts helps keep the rolls soft and easy to roll.
- Flattening bread slices thinly ensures even cooking and a nice texture.
- Use a non-stick pan and enough butter to prevent sticking and achieve golden color.
- Serving with maple syrup adds extra sweetness and warmth to the dish.
- Powdered sugar is optional but adds a lovely visual and flavor touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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