If you’re craving the taste of a cinnamon roll but want something a bit quicker and easier, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are the perfect solution. They combine the flavors of cinnamon sugar and cream cheese icing with the convenience of French toast for a fun and delicious breakfast. Perfect for weekend brunch or a cozy morning treat, these roll-ups are simple to make and impossible to resist!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
For the Roll-Ups:
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 8 slices thick, soft bread (such as brioche or Texas toast)
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for assembly)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for assembly)
- 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for assembly)
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- ½ cup cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions: How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
1. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of softened butter, light brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Bread
- Trim the crusts off the bread slices and use a rolling pin to gently flatten each slice of bread.
3. Fill the Bread with Cinnamon Mixture
- Spread about 1-2 teaspoons of the cinnamon filling onto each slice of flattened bread, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the bread tightly from one end to the other, forming a log shape. Repeat with all the bread slices.
4. Make the Egg Mixture
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Cook the Roll-Ups
- In a medium skillet, melt 1½ tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Dip each filled bread roll into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, and place it into the skillet.
- Cook the roll-ups for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp. Work in batches if necessary, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
6. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Roll each cooked French toast roll-up in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they are still warm.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
- In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. If the icing is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
8. Serve
- Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Bread Choice: Thick, soft bread like brioche or Texas toast works best for this recipe as it rolls easily and holds up well to the filling and cooking process.
- Filling Options: You can customize the filling by adding chopped nuts or even mini chocolate chips for an extra indulgence.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these roll-ups with a side of fresh fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup for even more sweetness.Recipe Variations: How to Customize Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Chocolate Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
- For a chocolatey twist, add chocolate chips or Nutella inside the rolls along with the cinnamon filling.
Cream-Filled Roll-Ups
- For an extra creamy version, spread a thin layer of cream cheese or mascarpone inside the bread along with the cinnamon mixture.
Keto-Friendly Roll-Ups
To make a low-carb version:
- Use keto bread or low-carb tortillas.
- Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol.
- Make the icing using cream cheese and powdered erythritol.
Gluten-Free Roll-Ups
For a gluten-free version:
- Use gluten-free bread and follow the recipe as directed.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Q1: Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the roll-ups the night before, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and cook them in the morning. You can also prepare them completely, refrigerate, and reheat them in a skillet or microwave.
Q2: Can I freeze the roll-ups?
Yes, these freeze well! After cooking and cooling, place the roll-ups in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q3: Can I use a different type of icing?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cream cheese icing, you can drizzle the roll-ups with maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce instead.
Q4: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Yes! To bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the roll-ups on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
A Fun and Delicious Twist on Classic French Toast
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups bring together the best of two beloved breakfast treats—cinnamon rolls and French toast. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and full of warm, sweet flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just a lazy weekend breakfast, these roll-ups are sure to impress. Drizzled with cream cheese icing and coated in cinnamon sugar, they’re a treat the whole family will love!
