Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups

I first tried these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups on a bleary, rain-soaked Saturday when I was craving something cozy, but didn’t want to fuss with a whole batch of cinnamon rolls. The scent of melting butter and cinnamon was honestly the best part—instantly warming up my tiny kitchen. There’s something a little mischievous about rolling up the soft bread and sneaking those sweet pockets of cream cheese inside. It’s both playful and oddly satisfying, like I’m getting away with dessert for breakfast.

I remember frying up a double batch for brunch with friends after a sunrise hike. The sound of the sizzle mixed with easy laughter, and we ended up eating them off napkins while still standing around the kitchen island. Every roll vanished in minutes, and I kept getting texts for the recipe all week. That morning, something as humble as sandwich bread felt downright celebratory.

Ingredients

• Cream Cheese (120 g): Full-fat cream cheese gives the filling its body; let it fully soften for smooth blending.
• Powdered Sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens the filling with no grainy texture; a quick sift makes it clump-free.
• Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp): Just a splash deepens all the buttery, sweet notes in the filling and batter.
• Soft White Sandwich Bread (8 slices): The softer, the better for easy rolling—removing crusts makes tidier roll-ups.
• Unsalted Butter, Melted (2 tbsp): Use for brushing before frying so the outside crisps up beautifully.
• Granulated Sugar (4 tbsp): Teams up with cinnamon for a sparkly, crunchy coating.
• Ground Cinnamon (2 tsp): Go for fresh cinnamon for the biggest aroma hit; adjust to taste if you’re a spice lover.
• Large Eggs (2): These bind the bread and add a custardy texture—let them come to room temperature for even dipping.
• Milk (60 ml): Makes the egg mixture lighter and helps the bread soak up just enough moisture.
• Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp): Another boost of vanilla fragrance for the egg coating.
• Unsalted Butter for Frying (2 tbsp): Gives the rolls their golden crust—don’t skimp, but wipe the skillet between batches if it browns too quickly.

Instructions

Whip Up the Filling:

Combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl, stirring until completely smooth and creamy—feel free to taste for sweetness here.

Prep and Flatten:

Line up your bread slices and use a rolling pin to flatten them—kids love to help with this part.

Add the Creamy Center:

Spread a line of the cream cheese mixture along one edge of each slice, stopping just short of the edges so it doesn’t squeeze out, then roll firmly into tight logs.

Mix Up the Baths:

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla until the mixture is pale and foamy; in a separate bowl, stir together the cinnamon and sugar.

Dunk and Roll:

Dip each filled roll, seam side down first, quickly into the egg mixture—turn to coat every side, but don’t let them sit or they’ll get soggy.

Fry to Perfection:

Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium; add the rolls and cook, turning often, until every side is golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Coat in Sweetness:

While hot, brush or roll each fried piece in the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure each roll is generously coated.

Serve Warm:

Arrange on a platter and serve right away—dust with extra powdered sugar or offer maple syrup for dipping if you want to get fancy.

Save

One lazy Sunday, my partner tried swapping the cream cheese filling for blueberry preserves, and we ended up eating the new version cross-legged on the couch, barely pausing between bites. That little experiment turned our kitchen into a test kitchen for a day, and the excited debate over which flavor won still makes me smile.

Making It Your Own

Don’t be afraid to mix up the fillings—strawberry jam, Nutella, or even lemon curd work surprisingly well tucked inside. Once, we did half with cinnamon apples, and they disappeared before they even made it to the table. The recipe is endlessly riffable and absolutely forgiving, even if a few turn out a bit lopsided.

Troubleshooting the Roll Ups

If your roll ups unravel while dipping in eggs, just pinch the seam closed or rest them seam side down in the pan first. I’ve learned to gently press the ends so nothing leaks during frying, which gives a neater look. Using slightly stale bread or toasting it first actually helps hold everything together if your slices are too soft.

Serving and Storing Ideas

These are best hot from the skillet, but I've discovered they reheat nicely in a toaster oven for a cheerful weekday snack. If you want to make them ahead for a brunch crowd, keep them warm on a low oven setting and finish with cinnamon sugar just before serving. Leftovers are rare but do freeze well in a pinch!

• Wrap up extra rolls individually before freezing.
• Dust with powdered sugar right at the table.
• Try cutting the rolls in half for bite-sized party treats.

Save

However you fill them, these roll ups make breakfast feel special and a little mischievous. Share them warm with good company, and watch them disappear.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

They’re best served fresh for optimal crispness, but you can refrigerate cooked roll ups in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to revive the exterior; avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess.

→ What bread works best?

Soft white sandwich bread gives the classic texture and easy rolling. For richer flavor, use brioche or challah slices; slightly thinner slices roll more neatly and fry evenly.

→ How do I prevent soggy roll ups?

Flatten each slice well with a rolling pin to remove air pockets, spread a thin layer of filling, and briefly dip in the egg-milk mixture—don’t soak. Cook in a hot, buttered skillet to seal and brown quickly.

→ Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes. Brush roll ups with melted butter and bake at 190°C (375°F) on a lined sheet for about 10-12 minutes, turning once, until golden. Finish by tossing in cinnamon-sugar while warm.

→ What are good filling substitutions?

Swap the cream cheese for Nutella, fruit preserves, lemon curd, or a mascarpone-honey mix. For a savory twist, try softened goat cheese with herbs and omit the cinnamon-sugar finish.

→ Any allergen or dietary tips?

Contains eggs, dairy, and wheat. Use gluten-free bread, dairy-free cream cheese, and an egg replacer if needed, but cooking times and textures may vary with substitutions.