Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-up Recipe

There's something downright magical about the scent of cinnamon and sugar filling the kitchen on a cozy morning. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups take all the gooey, spiced-sweet goodness of your favorite cinnamon rolls and wrap it up into crispy, golden bites perfect for dipping and dunking.

this Recipe

I came up with this recipe on a chilly Saturday morning when the kids were begging for both cinnamon rolls and French toast—so I combined the two. Fast forward to today, and these roll-ups are a weekend staple. They’re quick, easy, and so much fun to eat (and make!).

Whether you’re making a special breakfast, brunch for guests, or just want a sweet treat with your coffee, these roll-ups are guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive in.

Why You'll Love These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite breakfast treat. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are the perfect mix of indulgent and easy, making them ideal for busy mornings or lazy weekend brunches.

They’re insanely easy to make. All you need is sandwich bread, cream cheese, cinnamon sugar, and a quick French toast batter. It’s as simple as roll, dip, cook!

Kid-approved and family-friendly. My kids love rolling them up and dipping them in maple syrup. It’s a hands-on breakfast they actually ask to help with—and then devour in seconds.

Budget-friendly ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy. Just grab pantry staples and a little cream cheese, and you’re good to go. It’s brunch on a budget, with flavor that tastes like a million bucks.

Perfect for dipping and sharing. Serve them with maple syrup, cream cheese glaze, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. They're bite-sized and fun, great for brunch tables or holiday mornings.

Once you try them, you’ll see why these have become a weekend essential in our home. Now let’s take a look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these roll-ups lies in how such simple ingredients can come together to make something so mouthwateringly good. Each element plays a part in that perfect bite—crispy outside, creamy inside, and that warm cinnamon sugar in every roll.

Soft white sandwich bread is the base for our roll-ups. You’ll want a basic loaf with the crusts trimmed off. The bread should be soft and flexible enough to roll without cracking. If it’s a day or two old, even better—it holds up well during cooking.

Cream cheese adds the rich, tangy filling that gives these their cinnamon roll flair. Make sure it’s softened so it spreads easily. You can use full-fat or reduced-fat depending on your preference, but I find full-fat gives the creamiest results.

Cinnamon sugar is the star of the show here. A simple mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon, it gets rolled up inside the bread and sprinkled on the outside for that signature sweet-spicy flavor and golden crust.

Eggs and milk make up the French toast batter. A quick dunk in this mixture ensures the outside crisps up beautifully in the pan while keeping the inside tender. I typically use whole milk for a richer taste, but any milk will do.

To cook, you’ll need a nonstick skillet or griddle and a bit of butter. Don’t skip the butter—it helps give the roll-ups that golden-brown finish and adds flavor to every bite.

How To Make These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

Making these sweet little roll-ups is both fun and easy—especially if you get the kids involved. Here’s how it all comes together.

Start by prepping your bread. Trim off the crusts, then use a rolling pin (or a clean glass) to flatten each slice. This step helps the bread hold its rolled shape and gives you a nice even texture.

Next, spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese over each slice. Sprinkle a generous pinch of cinnamon sugar over the cream cheese. Then, starting from one edge, roll up each slice tightly like a cinnamon roll.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together your eggs and milk to create the French toast batter. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt a bit of butter.

Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well coated but not soggy. Place it seam-side down in the hot pan. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning until all sides are golden brown and slightly crisp.

Once cooked, immediately roll each one in more cinnamon sugar (yes, again!) while still warm. The sugar will cling to the buttery surface and create the most delicious sweet crust.

The whole process takes about 20–25 minutes from start to finish, and the results are well worth it. Expect your kitchen to smell like a bakery, and your plate to be empty in no time.

Storage Options

These roll-ups are best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have leftovers, they store well with just a bit of planning.

Let the roll-ups cool completely before storing. Then place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze them. Arrange cooled roll-ups in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 1 month.

To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the bread rubbery instead of crispy.

If you’ve rolled them in extra cinnamon sugar, they’ll reheat beautifully with that sweet crust still intact.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative depending on what you have on hand or what flavors you're craving.

Want a fruity twist? Spread strawberry jam or apple butter under the cream cheese for a fruity cinnamon roll vibe. Blueberry preserves also make a delicious alternative.

If you're dairy-free, swap the cream cheese for a non-dairy alternative, and use plant-based milk like oat or almond in the egg mixture. You can also cook the roll-ups in vegan butter or coconut oil.

Add some crunch by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts inside before rolling. They’ll toast up in the pan and add a lovely nutty texture that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.

For a dessert-style treat, drizzle the finished roll-ups with a cream cheese glaze or warm icing—just like classic cinnamon rolls. Or go full indulgence and dip them in melted chocolate!

Feel free to experiment with flavored cream cheeses like honey pecan or cinnamon swirl for a shortcut to even more flavor. These roll-ups are super forgiving and so much fun to play around with.

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