Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups

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Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between warm, gooey cinnamon rolls and buttery French toast, this recipe settles that debate deliciously. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups are what weekend brunch dreams are made of soft bread filled with cinnamon-sugar butter, dipped in custard, fried until golden, and drizzled with silky cream cheese icing.

They’re the kind of bite-sized comfort food that makes everyone stop talking for a moment you know, that quiet pause when something’s just that good.

Perfect for:

• Cozy weekend mornings
• Holiday brunches (hello, Christmas morning!)
• Sweet dessert platters or kid-friendly treats

It’s the nostalgia of a cinnamon roll, the simplicity of French toast, and the joy of eating with your fingers all in one quick, 30-minute recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Roll-Ups:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 8 slices thick, soft bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best, crusts removed)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for frying

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• ½ cup cream cheese, room temperature
• 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cinnamon Butter

In a small bowl, mix ½ cup softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until creamy. This mixture should be spreadable but rich — like frosting that smells like Christmas.

2. Flatten and Fill the Bread

Cut the crusts off your bread and gently flatten each slice with a rolling pin. Spread a thin layer of cinnamon butter evenly on top, then roll tightly to form logs.

3. Prepare the Custard

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. This will be your French toast dip — light, smooth, and fragrant.

4. Dip and Cook

Quickly dip each roll-up in the egg mixture — don’t soak! — and place them in a preheated skillet with melted butter over medium heat. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, rotating until golden and crisp.

5. Coat and Serve

Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. As each roll finishes cooking, roll it immediately in the cinnamon-sugar coating. Set aside on a serving plate.

6. Make the Icing

Beat the cream cheese, butter, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a piping bag or drizzle over the roll-ups using a spoon.

Pro Tip: Serve while warm — that’s when the centers are perfectly gooey and the icing melts just slightly.

Tips for Perfect French Toast Roll Ups

• Flatten evenly: Use gentle pressure so the bread rolls tightly without cracking.
• Don’t oversoak: A quick dip in the custard is plenty — any longer and the rolls get soggy.
• Cook in batches: Crowding the pan prevents that even, golden crust.
• Serve immediately: These are best eaten hot off the skillet, when the sugar coating is crisp and the inside is molten.

Creative Variations & Add-Ins

• Fruit Filling: Add thinly sliced apples, bananas, or strawberries before rolling for a fruity twist.
• Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the cinnamon layer.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Spread Nutella or mini chocolate chips before rolling.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and dairy-free cream cheese.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute with gluten-free sandwich bread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Roll them up the night before, refrigerate, and dip + fry in the morning.

What bread works best?

Soft, thick sandwich bread, brioche, or Texas toast — they’re sturdy yet flexible enough to roll without tearing.

Can I bake them instead of frying?

Absolutely. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush lightly with melted butter before baking.

How do I make the icing thicker?

Add a little more confectioners’ sugar or chill it in the fridge for 10 minutes before drizzling.

Can I skip the cream cheese icing?

Definitely — they’re still amazing just rolled in cinnamon sugar. But the icing adds that signature “cinnamon roll” finish.

Nutrition Information (per roll-up)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	25g
Sugar	13g
Protein	5g

(Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients.)

Serving & Storage Tips

• Serve with: Fresh berries, scrambled eggs, or crispy bacon for a complete brunch plate.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or toaster oven. Avoid microwaving — it softens the crispy coating.
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked roll-ups after dipping them in the custard. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

The Story Behind the Recipe

This dish was born from two breakfast classics colliding, the humble French toast (or “poor knights’ pudding,” as it was once called in medieval Europe) and the Scandinavian kanelbullar, better known as cinnamon rolls. Somewhere between Sunday laziness and a craving for both, this fusion came to life, modern comfort food that tastes like home, nostalgia, and indulgence in one bite.

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups are the definition of simple luxury: crisp, buttery edges; a warm, spiced center; and a cream cheese drizzle that ties it all together.

They’re easy enough for a casual Sunday but elegant enough for a holiday brunch. And honestly, if you make these once, you’ll start finding excuses to make them again.

Try it, share it, and tag your creation!
Your kitchen will smell like happiness (and cinnamon).

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