Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a game-changer for breakfast lovers. Imagine the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll wrapped inside a golden, crispy French toast shell, all drizzled with a sweet, creamy glaze. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds—warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness and the soft, custardy texture of French toast. It’s a perfect treat for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or whenever you crave something indulgent and delicious.

I love how easy these roll-ups are to make, yet they look and taste like something straight out of a fancy bakery. You don’t need any special ingredients—just simple pantry staples that transform into something magical when combined. Whether you’re making them for kids, guests, or just treating yourself, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe

The best of both worlds – It’s a hybrid between cinnamon rolls and French toast, making it extra special.
Quick and easy – No need for fancy baking skills; you can whip these up in no time.
Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they always hit the spot.
Customizable – Add nuts, fruit, or different glazes to make them your own.
Kid-friendly – Little ones will love these bite-sized treats.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

The best bread for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups is soft, white sandwich bread. It rolls up easily without breaking and absorbs the cinnamon-sugar filling beautifully. However, if you prefer a richer texture, you can use brioche or challah for extra fluffiness. Avoid using stale or dense bread, as it won’t roll as smoothly and may crack when cooking.

Options for Substitutions

If you want to tweak the recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs, here are some great substitution ideas:

Bread Alternative – Whole wheat bread works for a slightly healthier version, or try gluten-free bread if needed.
Dairy-Free – Swap regular milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
Sweetener Swap – Instead of granulated sugar, use coconut sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute like monk fruit.
Filling Variations – Add chopped nuts, raisins, or even a spread of cream cheese for a richer taste.
Topping Twist – Instead of classic glaze, drizzle with maple syrup, caramel sauce, or even melted chocolate for an indulgent touch.

Ingredients for This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

White sandwich bread – Soft and easy to roll, making it the ideal base for these roll-ups.
Butter – Adds richness and helps achieve that golden, slightly crispy texture.
Brown sugar – Gives the filling a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Cinnamon – The star spice that brings warmth and that signature cinnamon roll flavor.
Eggs – Used in the French toast mixture to create a soft, custardy coating when cooked.
Milk – Helps the egg mixture coat the roll-ups evenly and adds a creamy texture.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
Powdered sugar – Used in the glaze for a smooth, sweet drizzle.
Cream or milk (for the glaze) – Thins out the powdered sugar to create a silky glaze.

Each of these simple ingredients comes together to create a breakfast treat that’s irresistibly delicious!

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by trimming the crusts off each slice of bread. This makes them easier to roll without breaking. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten each slice, creating a soft and pliable base for the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Spread a thin, even layer of this mixture onto each slice of flattened bread. The key is not to overfill, so the roll-ups hold together when cooking.

Step 3: Roll Them Up

Carefully roll each slice of bread tightly, pressing gently at the end to seal. Set them aside while you prepare the French toast coating.

Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This will be the coating that gives the roll-ups their classic French toast texture.

Step 5: Dip and Cook

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and melt a little butter. Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated but not overly soaked. Place them in the pan seam-side down and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Make the Glaze and Serve

While the roll-ups are cooking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle the warm roll-ups with the glaze, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor!

How Long to Cook Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

These roll-ups cook quickly, making them a great choice for a fast yet indulgent breakfast. Each roll-up only needs about 2-3 minutes per side in a buttered pan over medium heat. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. Avoid cooking on high heat, as this can cause them to burn before the inside is warmed through.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

Use fresh, soft bread – It rolls up more easily without cracking. Stale or dense bread may break apart.
Flatten the bread well – A rolling pin helps make the slices thin enough to roll without resistance.
Don’t overfill – Too much cinnamon-sugar filling can ooze out and burn in the pan.
Seal the roll-ups tightly – Press the seam down gently to keep them from unraveling while cooking.
Dip quickly in the egg mixture – Don’t soak the roll-ups for too long, or they’ll become too soft and fall apart.
Cook on medium heat – This ensures they brown evenly without burning.
Wipe the pan between batches – Residual sugar from the filling can burn, so cleaning the pan helps each batch cook evenly.
Serve immediately – These are best enjoyed warm with the glaze freshly drizzled on top.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are easy to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Using thick or dry bread – It won’t roll properly and may crack when filling and cooking.
Overloading with filling – Too much cinnamon-sugar mixture will cause it to ooze out and burn in the pan.
Skipping the rolling step – Flattening the bread is crucial to getting that perfect roll-up shape.
Dipping for too long – A quick dip in the egg mixture is all you need. Oversoaking will make the roll-ups too soggy.
Cooking on high heat – This can burn the outside before the inside is properly cooked. Medium heat is best.
Not sealing the roll-ups – Pressing the edges lightly helps keep them from unraveling while cooking.
Forgetting to clean the pan – Sugar residue from the filling can burn, so wipe the pan between batches.
Waiting too long to serve – These are best enjoyed fresh and warm while the glaze is still gooey.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups?

If you’re turning this into a full breakfast or brunch spread, here are some delicious pairings:

1. Fresh Fruit

Sliced strawberries, blueberries, or banana add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

2. Scrambled Eggs

A savory side balances the rich, cinnamon-filled roll-ups.

3. Bacon or Sausage

Crispy bacon or sausage links add a salty, smoky complement.

4. Greek Yogurt with Honey

A tangy yogurt drizzle helps lighten up the dish.

5. Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream makes these feel extra indulgent.

6. Hot Coffee or Tea

A strong cup of coffee or spiced chai pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavors.

7. Maple Syrup Drizzle

For an extra layer of sweetness, serve with warm maple syrup.

8. Nuts for Crunch

Chopped pecans or walnuts add texture and a nutty contrast.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare because these are so delicious!), you can store Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups properly to enjoy later.

Refrigerate: Place cooled roll-ups in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm them in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat for the best texture. You can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds, but they may become softer.

For best results, store the glaze separately and drizzle it on after reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

The nutrition values will vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, but here’s an estimate per serving (2 roll-ups with glaze):

Calories: ~250-300
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Protein: ~6g
Fat: ~10g
Sugar: ~15g
Fiber: ~2g

These roll-ups are definitely an indulgent treat, but they’re worth every bite! If you want to lighten them up, you can reduce the sugar or use whole wheat bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the roll-ups the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. In the morning, dip them in the egg mixture and cook as usual.

2. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For the best texture, reheat them in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven. Microwaving works too, but they may turn soft instead of crispy.

3. Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! Brioche, challah, or whole wheat bread work well. Just make sure it’s soft enough to roll without cracking.

4. How can I make these roll-ups healthier?

Use whole wheat bread, reduce the sugar in the filling, and opt for a lighter glaze or a drizzle of honey instead.

5. Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes! Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

6. What other fillings can I try?

Try spreading a thin layer of cream cheese, peanut butter, Nutella, or even fruit preserves before rolling them up.

7. Can I make a dairy-free version?

Yes! Use dairy-free milk and butter alternatives, and replace the cream in the glaze with almond or coconut milk.

8. What if my roll-ups keep unrolling while cooking?

Make sure you press the seam down firmly after rolling. You can also place them seam-side down first when cooking to help seal them.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are the ultimate breakfast treat, combining the best of cinnamon rolls and French toast in a fun, handheld form. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to impress. Save this recipe on Pinterest, share it with friends, and enjoy every delicious bite!