Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

Creamy, cinnamon-kissed, and delightfully crispy on the outside — Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are the kind of breakfast that feels like a hug on a plate. These hand-held treats take familiar flavors and turn them into a fun, family-friendly morning favorite that comes together in minutes. Kids love the rolling step, and adults love how impressive they look with almost zero fuss.

If you enjoy creative takes on classic comfort food, you’ll want to try my twist after you make these roll-ups; and if you’re curious about a banana-stuffed version, check out this twist on the idea over at Banana French Toast Roll-Ups for another playful breakfast idea. This recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and perfect for busy weekend brunches or cozy weekday mornings.

What is Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups?

So what exactly are Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups? Imagine the gooey filling of a cinnamon roll tucked into a slice of bread, dipped in a sweet egg mixture, then fried until golden — a mashup that’s part dessert, part breakfast, and all comfort. Why the name? Maybe someone thought, why not marry a cinnamon roll’s flavors with the crunchy-n-soft texture of French toast and call it a day.

Did a breakfast genius once say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” and then invent these? Possibly. Try them and you’ll see why the saying gets repeated. They’re portable, playful, and wildly satisfying — give them a go and share the love.

Why You’ll Love This:

This recipe hits three irresistible notes that make it a keeper.

1. Nostalgic, cinnamon-sugar bliss: Each bite pairs creamy cream cheese filling with warm cinnamon and a light, golden crust — like a mini cinnamon roll with the texture of French toast.
2. Cost-effective and customizable: Making roll-ups at home is far cheaper than grab-and-go bakery items. With simple pantry staples and standard bread, you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
3. Toppings that sing: Serve with butter, warm maple syrup, or a quick dusting of powdered sugar for an elevated finish. Fresh fruit or a drizzle of caramel sauce take it even further.

If you love classic French toast or our other roll-up variations, this recipe delivers the same comfort with a fun, hands-on twist. Ready to make them? Let’s get to it.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward and kid-friendly. The cream cheese filling is silky and sweet, the bread becomes softly set inside and golden outside, and the quick pan-fry gives a slightly crispy finish. Prep takes about 10 minutes and cooking is another 6 to 8 minutes, so you’ll have hot roll-ups in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 slices of bread, crusts removed for easier rolling
• 2 eggs, large, beaten until smooth
• 1/2 cup milk, whole or 2% for best texture
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for sprinkling
• Butter for frying, about 2 tablespoons or as needed
• Maple syrup for serving, warm

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. Use a spatula to scrape the sides for an even texture.
2. Lay a slice of bread flat and use a rolling pin (or your hands) to flatten it slightly. Spread about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto each slice, leaving a small border so the filling doesn’t spill. Roll each slice tightly from one end to the other, sealing the seam by pinching the edge. Repeat with all slices.
3. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and ground cinnamon until uniform and slightly frothy. This will be your French toast dip.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small pat of butter. Let the butter foam and start to turn a light golden color — this indicates the right temperature.
5. Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides. Let excess drip off for 2–3 seconds so the coating isn’t soggy.
6. Place the roll-ups seam-side down on the hot skillet. Fry, turning every 1 to 2 minutes, until all sides are golden brown and cooked through — about 6 to 8 minutes total. Adjust heat if the butter browns too quickly.
7. Serve warm plated with maple syrup, an extra dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy immediately for the best texture.

What to Serve With:

• Fresh fruit salad or sliced berries to cut through the richness
• Crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory contrast
• Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey for creamy tang
• A green salad with a light vinaigrette for an unconventional brunch balance
• Coffee, café latte, or freshly squeezed orange juice to round out the meal

Top Tips for Perfecting:

• Use slightly stale bread: It holds fillings and egg wash better without falling apart. If your bread is very fresh, press it flat before filling.
• Don’t overfill: Too much cream cheese can cause leaks while frying. Leave a small border and press seams firmly.
• Temperature control: Medium heat is key. Too hot and the exterior will brown before the inside warms through; too cool and the roll-ups will absorb too much oil.
• Flavor boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture or swirl a little brown sugar into the cream cheese for a deeper caramel note.
• Make ahead tip: Roll-ups can be assembled and refrigerated for a few hours before dipping and frying — great when hosting brunch.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cooled roll-ups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to crisp the outside, or microwave briefly for a softer texture.
• Freezing: Flash-freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 12–15 minutes.
• Best reheating method: Oven or toaster oven will preserve the crisp exterior while warming the interior evenly. Avoid extended microwave heating that makes them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use another type of bread?
Yes. Brioche or challah work beautifully for a richer flavor, while whole wheat adds a nuttier note. Slightly denser breads hold fillings best.

Can I make these ahead for a party?
You can assemble roll-ups and refrigerate for a few hours; dip and fry just before serving for the best texture. For larger gatherings, consider frying in batches and keeping warm in a low oven.

Are there good substitutions for cream cheese?
Ricotta sweetened with powdered sugar or mascarpone make excellent swaps and offer slightly different textures.

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes. Brush roll-ups with melted butter and bake at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.

What’s a good kid-friendly variation?
Add a thin spread of jam or a few slices of banana inside before rolling for a fruity surprise kids love.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a quick, budget-friendly way to add some homemade magic to breakfast or brunch. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and deliver a comforting mix of creamy filling and golden, crisped bread that pleases everyone at the table. If you’re curious about another take on the roll-up idea, this Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups on Sugar Apron offers a similar inspiration that might spark new twists for your next brunch. Try these roll-ups this weekend and watch them disappear.