Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-up Recipe

There's something magical about waking up to the warm, sugary scent of cinnamon swirling through the kitchen. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll, wrapped up in crispy, golden French toast — with a soft, gooey center that melts in your mouth.

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I first whipped up this recipe during a lazy Sunday brunch when I couldn’t decide between making cinnamon rolls or French toast. A quick raid of the fridge later, this sweet and simple creation was born — and it’s been a weekend staple ever since. With just a few pantry staples and about 20 minutes, you can turn an ordinary morning into something pretty special.

Let’s dive into why you’ll want to make these roll-ups again and again.

Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Up Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite sweet breakfast treat. These roll-ups aren’t just delicious — they’re fun to make, super easy, and totally irresistible.

First of all, they’re quick and easy. You don’t need any special dough or fancy techniques. Just grab a few slices of sandwich bread, whip up a cinnamon sugar filling, and dip the roll-ups in a simple egg mixture. From start to finish, you’re looking at less than 30 minutes.

They’re also kid-approved and family-friendly. Whether you’re making these for a weekend breakfast, a sleepover surprise, or a fun breakfast-for-dinner twist, they’re a guaranteed hit. Kids love rolling them up and dipping them into syrup — and adults secretly do too.

On the budget-friendly side, you probably already have everything you need sitting in your kitchen. Bread, eggs, cinnamon, and sugar are all pantry staples, and there’s no need to buy pre-made cinnamon rolls or expensive pastries.

Finally, they’re versatile. You can fill them with cream cheese, fruit, or even chocolate chips if you’re feeling fancy. They also freeze well, so you can prep a batch ahead of time and reheat for a quick morning treat.

Now that you know why they’re worth making, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that bring them to life.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups is in how simple ingredients transform into something so comforting and indulgent. Here’s what you’ll need and why each piece matters.

White sandwich bread is the foundation here. Its soft texture makes it easy to roll without cracking, and it soaks up the egg mixture beautifully. Make sure to trim the crusts for a smoother roll and better sealing when cooking.

Butter is key in the cinnamon sugar filling. Softened, not melted, butter helps the mixture spread easily across the bread and melts just enough in the pan to give you that warm, gooey texture inside each roll-up.

Cinnamon and sugar are the heart of the cinnamon roll flavor. Mixing them together before spreading ensures that every bite has just the right balance of spice and sweetness. You can adjust the cinnamon to your liking — more for bold flavor, less for something milder.

Eggs and milk form the French toast coating. This classic custard mixture is what gives the roll-ups that golden brown, slightly crispy exterior when pan-fried. Whole milk works best, but any milk will do in a pinch.

As for equipment, you’ll need a rolling pin (or even just a clean glass), a shallow dish for dipping, and a non-stick skillet or griddle. A silicone spatula also helps make flipping easier and prevents tearing.

How To Make This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Up Recipe

Making these roll-ups is surprisingly simple, and once you’ve done it once, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you get perfect results every time.

Start by prepping your bread. Lay each slice on a flat surface and trim off the crusts. Then use a rolling pin to flatten the slices out completely — this helps them roll tightly without cracking or tearing.

Next, make the filling. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, cinnamon, and sugar until it forms a spreadable paste. Spread a thin layer over each slice of flattened bread, going almost to the edges.

Now, roll them up. Starting at one end, gently roll each slice into a tight spiral, pressing slightly at the end to seal. The filling will help hold everything together as it warms up during cooking.

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk to make the dipping custard. Carefully dip each roll-up into the mixture, coating all sides, but don’t let them soak too long — you want them coated, not soggy.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a bit of butter to coat the pan. Place the roll-ups seam-side down and cook, turning every couple of minutes, until all sides are golden brown and the filling is warm and gooey.

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 20–25 minutes. You’ll know the roll-ups are done when they’re evenly browned and you can smell that unmistakable cinnamon aroma wafting from the pan.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups store beautifully.

Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re planning ahead, you can even freeze them — just arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

For reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 30–40 seconds, or warm them up in a toaster oven or air fryer for extra crispiness. If frozen, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Whether fresh or reheated, they still taste like you just made them.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Once you’ve mastered the basic roll-up, you can have a lot of fun mixing things up.

Try adding cream cheese to the filling for a cheesecake-style twist. Just mix a bit of softened cream cheese into the butter-cinnamon mixture for a richer, tangier flavor.

You can also go fruity by adding thin apple slices or mashed bananas before rolling. The fruit softens as it cooks and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.

Feeling indulgent? Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips to the filling for a dessert-like take. Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or Nutella on the side.

For a healthier spin, use whole wheat bread and a bit less sugar in the filling. You can also use almond milk in the egg mixture for a dairy-free option.

Don’t be afraid to experiment — that’s part of the fun. Once you get the technique down, the flavor combinations are endless.

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