Imagine all the goodness of a cinnamon roll combined with the crispy edge of French toast—rolled into one irresistible bite. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are the ultimate breakfast treat or weekend brunch idea. They’re crisp on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside, and perfect for dipping into creamy icing. Ideal for families, holiday mornings, or anytime you crave indulgence in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Fast and Fun: Ready in under 30 minutes—great for busy mornings.
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Kid-Friendly: Sweet, dippable, and handheld—ideal for little hands.
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Perfect Texture: Crispy outside, melty cinnamon center, soft middle.
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Versatile: Can double as dessert or a party finger food.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Cinnamon Butter Filling:
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1/2 cup + 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened – Divided use; forms the rich base of the filling and used for pan-frying and icing.
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1/4 cup light brown sugar – Adds deep caramel notes and sweetness to the filling.
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1 tbsp ground cinnamon – Essential for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
For the Roll-Ups:
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8 slices thick, soft bread (crusts removed) – Acts as the base; soft and pliable for rolling.
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2 eggs – Helps bind the coating and adds richness.
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1/4 cup milk – Thins out the egg mixture for dipping.
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1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds aromatic sweetness.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
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1/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweet outer crunch.
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1 tsp cinnamon – Classic spice for coating.
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
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1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness to the icing.
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1/2 cup cream cheese, room temperature – The creamy base of the glaze.
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1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar – Sweetens and smooths the icing.
Tips and Tricks:
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Use Day-Old Bread: It holds its shape better when rolled and dipped.
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Don’t Oversoak: A quick dip in the egg mixture is all you need—too much will make them soggy.
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Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan for even browning.
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Warm the Icing: Microwave for 10–15 seconds if you prefer it pourable.
Variations and Customizations:
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Add a Banana Slice: Roll a banana slice inside for a fruity twist.
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Stuff with Nutella or Biscoff: Use as a sweet spread before rolling.
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Top with Crushed Nuts: Sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
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Use Whole Wheat Bread: A slightly healthier spin without sacrificing flavor.
Pairing Suggestions:
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Serve With:
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Fresh berries or a fruit salad
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Drinks to Match:
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Vanilla latte
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Chai tea
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Freshly squeezed orange juice
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Storage Instructions:
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Freeze: Freeze before frying (wrapped in plastic) for up to 1 month.
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Reheat: Toast in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warm and crispy.
Popular Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and roll them the night before. Store covered in the fridge, then dip and fry fresh in the morning.
What type of bread works best?
Soft sandwich bread or brioche works great. Avoid crusty or dense loaves.
Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush with butter for a golden crust.